Lesson #5 - Think Small

Beauty of Fall
Originally uploaded by caliguyinmn

Have you ever stopped to look at all the smaller things of the world? Neither had I prior to taking up photography. That changed though the first time I got so close to a subject that the lens of the camera picked up minute details. My love for macros was born. I remember capturing a flower close enough that the imperfections of the individual petals were clear as day. It was as if I had been introduced to a whole new world. I almost always look for smaller objects. The camera acts as my magnifying glass, allowing me to see things that I would otherwise completely miss.

I think this picture epitomizes my joy of macros. How many times we do step on fallen leaves without so much as considering the sound they make? Here in Minnesota, I have come to really appreciate the fall season. It is the gateway we get to go through from summer to winter and it is breathtaking. The color of leaves has to be my favorite thing, but it's not often that I look at them individually. However, with a camera in my hands, I somehow look for and at things I don't in my everyday life. The way the veins jet out from the center of the leaf to the seemingly large shadow is cast are all lost on me without my camera.

If anyone reading this is still undecided whether to get a macro or zoom lens or buy their first camera, I believe this should convince you. When you are taking macro photos of small subjects it's as if you are the first to discover something new, and in a way you are. It's at the closest views of the minutest of details of common objects that you discover how unique everything in this world truly is. No two leaves are the same. How else are you going to know that unless you take a closer look?

Lesson #4 - Look Up

Peaceful Field and Sky
Originally uploaded by caliguyinmn

Some of the photos I've enjoyed most were ones where I simply pointed the camera upward. It absolutely amazes me how by just including the sky in a photograph it turns from boring and lifeless to breathtaking. Now, I cannot take credit for being the first to notice this. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that God created earth AND sky because one is not complete without the other.

Even as I think about my favorite views that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing, they have always included the sky. Whether that be in the way the sun sinks into the ocean, the way the stars light the black midnight sky or the peaceful addition that clouds are to almost any landscape; the wonders of the sky complete a photo. This photo is no exception either. As I first gazed upon this field I saw something that had some interest, but then I angled my eyes ever so slightly and saw a new scene. The clouds appeared to be rising out of the field. God reveals to us complete pictures when we look up, metaphorically and literally.

Lesson #3 - Passion for the Subject

Epitome of Perfection
Originally uploaded by caliguyinmn

In my year or so of really enjoying taking pictures, I've found a common theme that is woven into all the pictures I think are halfway decent. The theme is simple. It's just that I am passionate about those subjects. Whether that passion is for a sunset or my goddaughter, I see in those pictures beauty that I just don't in others regardless of how good the composition or exposure may be. Reflecting back on my personal favorites, I also notice that I take more care in setting up the shots and taking pictures until I get the one I want.

For me, I have varying degrees of passion for many things, but there are certain things that I absolutely love getting pictures of. Number one for me has to be my goddaughter, Sage. I love capturing her many moments of curiosity and exploration. She is quite the ham as well and seems to know when the camera is pointed at her. What makes photographing her so enjoyable is that there are no two pictures that are ever the same and I will never run out of fresh shots. Although I do not get to see her as often as I might like, I think that helps to keep me excited about the next time I do and the many pictures I'll get to take of her.

I think photography is enjoyable, quite obviously. But, if you want to remain as passionate for it as you are now or once were when you first picked up a camera, shoot something you love.

Lesson #2 - Try Something Different

Polar Bear

When I originally took this picture, I was frustrated because although I liked how it was framed it was entirely too under exposed. Initially I tried basic post production editing like enhancing exposure and brightness but it still was not looking good at all. So I started playing around. Instead of trying to increase the exposure I went the opposite direction and actually decreased exposure. It helped me to see the picture I have now and produce another one of my favorites. Rather than trying what has always worked, sometimes you need to try something which on the surface does not make any sense.

Lesson #1 - Patience

Cold Day at the Beach

This picture is one of my favorites not only because of the composition but the difficulty in getting it to set up as well it did. I took this shot from a good distance using 20x zoom on my camera. I saw this shot and was so eager to take it but had people moving in and out of the frame and the child kept moving behind the rock. I was getting frustrated but because I was able to stay relatively calm and patient, I was rewarded with this shot. Not every shot will come easy and, honestly, I don't want it that way. I take much more pride in shots that require timing, thinking outside the box and persistance.