Subject

Defining a Subject

What is the picture about? It’s the rolling process of defining while you are composing. You have to ask yourself the question, “What is the hero of this picture?”

Say it out loud. Talking to yourself while you shoot is very helpful. Also keeps distracting onlookers away from you. Because most people are imminently afraid of people who are insane or who appear odd and delusional. Don’t be afraid to appear odd and in-firmed. If you are compulsively photographic and driven to wander aimlessly in search of mystery photo opportunities, you are insane enough already. Just own up to it. Or not. It’s good to have people leave you alone when you are concentrating on composition and point of view and how you are going to market this one. Photography is a lonely pursuit and it should be. If I wanted lots of friends I would join a softball league or take ball room dancing. Both fascinating, but not how you make quick decisions about the subject of a picture.

So back to the subject. I prefer aimlessly wandering about studying the world through a view finder in the never ending appetite for the next best thing. It’s about subject. Defining a subject. Setting the stage lighting the mood then directing the subject. In a short one act mini drama with a long lasting impact.