Exploring a Subject Throughly: A Photo Collage Experience

Introduction:

Photography is not just about capturing a moment; it's also about exploring a subject and discovering its various aspects. By focusing on a single subject and photographing it from various angles and perspectives, you can enhance your photographic vision and tell a compelling visual story.

The Challenge:

1. Choose a subject that intrigues you and can be photographed in multiple ways. This could be an object, a person, a building, or even a tree.
2. Take as many photos as you can imagine, exploring different angles, lighting, and compositions.
3. After completing the assignment, examine each image critically and reject those with obvious defects, such as being out of focus or including distracting elements.
4. Select the best images and create a collage to showcase your subject in a unique and engaging way.

The Process:

For this exercise, I chose a tree draped in red ribbon as my subject. I spent about 15 minutes exploring the object and capturing it from various angles and perspectives. I experimented with different lighting conditions and compositions, trying to find unique ways to showcase the tree's character and beauty.

Examining the Images:

After completing the assignment, I carefully reviewed each image and rejected those that were out of focus or included distracting elements. I then selected the best images, which showcased the tree's intricate details, interesting textures, and overall charm.

Creating the Collage:

To create the collage, I used Adobe Photoshop and arranged the images in an 8 1/2" × 11" format, ensuring that the aspect ratio was set correctly for optimal printing. I adjusted the size and position of each image, ensuring they complemented each other and created a cohesive visual narrative.

Analyzing the Images:

For each image, I asked myself several questions:

• What makes this image more interesting than the others?

• Some images stood out due to their unique composition, interesting lighting, or the way they highlighted the typewriter's details.

• Why would someone want to hang a print of this photo on a wall, share it on social media, or display it on a smartphone or computer screen?

• The most compelling images told a story, evoked emotion, or offered a fresh perspective on a familiar object.

• What does this image tell the viewer about the subject?

• Each image revealed something new about the typewriter, such as its intricate design, historical significance, or the way it invited touch and interaction.

Final Thoughts:

This exercise allowed me to explore my subject in depth and discover its various aspects. By focusing on a single subject and photographing it from various angles and perspectives, I was able to enhance my photographic vision and tell a compelling visual story. The resulting collage showcases the typewriter's beauty, character, and charm, inviting the viewer to appreciate its historical significance and the art of craftsmanship.