Color & Form in Photography

I never really was much for really thinking about photography growing up. Of course I would take pictures on vacation on my phone, and pictures with friends, but other than that I had never truly tried to create conceptual images or use a really nice camera. So far this quarter, I have mainly enjoyed this photography class, and do indeed believe I have learned a lot about how to create interesting photographs conceptually, as well as edit them effectively in LightroomClassic/Photoshop. I still think that practice is truly what makes you better at art including photography, so I still have a ways to go, but now I find myself wanting to take more photos of everything and anything just for fun.

I am definitely still learning how to work on composition and creating something that is both pleasing to the eye as well as keeps the viewer lingering and interested in the image. I do love a bit of color, and I like to up the vibrance often (not too much though) as I find it catches the eye and keeps you there, while adding to the depth. I also find that often a bit heavier contrast also increases depth and gives photos more depth. Lighting is most likely my largest struggle, as I find myself in many situations where I have no control over the light. Especially out on sunny days or inside with tungsten or overly-bright incandescent lighting, neither of which I find enjoyable to work with.

In terms of light, my favorite time to shoot outside is when it is just slightly overcast, as sun can overexpose the image and makes too many dark shadows. The best time inside to shoot I’ve found is when you can find light from a window, rather than a overly-yellow tungsten room light. I do have a light that I can use sometimes, but its connected to a tripod so it’s a bit difficult to maneuver and get right for most shots. I am still practicing with tricky lighting, but I do believe I have been improving some.