May Theme Challenge – “Patterns”

For this month, May 2020, the theme challenge is “Patterns”.

With the current social distancing guidelines we can still get out our cameras and capture some patterns, whether you are inside or out for a walk in your local area patterns are all around us, we just need to be more aware of our surroundings.

Taking images of rocks, flowers, trees, and even utilizing shadows your images can make images of patterns interesting. It’s important to fill the frame, get closer or zoom in to make the image about the pattern, just be aware of depth of field and make sure your fstop is large enough to get everything as sharp as you want it. Another tip is to move around until you obtain a pleasing composition. You may need to take a number of images to get the one you are happy with.

f/11, 1/60, ISO 1000, @200mm

Including something that’s out of place within a pattern, such as the sea shell against the rocks in the photo shown below, can help make your image more interesting.

f/8, 1/320, ISO 100, @200mm

Waiting for that decisive moment can provide some order out of the chaos such as waiting for one duck to stick his head up while all the other ducks are eating as shown in the next image with the pattern being all the feathers of all the other ducks that are eating.

f/5.6, 1/400, ISO 1000, @400mm

Use your imagination and have fun with this months theme and create some interesting images.

Students are encouraged to develop their ability to tell a story or invoke an emotion, as well as how to plan and troubleshoot while creating their images. As such it’s important to not only create the image but to also include a “title”, and write a short paragraph about; how they came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled them to make the image, and describe any techniques on how they overcame any obstacles.

As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out an instructional resource, below are a few YouTube video links to help with some hints and ideas.
Patterns in Photography instructional aid:
■ Utilizing Patterns & Repetition in Photography: by Outdoor Photography Guide (2min 58sec)
■ Creative Photography Tips & Tricks – Seeing And Using Patterns: by Visual Art Photography Tutorials (8min 10sec)
■ Photo Walk with Phil: Patterns: by Steele Training (6min 42sec)

An important part of improving your photography is practice, which is one aspect of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips.

April Theme Challenge – “Still Life”

For this month, April 2020, the theme challenge is “Still Life”.

With the challenges we have been facing over the past few weeks of practicing social distancing and self isolation this month’s theme is about getting your camera out and taking photos of objects around the house.

You can dig out that old aquarium and take some shots of dropping items in the water, assemble a few of your favorite items of sentimental value, or gather some food items and make an interesting photograph. Take a desk lamp or use window light and try lighting your subject from different directions, even light painting using a flashlight with a long exposure can make interesting photographs. Still Life photography is all about an idea, taking the time to plan, use effective lighting and trying many different compositions to end up with an interesting image.

f/14, 1/200, ISO 200, @70mm, flash

Students are encouraged to develop their ability to tell a story or invoke an emotion, as well as how to plan and troubleshoot while creating their images. As such it’s important to not only create the image but to also include a “title”, and write a short paragraph about; how they came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled them to make the image, and describe any techniques on how they overcame any obstacles.

As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out an instructional resource, below is a YouTube video link to help with some hints and ideas.
Still Life Photography instructional aid:
■ 7 how-to tips for shooting still life photography: by COOPH (3min 34sec)

An important part of improving your photography is practice, which is one aspect of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips.