Friday, February 21, 2014

Photography Tips - Composition, Light, and A Louvre Peek

Photographs are a personal interpretation of an object, event or person. The same subject captured by one or more photographers will usually focus on what each person wanted to highlight.


Monochromatic images
Enhances detail


Eiffel Tower, from Pont D'Iena, Paris, DG Hudson



The image of the Eiffel shown above is taken from the Pont D'Iena, when rain was threatening. In this photo,the detail of the ironwork was the object of my intent. Compose your photograph with a few points in mind: purpose of collecting the image, amount of light present, placement or composition of the main focal point or centre of interest.




Natural Light and Shadow

In this photo of an urn caught in the natural light of a window, the shape of the item takes on prominence. The amount of light and shadow softens the detail of the carvings on the exterior of the jar. More contrast could change that, but will darken the overall image. The effect of natural light on objects will continue to change as the sun travels from horizon to horizon.



Urn in Antiquities at the Louvre, by DG Hudson




Repetition of Pattern

Point of view matters. In the two photos following, you see two different angles of the same subject. In the first image, repetition is emphasized by shooting the photo from one side. Framing or composing the shot, which only takes a couple of seconds with digital cameras, allows you to focus on what you want to emphasize.





Antiquities on Guard, Louvre Museum, Paris, by DG Hudson





In this second image below, the photo has been taken facing the sculpture, which emphasizes the details of the hands and feet and shows a group, forever encased in stone. A direct view reveals details of the sculpture not visible from the side angle.





Antiquities at the Louvre Museum, Paris, by DG Hudson



Framing tips: Decide on position or viewpoint, take two or three shots at different angles or exposures, and try to get a clean shot (without people) if you want to use the images for other than family memories. What you choose to include or omit is part of deciding your purpose (travel family photos, or use for blogs, books, or articles, etc.)

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A peek into a workshop at The Louvre Museum

In this monochromatic image of neutrals, we get a peek at the 'behind the scenes work' at one of the world's most famous museums.


Interior Louvre Museum Workshop, Paris by DG Hudson


The framing of the workshop image is provided by the round arched opening and the railing. Inside we see interesting objects, many packed items and artifacts to be listed or displayed. The opening also shows the thickness of the interior castle walls of the Louvre.

Hope you enjoyed the images and the photo tips!

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Do you take photos with your phone, tablet or a separate camera? Do you notice light, pattern or shadow when you take photos?

Please leave a comment and let me know you were here. Thanks for dropping by!

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For more statuary at the Louvre, see:
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/03/statuary-at-louvre-study-in-stone.html

For more photography, see The Lens (tab at top of page)
http://dghudson.blogspot.ca/p/camera-lens.html

OR a post on the Louvre Museum:
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/04/l-louvre-museum-to-z-blog-challenge.html

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