Yesterday, I spoke about moving beyond the handshake shot. Today, I thought I’d add a few more examples. Remember yesterday, I suggested you might ask yourself questions like, do I need the whole bench? Well? You decide (see examples below) And then there is the lead image, excluding the bench all together. Personally, I don’t think any of these alternate images are terrible. They each have interest and are what you might call tidy compositions. Part of the benefit of taking some time, slowing down and asking questions, is that you are discovering what it is YOU like about the scene you’ve chosen to photograph. By moving around, changing your perspective, changing your lens, waiting for different light, etc, etc, you are “seeing” your subject in new ways. By the end of the time spent, you will have moved beyond the handshake to a hug!
And here is another take on including both of the benches…
9 Comments
Like yesterday again a wonderful post today John. I know I need to slow myself down sometimes. You inspire me to go back to previous locations and look again, did I miss something? I probably did…..
Thank you!
And I still do!
Your examples illustrate your point beautifully and powerfully.
Thanks Barry.
Excellent post these last days- as this weather turns so bitter, it’s nice to revisit some older images. The tremendous urge to create and go out and shoot, can’t seem to overcome the desire to stay where it’s warm. .. maybe I’m getting old! Thank you for these posts, that have made me look at some images in a whole new light, and feed my passion. Great work!
And thank you for your feedback Nicki. I too enjoy the warm!
Excellent thoughts as usual JB. Sorta like “slow down and smell the roses”! On today’s set of 3 images, I think I prefer the first. It is a bit simpler and powerful. But as you said, none are terrible!
Wonderful, John.
Work the scene! I know it intellectually but I still need to really put it in practice. I think my problem is that I get too excited and after getting the first shot, I want to find that next one. My impatience gets in the way of even getting a good handshake! Great post John!