Look at This Photograph

("Every time I do it makes me laugh" quotes Snowflake)

Photography is a fun, unique form of art. Capturing a moment in time, framing it how you want, heck, with the technology today, you can edit it to give off the feelings you want to convey too. Last post's photo spam nicely set today's post up.

(Lucky responding to a "come". Editted with a blue-toned filter to emphasize the cold of the day.)

There are several factors to consider when taking a photograph. First, is lighting: will you be able to accurately see your subject? Is your phone/camera capable of capturing your subject in said lighting? Is it a low-light shot? Does it require flash? Is there a shadow obstructing your subject? Not to mention, how does the lighting effect your subject? Is it too bright, making it look like the sun bit them? Is it giving them a halo? Lots of factors, just in this one category need to be considered.

(The soft morning light gives this pony a lovely "halo" as it gets a drink of water)

If you've determined that your lighting is sufficient, then you need to move on to perspective. Do you want to be even with your subject? On the same level? Higher than your subject? Lower than your subject? Perspective greatly influences the feelings of your shot. For example, a panoramic shot of a landscape may be taken from a higher level as you are better able to capture the vastness of the landscape. On that same note, some landscapes are shot from the same height or only slightly above. The feeling of vastness is still there, but it's less overwhelming, and can be more inviting than a higher perspective. If you go for a lower perspective, you can give your subject a sense of power, like a statue looming over you, the photographer and the photograph's viewers. Or, you can simply capture things from a new angle. 

(A curious expression is given to this model due to the lower position I have taken)

Now that you've considered the lighting and perspective, you need to consider how you are going to frame your shot. In photography there is a rule of threes, or more specifically you divide your picture into three. Regardless if you are doing portrait or landscape, you can divide it in three vertically or horizontally, you can even get creative with your shot and divide it in three diagonally too. The idea of the rule of three is that you want to be able to draw the viewer's eye throughout the picture, not just to one spot. 

(This barn cat photo shows how having your subject off center, as well as the texture of the grass draw your eye through the photo)

From there it's a matter of point and shoot. Over, and over, and over again. It takes practice to get good at photographing what you like, and lots of patience. Personally, I like to photograph a variety of things, but mainly animals, particularly close ups (especially of my fish-my Bettas were quite small) as well as eyes. 

(Raku, a male Crowntail Betta, peeking through his plants)

While you do not necessarily need high quality or expensive equipment if you are merely doing photography as a hobby a better camera and lenses really do aid in the quality of the picture. If you decide that photography is a viable career path for you, then you should consider making the investment into the equipment. I would like to, but at the moment, my camera phone and lower cost camera work just fine. 

(A Paint horse gelding's blue eye and facial marking)

Lastly, you've taken the perfect shot. Now you need to edit it. Sometimes no editting is needed for that shot, other times cropping the photo, adding filters, changing from color to black and white, or even getting the color levels to more accurately match real life can be done to the photograph. Be aware, that in contests this may not be allowed (color altering anyway-can't say with absolute certainty as I haven't entered any photo contests). These slight changes can elevate your photograph or make it more how you wanted it to be. 

(This gentle giant showing how hard it can be to get a large subject in frame)

Find what makes you happy and photograph it! It can be anything! Shadows (new favorite of mine), people (though not in a creepy way...watching Criminal Minds, don't mind me!), animals, nature, architecture, modes of transportation, there is literally an endless amount of subjects for you to pick from, and remember, it doesn't have to be a job, it can just be a fun hobby. It can also be social too, as there are platforms like Instagram that allow you to share either with friends or publicly. You can follow me on there under what's_in_a_day?.

(Shadows can be just as tricky to photograph as the subject themselves, thankfully, mine was cooperative)

Do any of you have photography as a hobby? What do you photograph? Are you interested in photography as a hobby? Career? 

(Going back to perspective: being above the deer added to this already somber scene)

Till the next time!

(Emphasis on lighting and camera capabilities. Thankfully, for me, my phone was able to capture this sunrise)