Adding some interest to your images
By Michael Randall
15 December 2007
If you have ever seen something cool, only to find that the photo you took of it, just didn't capture that same cool factor, here is a little trick or two that might help.
First, before I get into the details, if you read along and find that you already know this, then please, write an article that will describe a higher or different level of skill, and how to attain it.
I started working in downtown Seattle, Washington, just over a year ago. The old buildings completely fascinated me, and I wanted to capture their beauty. The first few images I took just seemed bland and dry. I kept working at finding an improvement. I tried capturing small parts, like the historical plaques, or just one aspect of the architecture, like a carved figurehead, or an ornamental piece. The results were a little more interesting, but didn't really capture the building. Finally, I hit upon a technique, by accident more than anything. I found the Seattle Steam Corporation building, and from the alley I could not get a wide enough angle to get the building and the large smoke stack on the roof into the view, without walking back down the alley and shooting from an acute angle. As soon as I framed the shot, I thought it was pretty good. But when I got it home, and viewed it on my computer screen, I was thrilled. The angle, combined with my wide-angle lens, gave some distortion in just the right way. The near corner of the building was just about the same distance from the top of the frame, as the smoke stack.
I started taking fresh photos of the buildings which I had tried before, with this technique in mind, and was pleased to discover that I could find an angle to add interest to most of the buildings I liked. This isn't a silver bullet. It won't make an ugly building interesting necessarily. But it gives some character to an otherwise bland shot much of the time.
So go out and try different things. Maybe buildings are not your interest or topic at this time. Try the zoom in trick on people. Or try taking a shot of your friend or model from ground level, or nearly above them.
Photography isn't always about formulas. It's about having fun and experimenting. Especially digital, where the cost of film isn't hampering the trials.
Now get out there and try this yourself. And if you find a technique to make people look more attractive, send me a note. I'd like to be able to post more than just my eye on the web. ;)
More How To Stories
Thanks for letting us know!
Thanks for voicing your concerns. Rest assured, we take it seriously. We'll look into it and take any appropriate action.
