Fellow Flexers...
Many of us are at home and wondering what to do.
I've been spending much of my time scanning old 'Kodacolor Gold' negatives of
shots taken in Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand, way back in 2002. (Some of you
have heard me grump about them!)
I came across two shots that I use when I teach and gave them fresh scans.
I use them to teach "Point of View" ... something which I'm always amazed how
few photo instructors mention.
Most of us see the world from about 4 3/4 to 5 1/2 feet (1.5 to 1.7 meters)
give or take, for that is the typical height of an average person's eyes.
This is how most people see the world.
So, if you want your photos to look different, we need to take them from a
different viewpoint. You could, of course, carry a ladder around with you ...
but ladders are heavy, awkward and can generally be a nuisance. But climbing
up even a short one will give your photos a different "look".
An easier solution is to bend your knees. First of all, they don't weigh any
more, you already own them, they leave your arms free for other things and you
always have them with you.
So, here are two shots, both taken during a ceremony at a Bangkok Wat. As part
of the ceremony, a monk leads a squad of shoeless students around the Wat, 3
times.
For this first image, I simply stood and shot.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/155735425@N05/49775379377/in/dateposted-family/
I then beat myself 25 times with a wet noodle! I'd just done what I tell all
my students NOT to do. I'd taken the first impulse shot, without thinking and
while standing.
So, I ran, backwards, about 20 to 25 feet (say, 6 or 7 meters) and then dropped
to my knees. The result was not only better, but my antics drew a wry smile
from the monk, which only added to the second shot.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/155735425@N05/49775375147/in/dateposted-family/
The lower angle make the people more prominent in the image, and tended to hide
the clutter, behind the group, making for a cleaner background.
Take a look at both shots... and see if you don't agree.
Thus endeth the lesson, for today.
David.
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