It's human nature to be drawn to the peculiar and unfamiliar. Our curiosity aims to make sense of what we don't comprehend. It stands to reason, then, that photographing unusual subjects can be a useful tool for capturing and retaining your viewers' attention.
National Geographic photographer Ira Block teaches people how to use unusual subjects in your photos and how to seize these pictures in a way that keeps your viewer involved and curious (Gregory, 2017). Block’s teachings are fascinating because they delve into the creative processes of the industry's most searched photographers, revealing their work styles from task planning to long and arduous execution. National Geographic photographers go through an intricate process—both technically and artistically—from researching and making plans for a shoot to continuing to work a scene and waiting, often for hours, for the right ideas to come together.
As Block states, there are three key elements of good photos: good lighting, good structure, and good timing (Gregory, 2017).
I cannot overstate how essential it is to give your subject prominence in an image. Its proper placement and the absence of any contest amplify the photo's effectiveness. Aside from creating truly memorable photographs, this also improves the overall quality of your photographs.
Let's try something to demonstrate this point. Go through your shoebox full of pictures, or photo albums or if you're completely digital. If you have a photo gallery, get a box of those tiny dot stickers on a roll. If you have a shoebox full of photos, prepare to sort them, and if you have digital photos, prepare to drag and drop them into two new folders.
Choose a group of images, such as the first ten pages of an album, a truckload from your shoebox, or a folder on your computer. Sort them into two clusters, drag them into two folders, or mark the images in the album with a dot sticker. Put all the images with a clear subject in one pile. If the subject can be identified as the focal point of the photo, place it in one pile, drag it to a folder, or mark it with a dot in the album.
So, what is the point of this exercise? What I'm trying to say is that the pile, file, or dots will most likely be much tinier or fewer than the other pile. Wonder why? Because a lot of individuals do not pay enough attention to their subjects. It's incredible, but it's true. The picture can only be mediocre if it lacks a subject, focal point, or object of focus. A clear subject is required for a photograph.
Remember:
The more you know about your subject, the more likely you will capture that perfect moment.
Know your subject and anticipate a shot before it happens.
Without a clear subject, your focal point will be difficult to define and, therefore, your photo will be unappealing. ● A clear subject makes the photo more effective.
The photo has a great chance to be more memorable.
It improves the overall quality of your photo.
Without any subject, the photo will look mediocre.
There's a reason you hold your camera up to your face or use the LCD to frame a shot. Consider what you're attempting to capture, and don't lose sight of it as you operate the camera. Your perspective through the camera lens or on the screen can sometimes distract you from the subject. If the view distracts you, it will distract your audience even more.
You know what your subject is, but will the viewer recognize it? Will it be obvious to you when you look at that photo in the years to come? There are numerous ways to make your subject stand out, including composition, lighting, angles, lines, and so on. Is the subject in the exact center? That occasionally works. Vertically and horizontally, divide the frame into thirds. Is it better to place the subject on one of those lines or at an intersection? What happens if you put the subject on an edge or off to the side, top, or bottom of the frame? Here are the most important questions you should ask:
Sure, not everything you want to photograph will be unusual or out of this world. But that doesn't mean your photo will be unappealing. An otherwise uninteresting photograph of an ordinary person can be greatly improved if the subject alters their facial expression or poses differently, or if you include a few extra elements in the frame.
I frequently go out to take photos and return home without taking a single one. Why? The stress of having to take a photograph blinds me to potential subjects. However, when I go for a walk or a run without the intention of taking pictures, I frequently come across photography subjects. That is why I always have my iPhone on me. This way, I'll be ready to shoot whenever an interesting subject presents itself.
Of course, you can train your creative muscle and your eyes to identify a subject without becoming frustrated. Photographers pick subjects that pique their interest and encourage them. Anything from a drop of water to the Taj Mahal qualifies. You can also find inspiration by looking at the work of famous photographers.
Remember that the most important thing is that the subject inspires you. Nobody else will find your topic interesting if you don't. Here are some pointers that have helped me over the years and that I believe will be useful to you as well:
1) Tell a story.
2) Go simple.
3) Choose a different perspective.
4) Step out of your comfort zone.
) Try a photography challenge.
6) Experiment with posing and positioning.
7) Take candid shots.
8) Consider composition rules.
9) Make proper use of lighting.
10) Focus.
11) Declutter the shot.
12) Use contrast and juxtaposition.
Take a look at Tip #1 once again. You have to tell a story to your viewers and to the photograph itself. Why is this featured as the first tip? Well, because the story of one photograph is indeed the most important thing ever. The following chapter will give you some inspiration on storytelling with photography.