Sunshine Flowers // Working a Subject

Using these sunny, enthusiastic black-eyed susans flowers that popped up by the mailbox this summer, I'm going to give an example of Working a Subject, since it happens to be something I practice regularly. =)

Working a subject basically means making the most of a good subject, by going beyond the first shot to finding more types of shots. For instance, this is a basic picture of the bushes: It shows you what it is and how much of it there is.

Then you could also go in for a Tight Shot, which shows what each induviual flower looks like:

 For most people, the idea of going in for a tight shot comes pretty naturally, but after that, sometimes all we see is something like this: a bunch of flowers and leaves in great light; but what do you take a picture of now?

I often found myself in this predicament in my early photography days, but the light was so good, that I just couldn't stop with two pictures, so, through trial and error and reading lots of photography books, I've found out how to get more shots from a really good subject. I hope this might be helpful for you too, or give you inspiration, whatever stage you're at in photography.   =)

Often when you're photographing flowers, you'll notice you aren't the only one attracted to their color or scent, but that the butterflies, bees, and various other Critters are there too; so take their picture!

If you catch the morning light, you also might catch the Buds before they open . . .

. . . and in other various stages of bloom.  

If  you take a moment to observe outside your viewfinder, I bet you'll start see some Patterns you didn't notice at first; leading lines, contrast between light and shadow, "three in a row" . . .

If your subject is a plant (like this example) adding People in the mix gives a whole different feeling to the photos . . .

When you photograph in the shade, the absence of the harsh shadows from the sun often lends a peaceful feeling . . .

Catching the Shadows they cast is one of my favorite things to do!

Different angles - I especially love using this one, changing perspective opens up a lot of photo opportunities, like the view from underneath the flowers:

Getting down among the leaves . . .

Adding drama - I'm very fond of turning the sun into a star by using a high f/stop (8 and up) and nestling the sun inbetween some of the flowers, so that it POPS out.

Playing with different Exposures for a creative effect is technique I've recently started liking a lot . . .

I like keep a small mental list in my head, of what kind of setting I've photographed the same subject, these sunny flowers look good by the mailbox, and also by the gate. (Where they popped up a year before)

Getting up close often reveals amazing textures and patterns you wouldn't have otherwise seen . .

 Different focus points; you've probably seen this technique a lot already, reason being that neither of these is necessarily better than the other,  just different!

 This is just for fun  . . .   =)

If you thought this post was helpful,  I'd be very glad to know!  =)

                                                              God Bless!

                                        ~Jenny  ♥