1B.  (Topical) The Empty Road or Path

The poet Robert Frost encouraged his readers to choose the road less traveled. Well, how about trekking down an empty trail? Many times, competition judges instruct us to have some kind of “payoff” at the terminus of a leading line. Generally, not a bad idea. But sometimes an empty road or path invites the individual to be adventuresome, to explore the unknown, meander into the realm of uncertainty. The thoughtful photographer can evoke a broad range of emotions by presenting a leading line in the form of a road or path that beckons the observer without providing reassurance as to what might be found around the corner. This can engage the viewer by leaving the mystery of the trail’s conclusion to their imagination. 

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2B. (Techniques) Create a Star/Sun/Light Burst

We are commonly told that the viewer’s eye is drawn to the brightest area of the frame. Few photographic features capture the observer’s attention as powerfully as a bright burst of light, especially if it emanates from a visible light source that both contributes to the image’s storyline and has been captured creatively. Bursts of light are captivating and can enhance images taken in all forms of illumination. Light sources can be natural like the sun, or artificial as when photographing a streetlamp. Inventive use of an appropriate f/stop along with skimming the light around/through an object can add incredible impact in your image. Nighttime or daytime can be the right time to employ this creative technique. Be mindful when examining the sources of light in your composition. Experiment with different camera settings, such as your angle of view, and how to partially hide/reveal the light source to capture a distinctive flare. Please appreciate that this TA is meant to be achieved through in camera processes not post-processing insertion of a light burst.

 

3B.  (Topical) American Icons

Americans are known for many things. One outstanding cultural trait is our propensity to create and celebrate icons. These ubiquitous symbols can be people, places or things that in some unique ways are seen as cultural touchstones.  Social icons range from presidents to sports figures, to movie stars and even cartoon characters. Architectural works, buildings, and monuments can be seen as iconic reflections of the American experience. Cultural icons vary from foods to fashion, animals, sports, toys and everyday objects. The American world is chock full of icons of almost infinite variety.  Get your camera out and make American icons great again. 

 

4B.  (Conceptual) Is it ART? (Marcel Duchamp and the concept of “Readymades”)

Just about 100 years ago the Dada and Surrealistic art movements were changing the way we saw/interpretated art. The American multi-media artist Marcel Duchamp was considered one of the great pioneers, not only with his paintings, but by promoting his concept of “readymades.” Other notable artists of the day followed his lead, and this artistic tradition has been imitated and perpetuated. “Readymades” were simply everyday objects that Duchamp took out of their usual context and promoted them as independent works of art on their own merit. In short, anything can be seen as art. It’s just a matter of perspective. Do a little research on Duchamp and “readymades” to see some of his examples. Then it will be your turn to get creative by selecting ordinary objects and then photographing them in a unique and artistic manner. Once you adapt this creative perspective your world will never be the same.

 

5B. (Conceptual) “Me and My Shadow”: the non-selfie “Selfie”

Taking selfies is all the rage on many social media platforms, at least for some people. However, others do not find the notion of holding up the smart phone to take a picture of yourself standing in front of a place with friends, eating food or engaging in a mundane activity very interesting. So, here’s a creative way to make a creative non-selfie “Selfie.” Take pictures of your shadow in a manner that creates an interesting story line.  After all, our shadow is always with us. Often it follows us, sometimes it’s off to the side and sometimes it even tries to get out in front and show you the way. Don’t live in your own shadow nor let your shadow lead you by the nose. Get inventive. Capture your shadow mimicking your activity; say hello to yourself; or use it to direct the viewers’ attention to something in the frame. With just a little effort, you could find this exercise to be innovative, fun and self-revealing. 

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6B.  (Techniques) Square Crop

In the era of medium format film photography, the square format was king. Compositionally, the 1:1 ratio has benefits and challenges. As there is no dominant height or width, square frames are ideal for centered subjects. A horizontal format provides orientation as it complements our natural inclination to view photographs from left to right. The 1:1 ratio prompts the viewer to gravitate towards a circular scanning of the image, some say encouraging a deeper and more immersive appreciation of the subject.  Others espouse that the square format is more “artsy.” But it is not as easy as you may tend to believe. And it’s not just about taking a rectangular image and cropping it to be square. Simplicity is often the key to a successful composition, as extraneous details tend to be more distracting. A centered subject can work but it needs to be bold and symmetrical, not just dead-center static. Portraits and still-lifes are favored subject matter but the skillful photographer can adapt to any challenge of the moment. So, be there or be square.