April 2000 - Nr. 4
Photo Tips from Garry Ray Rush for Echo Germanica's 10th Anniversary Celebration
When we asked what is the most important thing to consider in taking a good photograph, Garry’s answer came without hesitation: The message!
A photo has a message? Of course! Why is it that you are taking the photograph? What do you want it to communicate?
"Let’s say you are out with the family, including the kids, and it’s a real Kodak moment. One of the children has a face covered with delicious chocolate ice cream. He or she is happily holding this cone with this big toothless smile. This is the moment! The message is a really happy kid. Shoot! This is the Picture! Not the background, the picnic table or the chairs, not the garbage can. These things are not part of the message."
He further explains: "Have your camera ready, move in close, fill the frame with your message and snap the shutter! This way you have fulfilled what L. Ron Hubbard, himself a celebrated photographer, describes in his book "Art": Composition is the arrangement of objects and people in the scene to forward the message."
This
of course holds true for anything you want to take a photo of. Everywhere we
look we can find something to photograph well, as long as we look for the
right composition.
"Have a look around your neighbourhood. There is an endless world of possibilities. When inspiration hits and you find an image you wish to capture, ask yourself what the message is, move in close, leave out unnecessary extras and capture the moment. Sometimes it is possible to arrange the surroundings, sometimes you have to change your location to find just the right frame and leave out or add in an important component of the message. The message is the thing."
Echo Germanica is celebrating a 10th anniversary. Take a shot of yourself or a family member reading the paper. The message is: an interested and enthusiastic Echo Germanica reader. Bring this photo on May 14th to the Zen Lounge for a Mother’s Day celebration. You will be eligible to win one of many fabulous prizes! See the event ad for more information.
( arts, education )
