Photography 101 Part 3

Content

Even if you feel that you already know what kind of photography you like to do, it's always a good idea to try your talent at different aspects of photography.

Pictorial, this is a general term but it applies to any photographer who's goal is simply to create beautiful photos. This breaks down into smaller subsets but the most popular form is landscape and nature photography. This is what I do and it's tempting to go on and on but I will just say that this form of photography, to me, is a real art. At least that is goal to create art in photographic form. It is the goal of the photographer to use their abilities to capture an image in it's moment of beauty and simplicity.

Portrait, this can be people and even animals. It also includes wedding photography as well. This is an aspect of photography that can be a lot harder than it seems. Not only do you have to know your basic photo composition but you need to understand what makes each person look their best. You must know how to bring out their personality and character in the shot. If you love working with people this may be your field. It's fun and challenging.

Photojournalism, now this isn't just press photography, though that is one aspect of it. It is also documentary photography as well, the latter doesn't always need an event to occur right in front of you. Either way the purpose is to tell a story. Really good photojournalism shouldn't need the text below it to tell you what is going on. It should be compelling and storytelling. Composition still plays a part, you can't tell a story if the story can't be seen. And while these photos can be beautiful in their technical aspects they aren't necessarily beautiful images. The story telling is as important.

Abstract, probably not as common of a form of photography but I'm seeing it more and more. This is usually characterized by extreme close ups of detail of something, so much so that you can't identify the original subject. But in this case that doesn't matter since the abstract detail or pattern is the subject of the photo. (Color can also be the subject as well.) Basic composition still plays a part, maybe a bigger part in this form of photography.

This week's assignment: Four rolls of film again. Roll one, pictorial, get outside and try your best using all your abilities to capture moments of beauty and simplicity. Composition is key here. Roll two, portrait, get somebody to volunteer for you. Remember composition but really focus on finding the shots that make that person look their best. Different light, background, camera angles, or even clothes. Roll three, photojournalism, outside or inside anywhere you see stories. This can be as simple as a child playing with their toys. Find the appropriate moment to take a shot that tells the story. Roll four, abstract, details, details, and more details. Get in close, make sure that you can't identify the subject but find beauty in the color or details of the item.

If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography Forum at: http://kellypaalphotography.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/index.php and post your question there.

About The Author

Copyright 2004 Kelly Paal

Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. Recently she started her own business Kelly Paal Photography (www.kellypaalphotography.com). She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. She enjoys applying graphic design and photography principles to her web design. kellypaa@kellypaalphotography.com

---

Inspired Vision

A picture is worth a thousand words, so goes a... Read More

Photographs Everywhere, But Is It Really Art?

I once heard a lady say to a photographer that... Read More

Black & White Photography

Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety... Read More

What Should You Look for in a New Camera?

These parameters are discussed at 2 levels: -Based on... Read More

A New Way to Use Old Snapshots

If you're like me, you have hundreds of photographs sitting... Read More

Terms Used The In The Stock Photography Business

So you are a small business person or web designer... Read More

Tips for Better Vacation Photos

Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences... Read More

Fuji Digital Cameras

Fuji digital cameras entered the market in the late 90's.... Read More

Better Photos with Your Digital Camera

Everyone has a digital camera today and we all take... Read More

How to Photograph Your Baby

Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph.... Read More

The Well-Dressed Photographer - Winter

Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More

9 Tips For Taking Great Digital Photos

IntroductionModern cameras are highly automatic in operation. They have auto... Read More

Where Do Great Ideas Come From?

At a Photo Club meeting I attended recently, the President... Read More

Getting Your Photos Ready for Sharing

One of the main reasons people buy digital cameras is... Read More

Keep a Digital Photos Diary

Digital Photo Diary - memories that last a life timeThe... Read More

Types of Digital Cameras

If you are in the market to purchase a digital... Read More

The Truth About Pixels - Part I: Digital Cameras

Most digital cameras today boast of greater resolution and picture... Read More

Black and White is Beautiful

Think about Laurel and Hardy for a moment, or Charlie... Read More

Photography - Things to Consider Before Buying a Camera

Before you are able to take the kind of photos... Read More

Where to Find Cheap Disposable Cameras

There are many kinds of disposable cameras. All disposable cameras... Read More

How to Take Better Photos of Your Baby or Toddler

Every Mom wants to take great photos of their babies... Read More

Video Camcorder Formats and Media

There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More

Stitching Memories

Sometimes, usual photographs look so common and boring. Converting your... Read More

How to Buy a Digital Camera

Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must... Read More

Help! My Old Colour Photo has Turned Pink ? 5 Minute Digital Fix

Almost all of us will have seen this particular photographic... Read More

Start Up a Nude Photography Business

There are major obstacles to overcome to get into nude... Read More

Choosing the Right Digital Camera

Choosing the right digital camera for general use can be... Read More

Getting the Most From Your Digital Camera Memory Card

Imagine taking your new digital camera on a vacation and... Read More

Photography Has No Gender

Women photographers are fortunate. Unlike other titles, photographer has no... Read More

Make More of Your Photos

We all want to make the most of our wedding... Read More

The Truth About Pixels, Part 2-1: Printing 4x3 Inch Photos

Why is a 3 megapixel camera better than a 1... Read More

Passionate Organizing: How To Create A System To Organise Your Digital And Traditional Photos

Digital photography promises much. Store your photographs on your computer,... Read More

Pinhole Photography: Right Back to Basics

Why Pinhole Photography?It's fun. It's creative. It's educative about the... Read More