elements of style

If you ever watch TLC's What Not to Wear, then you've heard Stacy and Clinton tell countless women to look for "color, texture, pattern and shine" to create stylish outfits. And although creating a trendy look is different than taking an interesting photo, some of the same principles apply. It's about mixing contrasting colors and textures to draw attention to your subject. Not only can we be on the lookout for interesting textures, colors and patterns but unique perspectives and compositions. And when these elements are used sparingly, the results can be pretty eye-catching.

Do you have any examples of a photo that includes all or some of these elements of style (color, texture, pattern and shine)?

obsessions.

Obsessions (noun):the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

I have a beautiful tree right in my yard that changes with the seasons and brings me great pleasure.  In the autumn as the tree begins to shed its orange and red leaves, a whole new world opens up to me.  The tree is just outside of my balcony and I'm able to sit quietly in my patio chair and observe the world of the gorgeous finches that grace the tree.  I have to admit: I've become obsessed with these birds.  They entrance me with their expressions, as if they're watching me watching them.  I've never really paid much attention to them before but now, I can't get enough of them.  Even more so, I cannot take enough photos of these little guys.  I'm now known in my house as "The Bird Lady". 

What about you? Is there something that you love to photograph over and over again? Please share...because I don't want to be the only one with an obsession! 

What are you listening to?

When I was growing up, music was a huge part of my life. It was a safe haven to retreat to after a difficult day at school, something that defined who I was, like the clothes and shoes I wore, a way to connect with friends as we shared a common passion, mix tapes and earphones, and learn new English vocabulary.

We've all done it. We've unpacked an old box and found a CD or a tape, and smiled as we held an entire year of our lives in our two hands. Toto's "I'll be over you" reminds me of one particular summer watching horror movies with my friends when I was 14. Bon Jovi's "I'll be there for you" is still a karaoke favorite of mine. And don't get me started on the New Kids on the Block. 

This made me wonder. I know a lot of professional photographers like to play music in the background on photo shoots to set a certain mood and put the model at ease. But what about you? Do you listen to music while taking photos? And if songs are memories and moods wrapped in a few notes and sentences, how much do they affect the way we look at life through our lenses?

I can't wait to read your thoughts on this. And don't forget to share your images and songs in the comment section below.

Superhero Photo Challenge: Follow the pattern

For the superhero photo challenge this week, let's use fabrics and patterns in interesting ways. Use them as backdrops, photograph against vintage wallpaper, go bold with patterned clothing and color. Can't wait to see what you've got!

Perfect Recipe for Something New

As anyone with a long term love of photography knows, it's easy to find yourself taking the same kinds of pictures over and over again.   Glance over your last 1000 pictures and you might see what I mean.  Overrun in flowers?  Same style portraits?  Bricks and mortar?   While there's no harm in going on a kick now and then to master your craft, you'll know it's time for a change when your images start to look the same and you can no longer recognize the gem in that one picture that represents a departure from your tried and true subjects.  May I shyly submit the photo above as a case in point.

What subjects do you tend towards when you pick up the camera?   Ready to cook up something fresh and unexpected by widening your repertoire?  Comments are open for your confessions and links to the images where you strayed from the same ole, same ole with delicious results.