March Photography Lesson: New perspectives.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

Trying new concepts or looking at an old subject in a new way can jump start our creativity and take our photography to a new level. So this month's assignment is about trying new things. 

The Assignment
Go to a location of your choice and take as many photos as you can that are different. This month it is about variety rather than perfecting that one image. I want you to post a photo from that shoot below that you like, and that is a new or different approach for you personally and to share your experience with this assignment. 

Take the list of ideas below with you and see how many of them you can do in one location. There are countless ways to mix and match them. If you have ideas to add to the list they are welcome too, but I would prefer they be about taking the photograph rather than a photoshop effect

The 360 view
Take a 360 degree trip with your dog! With your dog at the center of a circle (like the sun) and you on the outside (like a planet) move yourself around the complete circle but with your dog rotating to face you the entire time. Your light and your background will change and it can give some unexpected light and viewpoints.

Focal length and aperture
wide angle, telephoto depth of field --blurred background vs crisp background

Poses
sitting, standing, lying down, rolling in the grass or snow
full body, 3/4 body, close up of face
profile, 3/4 view, straight on, view from the back

Angles
shooting from a bird's eye view looking down
shooting from a very low angle looking up

Lighting
high key, low key, silhouette

I asked DJ and Chance to test out this assignment and it was helpful to fine tune. She came up with quite a variety in a very short time frame. My hope is that it gave her some new ideas that she can build upon in future outings.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thanks Laurie! Your work with lighting (and hats) is amazing!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Cheryl. I am going to start a lighting discussion soon, I swear!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

That would be great. I would like to understand more about the equipment needed or how to use it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I go to NC soon and won't be able to devote much time to answering stuff, so I think I will wait until I get back.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

One more...Finn, with me, at March for Our Lives proves he knows how to "duck and cover" ... he got a little "space" and strength for himself for a minute before he resumed his tail-wagging therapy dog outreach.  I turned the camera down and just shot at my feet. 

[DJ & Chance]

Adorable

[F, Calla & Luca]

Love it. So Finn.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love Finn!!