Opportunity

I would have loved for it to stop raining on me right at the point when I was taking this photo. However, it didn't. Although the clouds through which the sun strongly beamed were not perfectly crisp, the result is still quite satisfying. 

At certain other times I have talked about time and opportunity (like in this post on waiting) in photography. It is very true that the timing of a shot is extremely important to how the shot turns out. I was again out at the zig-zag past Gooseberry Hill yesterday evening for sunset. A summer thunderstorm was passing overhead and the rain was still plentiful. Lightning was striking overhead and to the left at the time whilst the storm headed south of the city. Everything in front of the lens was that little bit blurry, including the detail in the clouds. I would have loved to have crispness in the clouds and yet by the time the rain had lessened the light was also gone. 

This simply makes up part of the story of a scene. The image has enough discernible detail and structure to create a great sense of warmth and mystery and so I certainly think this one will do well as a wall-sized canvas. 

For me this is definitely a motivator to appreciate the fantastic opportunities that are presented on a regular basis. Things don't always turn out as we would hope or plan - I guess this is just one part of what makes photography interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Photographic Rules

There is no such thing as a rule in photography.

Although I do not actually agree with the above statement, I have certainly found it helpful at times to simply work to what I find appealing or attractive rather than trying to stick to another person's frame of mind. There still a few left over images from the time of the dodgy dot-prone sensor that I no longer work with. Some of them I feel are worth keeping and yet they have MANY dots yet to remove. I spent a small amount of time on this one today.

Even though this is not quite ideal for me, the concept is what appeals to me. The shot was taken after dark - the colours seem to come out in a really subtle sort of way. My aim is to get an image like this that has a really quiet feel to it while still maintaining an appealing composition and interesting style. I realise this statement is rather vague and 'arty' and yet I think it will become more apparent once the image is made. 

Rules are fantastic ways to help develop structure to your photography and imagery. They are also a fantastic place to begin with when you are starting out with your camera. They can help you progress very fast to a certain point. In order to prevent or break a so-called 'plateau' effect, I think it is pretty important to get creative in shooting. It doesn't have to be anything too crazy or out of the ordinary, but a simple composition change can really add to the image. 

For example, one of the classic 'rules' in photography is the Rule of Thirds in which you should aim to place objects of interest along the line of thirds in the frame. Although I have followed this rule with the sky/land ratio, I think the dimensions and composition of the image below (also a work in progress FYI - which I may have to reshoot) looks much bolder than if I had placed the trunk on an angle or to the side of the frame. 

Anyway, there is plenty more to be said about keeping work creative and yet I'll leave most of it for another day. 

Have a great weekend!

Perth City

Since the first time we went out to the zig-zag in the Perth hills, I have been wanting to get a satisfactory shot of the city that somehow reveals the expanse of the place without losing the bushy feel to the location. Although this is not quite perfect, I think it has come close to being satisfactory for my liking. This day, there were storm clouds all around and the light was creating great pockets of gold all over the place. At this time, the city was being lit by several beams through the clouds and the view was outstanding. 

It is not the first time I have photographed out that way, so for me this is certainly a product of some patience and persistence.

Enjoy.

Stylistic

If you ever have access to photo-editing software, don't be afraid to use it!! - That's what it's for

Generally speaking, the style with which I approach my photography is one that attempts to make an accurate depiction of a scene or location. However, at times I have enjoyed fiddling with a few different styles. I am quite pleased with how this one is finished. It was an attempt to reduce a relatively complex scenario to its basic elements. Although this could be taken further, for me it is a good blend. 

Style is certainly a part of photography and I realise that my own is still reasonably mouldable. I hope to bring a distinctive style to my images and yet maintain a level of authenticity and realism. Again if you get the chance, editing can provide access to some otherwise inaccessible image concepts.

FYI: I am also pleased with the quality of the above image as it incorporates a variety of techniques that allows it to uphold its 22 MP size.