Capturing that special moment in photography requires strong observation skills especially with people. In other words, you have to watch before you shoot. By paying attention to detail, expressions on people's faces, the repetitive nature of expressions, the emotion and when it occurs, you prepare yourself for capturing good expressive images. Point and shoot only works when you have been watching and this process is so important. In wildlife photography, it is knowing your subject and behavior and anticipating that behavior. With people who are individually unique, the learning is often on the spot. Hanging out with folks is a good way to learn about them, seeing the image long before you press the shutter. Here's is an example of an image I had noticed on many occasions, when "Frankie" really got into the music, playing with all his heart and breath. Couple of keys here, get in close and be sharp. I can see the intensity in his eyes and face, both important to the image.
Beyond just facial expressions, there are moments that are special, maybe you see them coming or they just happen. This occasion just happened. I knew something was coming, just didn't know when. Again getting in close isolates the composition which makes it more powerful.
You might wonder why black and white? It is just a matter of taste. In this case, Frankie's shirt was colorful and distracted from what I was trying to capture, so I simplified the scene with black and white. I actually see better in black and white where people and emotion are concerned. I can communicate better this way, but that's just me.
The simple point of this blog, is to wait and watch. These types of scenes occur everyday everywhere but they are fleeting. Stalking these moments is one of the exciting and rewarding things about photography. But it does take a lot of misses to get good at this. Shooting constantly is a must for getting good in photography. You can't read your way or learn some software that does this, you must go out and shoot. If you are into "reading", then look at the work of others, go out and try to shoot as they do to get the feel of it. This technique is not something I thought up, Brian Tramontana who Chairs and teaches photography at a local community college uses this technique very successfully with his students.
I know from my own experience, coming back from shooting without anything worth while is discouraging. But trust me it does get better, time and attention improve your skills. I often write about the photographic eye, it is something that needs constant nurturing. Doesn't grow well with an occasional snapper. Think of the challenge this way, almost every scene has a special image, finding it is the fun. Have some real fun!
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