As the subject of a photograph, texture speaks to our sense of touch. The way that things feel is very ingrained in our consciousness. Texture tells us about the nature of a subject, whether it's the rough surface of a straw hat, or the silky smoothness of satin. The light that reveals an object's texture also gives us a sense of...
Shooting a self-portrait is a challenging task, but can be very rewarding. The one person that most photographers probably photograph least is themselves, and this is true even with those who enjoy shooting portraits of others. However, taking self-portraits has several advantages: you'll always have a willing subject...
Photographers and painters have long been intrigued by reflections, and no wonder—there are numerous creative possibilities to be found in reflective surfaces. Whether you find fascinating images reflected in water, metal, a mirror—or even soap bubbles—there are certain tips to keep...
Rural scenes provide picturesque photo opportunities for those who love to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. These settings convey feelings of tranquility. If you're like a lot of landscape shooters, scenery that includes barns, covered bridges, and miles of open fields may inspire you photographically.
When a photo emphasizes a particular color, it often dictates the mood of the picture—be it warm or cool, bright or muted. Blue is usually associated with soothing, cool and more-somber moods. Conversely, the color red conjures up emotions like passion, heat, love, and even anger.
It's fun to take pictures of our friends and loved ones having a good time. The trick is to have your camera ready—a point-and-shoot camera is ideal for this—and to be quick and spontaneous. Taking pictures of people at play means that you must be prepared to grab some fleeting moments on...
Cities offer a great diversity of photo opportunities, like architecture, historic landmarks, interesting people, and parks—new subjects can appear around every street corner. It's fun to photograph icons that represent the flavor of the urban spot you're visiting, whether it's chili peppers in...
Beyond simply shooting someone's portrait, taking a picture of a concept like "fun" can be a real challenge. A photograph that makes a statement like this must make its point immediately—the viewer should get the message at first glance, and not have to guess at what you're trying to say.
As with an environmental portrait, you can capture revealing images of people by photographing them at work. The idea is to not only portray the individual, but to show what a person does with his/her life. Most occupations have distinctive tools, clothing, or settings that can be interesting to photograph. Some people who would...
Holidays present a seemingly endless number of great photo opportunities: Fourth of July parades, colorful Easter Lilies, Christmas lights at night, or costumed children going trick-or-treating. At these special times of the year, have your camera ready for both planned photos and candids.