Creating Interesting Photographs

Just recently, I taught a photography class to a group of kids from the ages of 10 to 12 years old for the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition, of which I am a member. The assignment was to teach them how to be photojournalists and capture pedestrian dangers, those they experience everyday walking to school, in an interesting way. Now, I don't know about you, but making sidewalk cracks, potholes, low lying tree branches, and other similar hazards interesting, is not my idea of a fascinating day of photo taking. However, because this was a national campaign through the Safe Kids Coalition, we had to make them interesting.

No doubt you've experienced this same situation during family events, vacations, or taking business photos. In this blog, are a few general photography tips that I taught to the kids to help them photograph subjects that are sometimes less than exciting.

• Everyone loves the view of an American flag; however, no one enjoys having the pole that holds it up, sticking out of your head. Make sure you are aware of EVERYTHING that is in the picture and its relation to your subject.
• Don't be afraid to angle your photo to make it more interesting. A straight photo with the subject in the middle all of the time can make your photos boring.
• Get down low and get up high. Try laying on the ground to show a different perspective. Conversely, take photos from the top of a ladder.
• Most importantly, tell or create an interesting story that people want to view.
  

One thing to remember..."there are no bad photos; there are only more interesting photos."