Artistic Vision Through My Phone

     We all take photos, whether it's to capture a moment or show off our daily cup of Starbucks coffee. These photographs we take have different meanings to each and every one of us; photography is a way of expression. Even though I find myself constantly taking photos, I am by no means a professional. Almost all the time, I use my phone's camera to capture moments while on vacation, at a concert, or if I see something photo worthy. We can all agree that our phones are the quickest and easiest devices to use as cameras since we always have them on hand. I've chosen the book, "How to Photograph Absolutely Everything" by Tom Ang to help me understand the basic elements of photography, how to apply them, and other tips and tricks. As I continue to read this book, my end goal is to be able to use a somewhat professional camera, such as the Canon EOS 60D available in my household, properly and effectively using its controls and settings to take photos full of inspiration and technique. For now, I will apply the information I learn to the photos I take on my phone.

     "Artistic expression refers to picture-making at its most relaxed. . .it is photography in which you aim to satisfy only your own visual curiosity, allowing your imagination to follow where the light leads you" (Ang 325). I applied this to when I take photos, since I pull out my phone to snap a picture of something I find visually interesting and appealing (of course whenever there is good lighting). I've realized there is never any pressure to please anyone but myself when taking photos.

     Fresh and colorful foods come in all different kinds of shapes, sizes, and textures with great color combinations (Ang 334). Keeping this in mind, I decided to shoot photos of fruits and vegetables. Piles of fruits and vegetables create photos with rhythm and structure (Ang 335).  Rhythm establishes pattern and texture, while structure is the shapes and contrasts between light and dark. This is why I decided to photograph a pile of pumpkins with different shades and variations of orange and white. As well as this, I took a photo of a bowl of fruit salad which shows a variety of textures and colors between the different fruits including strawberries, blueberries, nectarines, and peaches. In both photos, textures and colors compliment each other, creating an appealing photo. 

      As I continue to read different sections of my book, I plan on continuing to try out different ideas and techniques to take photos. My goal is to step out of my comfort zone of using my phone as a camera and learn how to operate a higher quality camera. This will hopefully prepare me in some way for my Photo 1 class at Kentridge during 2nd semester. Ultimately, I want to look at the world around me through a lens with a broader knowledge about photography. 

How often do you take photographs? What do you take photographs of? Where do you get inspiration from?

Have you taken any photography classes? Possibly Photo 1 at Kentridge? What are some tips and tricks you find to be useful?  

Ang, Tom. How to Photograph Absolutely Everything: Successful Pictures from Your Digital Camera. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2007. Print.