Monday, July 30, 2012

Passionate Photography {cultivating your inner photographer}


Hi photography lovers, my name is Alita. I'm new here so you won't be surprised when I state that this is my first post. But this post has bloomed from the depths of my heart and its subject is very near and dear to me. Photography- Expressive and passionate Photography to be more accurate.


Do you have a passion for photography? I do. It is this gentle ache in my soul. And when I hit the release button I awake my senses. Learning how to take pictures is key, but so is following your heart. That is what I want to talk about today.


I'm not here today to tell you how to use your camera. There are tutorials here on Paper Heart Camera that provide delightful information on the subject of mastering your skills. Instead, today I'm going to talk about mastering your eye or your heart for photography.


Whether you are a amateur or professional photography enthusiast really doesn't matter. We are all artists learning and sharing our work. A gorgeous image caught from a pure moment is a beautiful image no matter if you are a professional or amateur.  If you take pictures from your heart as well as from your learned expertise you'll be sucked even further into the world of creative picture taking.


So let's take what you know about photography. Its all about light. And whether you are using a camera phone, a point and shoot, or a DSLR you know that you have to set up the scene by looking in your view finder.


But for just a moment just breathe in the beauty of your scene and set up the picture in your soul first. Think about the angles, think about the background, and now soak in what the picture will look like not just in living color but on print as well. Something I like to do is find the unexpected angle.


Simply changing  angles from which you capture can add impact and sudden interest to the picture. Instead of shooting a subject straight on, investigate the unexpected fun new angle. Lie on the beach and get a sand granule point of view, or perch yourself on a high stable rock to get a capture from above.



After you spend more time experimenting with your camera by using techniques you have learned and by following your heart; you'll start to gain an instinctive feel for what tactics you should use in different shooting scenarios.


The instinctive feel will lead you in a whole different direction because you'll already know what to do. Something else I like to do just for myself other than explore angles is make a date with my camera.


In all actuality I'm really just tending to my own passion by myself, but my camera is there to capture what I'm feeling. Because photography isn't just about capturing the perfect scene.


Its about finding beauty within as well. And being able to express, visually, how you feel about a certain scene is magical.

Anyone that loves taking pictures understands that it isn't just about skill. Its not just about what kind of camera you own. Photography is all about capturing a moment. A feeling. And working the camera is essential, but working your heart is just as important. 

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I've enjoyed sharing with you something I love and I look forward to having more conversations with you about expressive passionate photography. Until the next time, you can find me at Alita Jewel's Treasures.



25 comments:

  1. Those feather shots are so spectacular, there are no words to even describe it (I tried and deleted all of them - just doesn't do it justice).

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    1. Thank you! It was taken on of those "me dates" for a creative collaboration with Bigger Picture Blogs. It is one of my favorite images taken on my "photography date night" and I got a little dirty in the process (laying on my belly on the beach) so it was definitely a creative angle. Ha! Thank you for your compliment, Kat.

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  2. I completely agree. When I started seeing everything through the viewfinder even when my camera was nowhere near me- that was when I started noticing a change in my images. Seeing (& capturing) the details that makes an image come alive can make all the difference.

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    1. I know, right?! I swear that I am always taking mental pictures these days. Even better when I have my camera on me. You are so right. Capturing and seeing details does make the image come alive. Thank you for your comment, Gina.

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  3. what gorgeous shots. i love the ones from the beach at sunset

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    1. Beach pictures make my heart go boom. Thank you for your kind words. :)

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  4. I am glad that I hopped on over after your Instagram post. OH MY GOSH!
    Your photos are spectacular!! simply divine and they gave me goosebumps.

    I am going to do as you do and have a Camera date. I need to do that more often.

    Thank You for this eye opening post!

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    1. Camera dates are almost as good as real dates. I would highly suggest it! ;) And thank you so much for your very sweet words. Goosebumps?! You made MY day.

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  5. You made such a beautiful post and your photos are stunning. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Thank you for the heartfelt compliment it is so appreciated. :)

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  6. LOVE the feather on the beach. I have always enjoyed photos. I was the kid in 2nd grade who asked for a camera for Christmas and then took 1984651 pictures of any and everything. Then I became "the one in the family who actually wants to document stuff". I recently got a "big girl" camera {to me}, and feel like I have just uncovered the first layer to so many, many more to come. There's nothing better than clients thanking you from their soul because you captured what they are really like and what the subjects really feel for each other in the images. I think photographers' images are better when they "feel" them. If you are shooting a style that you don't find inspiring, the images tend to suffer. (Or at least it's been my experience thus far.) Great post!

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    1. I was the same. I was in love with photography when I was a kid, and now I'm married to photography. It is a commitment I feel in my heart. Which camera did you buy? I have a basic DSLR. Thank you for your sweet comment.

      Alita

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  7. Awesome. I love these photos and love this post Alita. That is why I wanted you on our team of lovely ladies!

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    1. Woot! It was fun to write. This opportunity to collaborate with such talented photographers is such an honor. I look forward to writing more and stretch my photography skills.

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  8. I love this post. Such inspiration to keep taking photos. Thank you for your photos and awesome perspective.

    Kimberly @ mypinterestreality.com

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  9. I never thought of it that way -- setting up the shot in my soul first. But I will now. I'm feeling inspired to make a camera date with myself. Your photography is gorgeous, Alita, as always. I am still so in love with those feather shots. Beautiful.

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    1. Hy, it is just like seeing a picture in your head before actually taking a picture. And camera dates are the best. I just know you would rock that camera because everything you do comes from the soul and is heartfelt. And the feather picture was so inspired as you know. I loved everything about taking those pictures.

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  10. I really enjoyed reading your inspiring post on photography and your passion. Look forward to visiting your blog now...

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    1. Thank you. I look forward to further communication with you as well, Carole. :)

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  11. oh! Love seeing your photos here...and love that I 'know' them! I've written your words in the journal I'm taking on vacation. Looking forward to lots of slow paced camera time...me time. Thanks for sharing your perspective so eloquently!

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❤ Something lovely to say?