Change Your Perspective

I used to teach a photography class geared towards folks who wanted to take their vacation snapshots to a higher level. I'd get all sorts of sheepish looks as 'rookie' shutterbugs handed me their point and shoot cameras for inspection. They assumed that because their camera gear was entry level, they were doomed to boring, uninspired snapshot photos. At least they thought that until I pointed out to them that all of my vacation and family photo's were shot on a little 3.2 megapixel digital camera. It wasn't about the equipment as much as it was about changing perspective.

By the end of class, folks were laying on the ground and shooting up, framing shots off kilter, and looking for the elements in the frame that were interesting, and then keying on those for the shot. Taking pictures became less about 'getting the shot' and more about enjoying the moment and having fun.

Photography has provided me with a life lesson; don't let limitations influence your creative ability. If you're tired of the same old thing, get a new perspective. Look for the interesting details in everyday events. And, enjoy the moment because you don't get them back.

This photo was taken in Topock Gorge, on the Colorado River, during a kayak trip with my son. He preferred to lean back to talk to me vs turning around and rocking the kayak. It created a interesting scene; something out of the ordinary. The ghastly white legs protruding from the bottom pull the eye down and give the viewer a sense of depth. Travel photo's should always capture the essence of the moment more than the visual representation.