Photographer’s Corner

by Beverli Alford.

Beverli Alford

There are various facets to the art of photography. Which facet do you fall into? What do you like to photograph…people, nature, fashion, photo journalism or perhaps the deep crevices and sharp lines of serious architectural buildings? It really depends on you. For the most part, everyone isn’t born with a natural eye to take great pictures. It takes practice, patience and a bit of research. Knowing what to capture and how to capture it, whether it’s for a client, a school project or a fabulous concept bringing forth into reality on paper, comes from you. It may involve a simple or complex lighting technique or just positioning the subject at the right angle. I myself have waited for a warm summer sunset in Jamaica just so I could capture the golden shimmers across the water as the sun was setting.

To do all this, one has to start with a decent camera. I myself work with the Canon Mark II professional camera. However, everyone doesn’t have to start with bulk and expense or even a Canon. Try a lightweight camera under $500 and think about a concept. Take a series of images whether it’s flowers, children, seniors, etc. and think of a story you want to tell with that subject i.e. a child’s laughter, petals and types of flowers or seniors having fun at a race track. It all depends on what you see and feel. With the new digital cameras on the market, you can shoot it, delete it and start again if you don’t like it. It’s no fun with a point and shoot camera…boring. Try a manual camera where you can manipulate the manual settings. For instance, set the aperture priority and allow the shutter speed to automatically change to maintain proper exposure. This will allow more light into the camera. Light can create moods beyond your expectations. Pick up a National Geographic magazine and look at ways serious photographers have captured light and moods. I love natural lighting and work solely in manual capacity to achieve unique images just from the light that exist in my surroundings. Give it a try…until next time.

Beverli Alford is CEO of PhotoPlay Designs Photography, a member of the Fashion Group International (FGI) of Greater Washington DC, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).