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UtahWest Photographic's Free Basic Photography Series

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Lesson Number One

Subject

     

Photo 1.1 - How much longer will old buildings like this be around. Our photographs have a historical significance.

     Of all the four elements to a successful photograph, the subject is the all important foundation. The other three elements can only enhance or detract from the subject.

     Anything can be your subject; children, pets, cars, buildings, etc. The other three elements of successful photography will dictate how your subject is viewed by the viewer. Here are some tips on choosing your subject:

	Choose subjects you are familiar with
	Look for simplicity in your subject
	Avoid scenes that are too "busy"
	Learn to "see" before you take the photo
	Look for subjects in unusual situations
	Look for brilliant colors, distinct textures and unique tones
	Have fun!

 

     John Derek, accomplished photographer and late husband of actress Bo Derek said, "My photographs are only as good as the subject I am photographing". While this is basically true, the other three elements to a successful photograph, lighting, composition and exposure can dramatically change the way a subject appears and can convey a mood exactly the same or totally opposite of the way the subject appeared at the time it was photographed.

Photo 1.2 - Cadillac Ranch, west of Amarillo, Texas has been the subject of many photographs. This is a very simple, eye catching piece of art.

     By choosing subjects you are familiar with, you give yourself an added advantage over other photographers. Some of the best rodeo photographers have worked in rodeo before. They know the places to be to get excellence photographs and they know what people want to see in their photographs. Chronicling a new born baby's life is a great undertaking for new parents. Who doesn't like cute baby photos? I believe that photographs hold historical as well as aesthetic significance. Some of the things I have photographed, people and other subjects, no longer exist. I am so glad that I was able to capture them on film when I did.

     Another problem I see with many new photographers is they are not aware of the subject's surroundings. Many times a "busy" background will distract from the subject. Not many people are aware that Kenny Rogers, the famous country western performer is an excellent photographer too. I remember seeing one of his photographs of a bridge that he had airbrushed to remove roadside garbage that was distracting on the bridge. Another cause of distraction is power lines, be aware of them when you make a photograph. Move around your subject to see if the distractions in the photograph can be minimized or eliminated by viewing the subject from different angles.

Photo 1.3 - In this photograph, the photographer cuts off the front of the pickup.

     A good photographer must learn to "see" before he takes the photograph. By looking in the viewfinder of a single lens reflex camera and digital cameras, the photographer gets a preview of exactly what will be captured by the camera. One of the biggest mistakes most new photographers make is cutting off portions of their subject. Look in the viewfinder and "see" what you are photographing before you make the exposure. Back off if you need to and make sure you get the photo. It is easy to crop a photograph to eliminate extra space around your subject but if you cut off part of the subject there is no way to fix it. "Seeing" your photograph before you take it is something you must learn. Most people live their lives from day to day not seeing their surroundings. We are surrounded by literally millions of subjects but unless you take time stop and look, they will go unnoticed.

Photo 1.4 - By moving back slightly, the photographer is able to keep the pickup truck in the proper position in the photograph.

     Catching your subject in unusual situation is always fun. Many photographs that win contests are in this category. I know many people who carry their cameras with them in their automobiles just so they can have it just at the right time.

     Subjects will be viewed differently in color and in black and white. I had a friend who had been to the Philippines and had seen people living in garbage dumps. He said it was so sad and he took several photographs of children looking for food in the garbage. When his photographs came back, the colors were brilliant and it was impossible to tell the story of how horrible these conditions were in color. Black and white would have been an excellent choice of film for such a scene. Black and white photography seems to show the emotion of a scene much more than color photography does. Let me encourage you to experiment with both, black and white and color photography to see how different scenes are rendered.

     The most important thing I can tell you is that you need to have fun with photography. I had a photography studio for a number of years and the commercial aspect of photography, while being enjoyable, was not where I wanted to go with my photography. I eventually closed the studio and now I focus on what I love, fine art photography. Do what you enjoy and you will experience the magic of photography!

     Each lesson will have an assignment. Whether you choose to do them or not is up to you. Have fun with them and challenge yourself to do your best with the camera equipment you have. It doesn't take thousands of dollars worth of equipment to make beautiful photographs. If you do the assignments and would like to share the results with me, e-mail your photos to Jay@UtahWest.com and let me see how you are doing.

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