Apogee Photo Magazine: FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

Apogee Photo Magazine

FIRST CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

by Willis T. Bird

Have you ever looked at the beautiful photographs in National Geographic and other fine magazines and wished you could take pictures of that quality? You can. But, whoa! Look at the prices of those cameras and lenses! You may think taking really good pictures takes thousands of dollars of photo equipment. It doesn’t. It takes a really good photographer.

For every photograph printed in national magazines, editors toss aside hundreds--and, in some cases, thousands--that don't make the grade. They're perfectly good photos, but they don't fill the need of the editor at that time. In addition, professional photographers take their share of poor photos just like everybody else.

One day, I was invited to the house of a retired wildlife officer. He had built his house by hand, and its walls were decorated with photographs of lions, elephants, zebras, and other wildlife from his travels all over the world. The images were superb, and I told him so. When we entered his den, above his fireplace I spotted the most beautiful photo of the Sphinx and Pyramids that I had ever seen. I told him the picture was by far his best shot and a uniquely expert composition of the subject. His head dropped a little, and he didn't say anything for a moment. Then he looked at me and, with a mixture of sadness and pride, replied, "My daughter took that photo with an Instamatic camera." I was absolutely floored. He and his photography had been humbled by a young lady with a keen eye for photography and an Instamatic.

A Few Good Hints

The first key to taking a good photograph is seeing it. As a young man, I lost my wheels for a couple of weeks and had to walk to classes about a mile from where I lived. While walking the path that I usually rode, I heard sounds I’d never heard, smelled odors I’d not smelled from the car, and saw details that had gone by in a blur. From that day on, I began to pay attention to the world around me. I had not yet seriously begun my photography, but the experience helped me later on.

Here are my basic hints for good photography:

1.) Take the time to look carefully, and you'll begin to see photo possibilities all around you. We're always in such a hurry to go here and there that we rush past a beautiful world. I display my photos, and people are astounded that I've captured images they missed, although the subjects came from right under their noses. They simply didn't stop long enough to realize the possibilities.

2.) Take your time when you take your photograph.

3.) If you have a simple camera, you'll probably make the mistake common to most people. You'll look at a photo possibility and assume you've captured it on film. For example, let’s say a puppy is playing in a field. When your photo comes back from the processor, you have a beautiful picture of a field with a little spot in the middle of it. The spot is Spot the puppy. Your eye and your brain singled out the puppy as you took the photo, but the camera isn't as smart as you are. It recorded everything in the viewfinder. The result was a spot in a field of green. Get closer to your subject. Get closer than you think you need to be, and you'll end up with much better photos.

4.) Don't always place your subject in the center of the photo. This principle is called "composition." Move the subject off to the side or toward the top or bottom of the view screen.

5.) Remember that a 35mm camera has two directions: horizontal and vertical. Most people use only the horizontal. Be different and use the vertical. This technique is good with buildings, trees, and people. Be creative! Experiment! If you're using a 2 1/4 X 2 1/4 camera, then all your shots will be square.

For practice in seeing and composing the picture, go through several large magazines, looking for scenic photographs. Cut out those that are as large as you can find. These may be photos of mountains or gardens or forests. Now, take a piece of black construction paper and cut a square or rectangular hole about 1/4 the size of the photo you have chosen. Next, place the hole over the picture and move the hole around the photo. See how many other pictures you can find within the large photo. Many will pop out. Try holding the rectangular hole in a vertical position as well as horizontal. Remember, you can turn a 35mm camera in this way.

6.) Join a camera club. Groups often include people who're happy to help new photographers, especially young ones. Many times, informational programs that will help you are part of the meetings. When you feel you're ready, clubs usually offer photo contests you can enter. Some people like contests, and some don't. I've found them helpful in discovering what is or is not pleasing about my photographs. Be sure to remember not to wear your feelings on your shirt sleeves, because any criticism you receive will be constructive. Advice can help you in the future. Using the hints I've offered, you'll be surprised how much your photography improves and the raves you'll receive. However, your first priority is to please yourself.

7.) When you feel your skills are finally polished, you may wish to approach your local newspaper or school newsletter with a photo project. You could choose one or more shots. However, have a purpose for your photos. Plan your theme carefully and describe your project to the editor, including samples of your work. Remember, before you achieve this level, you must practice, practice, practice!

Enlargements Require Further Planning

If you plan to make enlargements of your better photos, you should know a couple other hints. Most cameras have a screw hole underneath for a tri-pod or mono-pod. Fastening your camera to a base will stabilize it to make your photos sharp. Stabilization is especially important when you're planning on enlarging your photos. Enlargements will magnify any blur. If you don't have a tri-pod, a good practice is to grip your camera with both hands while holding your elbows firmly against your body and standing with your feet apart. This stance helps to steady the camera. Take a deep breath and slowly squeeze the camera button.

A Final Technique to Try

After you've practiced the techniques I've already described, you'll be ready to try this next method. It's called "panning." It’s not panning like panning for gold. However, when you get the first good shot with this method, you'll think you’ve struck gold! Before you click the shutter, you need practice. Have someone ride a bike down the street past you. Focus on that person before she reaches you, and move the camera at the same speed as the bike as it passes you. Try to keep your motion smooth as you "pan" the camera. You must keep moving, and the action must be very smooth, not jerky. Try panning on autos, joggers, etc.--any subject that maintains a fairly constant speed. You must set your feet apart for steadiness. When you feel you've achieved a smooth action, try clicking off a shot or two when the subject is even with you, but keep your panning motion going even after you've snapped the shot. The idea is like a follow-through in hitting a golf ball or kicking a football. You may not get many super shots using this method at first, but success requires only one!

Finally, wide-angle, telephoto, and zoom lenses are very nice and can increase your capabilities, but they aren't necessary for you to capture beautiful photographs, as the wildlife officer’s daughter proved. Nothing beats a good eye and taking the time to do it right. If you think you may have a creative eye, try achieving first-class results. You may surprise yourself!