Would you believe me if I told you that you can take great portraits almost anywhere? Most of the time I like photographing in places that have a good variety of areas for me to choose from and shoot in. Sometimes, though, I find myself drawn to more confined spaces that challenge me to create images with a single background.
Keep Seeing
Part of what makes photographers unique is that we tend to see the world through our little rectangle. When you’re well and truly obsessed with photography, you can see the potential in places most people overlook. I was driving by the botanical gardens with a friend recently and my eyes were drawn to a row of tall, slender evergreen trees lining the street. The attraction was instant (yes, we’re still talking about trees). I fell in love with the intricate texture and the way all the branches seemed to point upwards. I could see them being the perfect background for some eye-catching portraits.
Obviously, love incorporating elements of whimsy and fantasy into my portraits, and I had a bunch of these fake butterflies in my prop collection. So, I decided to ask the lovely Sam if she would let me cover her in them for a photo-shoot. Lucky me, she was one hundred percent on board. Unlucky for us the butterflies were not a hundred percent on board with sticking her to skin but we made it work.
Did we get a few interesting looks while we took pictures on the side of the road? Yes, yes, we did. But, as a photographer, you get used to having people give you weird looks. You just have to remember that you see something they don’t.
This session reminded me that as a photographer, the world is my canvas, and creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s a vast mountain park or a row of trees on the side of the road, every location offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning photos and tell a story.
So, if your friend catches you staring at random trees on the side of the road, just remember that you see something the rest of the world doesn’t. Your vision is unique so embrace the curious glances and the funny looks. As a photographer, you are the storyteller. Through your lens, you can show the world a perspective that is authentically your own.
Hey Photographers!
Did you know that LOVE to teach and offer mentoring sessions for photographers? Contact me about learning how to take great portraits anywhere!
This Is Your Reminder to Breathe
Because sometimes ‘seeing’ all the time can be intense, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself.
Sometimes, if you breathe deep and lean into the breeze, you’ll feel a fleeting sense of peace overcome your whole being. Close your eyes, relax your jaw, inhale through your nose and sigh the breath out through your mouth. Let the air cleanse your senses. Perhaps if you can hold onto that sweet feeling of inner harmony a little longer, you’ll feel the flutter of delicate wings tracing your skin and tickling your nose. The butterfly has spent its life struggling and waiting for peace, too and it’s drawn to peace like its counterpart, the moth, is drawn to flame.
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