Perspectives-Zoo Trip Part Two

Many people assume pictures must be taken right-side up and using straight lines. Is this true? Is straight up and down the only way you can take a picture? Just because that's how we naturally see the world doesn't mean that's the way we always have to see it. Sometimes by simply changing the angle, getting on your knees or standing on a chair you can "make or break" your picture. Sometimes you need to change your perspective and see things in a new way. That is the mission of the photographer, to capture the things others miss.

Take, for example, this picture of my sister. I could have taken it "normal" and it might have been a nice picture but by tilting my camera to the left it makes for a more interesting photo:

Using the "Aperture Priority" setting I experimented with an "indirect" method to photographing my family looking at an exhibit.

Using lines to draw your eye into the photograph this makes for an interesting shot.

Now, what would happen if I increased the depth of field?

Look for unusual angles and objects that you might not even consider photographing.

I really like the composition of the photo below even though my sister, Kathlena caught a patch of sunshine.

Texas Dandelions

If you wonder at the large amount of photos in this post -just know that these were the top 26 photos out of 900! No that is not a typo, I really meant 900. I spent several hours photographing these interesting little flowers and these are the ones that made the cut.

The Texas Dandelion, unlike other dandelions have a longer blooming season and open only in the morning. As I study the amazing detail of these seemingly small and insignificant flowers it causes me to once again lift my praise to the Creator who instilled these flowers with such beauty, symmetry, and complexity.

Do you notice the dried dandelion between the two open ones?
See how they draw your eye away from the main subject?

Now, look again after some simple Photoshop editing.
(Edit, Guided, Guided Activities, Touch up scratches, blemishes, or tear marks.)

Isn't it amazing the beauty and complexity of a single drop of water?

How about a hundred?

Look carefully, these following photos are the product of a long time spent chasing around this little bee from flower to flower. Never again will I flippantly utter the phrase "as busy as a bee".

Thanksgiving (At my Dad's Parents)

Look Closely at the photo above. Do you notice a little blond blur in the raindrop?
-That is the same dog that I photographed above.

Once again, look closely. Do you see a long rectangular black streak in three of the drops?
-That is me, the photographer, in a black dress.