Composition

A color photograph made with a low-angle, showing the ground (which is red and white concrete) and yellow stairs.

“Where is art?”, as answered by Brad Pitt

by

Thoughts and a hypothesis about a question you’ve probably never asked. In this issue: Where is art? At one time or another, you may have heard the question, “What is art?”. Perhaps you’ve even given this some thought and have arrived at an answer that works for you. If you’ve read previous issues of Viewfinder, you know I have a working definition. Artists, academics, and contrarians enjoy this discussion because it’s complicated, highly subjective, and inflammatory. It’s difficult to define definitively. There’s really no one “right” answer (but many wrong ones). I’m not going to jump into that particular quagmire … >>

Photograph of half empty coffee cup and used spoon sitting on top of a newspaper.

Finding inspiration in the everyday: still life photography

by

Photography is an art form that enables us to capture the beauty of the world around us, and still life photography is no exception. It offers the opportunity to create art out of everyday objects, using composition, lighting, color, and other techniques to tell a story and convey emotion. In this article, we will explore the art of photographic storytelling in still life photography, with a focus on finding inspiration in the mundane, creating dynamic compositions, playing with light and color, exploring textures, and using props to create visual interest and coherence. Still life photography provides a unique challenge to … >>

A photograph of a caucasian man wearing red knit cap in dark room

Capturing emotion, meaning, and revealing truth

by

Photography is an art form that allows us to capture a moment in time, freeze it, and convey a message or emotion through an image. As photographers, we have the power to tell stories through our photographs and communicate our perspective on the world. This is the essence of photographic storytelling, a powerful tool that can bring attention to important issues, inspire change, and move people emotionally. But how do we create compelling photographic narratives that convey emotion and meaning? What are the key elements that make a successful visual story? In this article, we will explore the art of … >>

Low-key photograph of sand dunes.

On the edge of darkness: mastering low key photography

by

Low key photography is a powerful technique that allows photographers to create moody, dramatic images that play with light and shadow. By using a combination of careful lighting, creative composition, and post-processing techniques, photographers can create stunning images that capture the viewer’s attention and imagination. In this article, we will explore the world of low key photography in more detail. We will provide 10 tips and techniques for capturing stunning low key images, including advice on equipment, subjects, lighting, and post-processing. 1. Understand the basics of low key photography Low key photography is a technique that involves the use of … >>

Grayscale Photo of Person Wearing Black Pants Walking Across Posts.

Dramatic images: the astonishing interplay of light and shadow

by

The interplay between light and shadow can make or break a photograph. A well-placed shadow or a beam of light can turn an otherwise ordinary scene into something dramatic and visually stunning. In this article, we will explore the art of using light and shadow to create compelling photographs. We will cover 10 tips and techniques that will help you elevate your photography to the next level. 1. Understanding light Before we dive into using light and shadow to create dramatic photographs, it is important to understand the nature of light. Light travels in straight lines and illuminates everything in … >>

Photograph of road at night, with automobile headlights and taillights displaying as long red and white streaks.

Dynamism: capturing movement and energy in creative photography

by

Capturing movement is an essential aspect of creative photography. It can bring life and energy to your images, adding a dynamic element that draws the viewer in. However, capturing movement in photography can be a challenge. It requires a combination of technical skill and creative vision to freeze a moment in time and convey a sense of motion in your images. In this article, we will explore tips and techniques for using movement in creative photography. From freezing motion to creating intentional blur, we will discuss how to use shutter speed, composition, and other techniques to capture movement in a … >>