Exercise Basic Elements of Photography in Long Beach

I've always been told I have an eye for the unseen. Photography has played an important role in my life, having introduced me to another world, one where reality pauses and its moments are captured.

While I believe people are born with certain talents, we each can learn certain skills that, if you love a subject enough, you can achieve success. And even if you don’t believe you have those skill, you should still try to develop them. 

Being able to take great photographs is really not difficult. All you need is a personalized vision, a good camera and some guidance. Here are some simple but key elements to know when taking photos that, if you follow them, you’ll be taking brilliant shots in no time.

Observe

The main element in photography is to know your environment. But don’t just look at what’s around you — observe.  

Take it all in and ask questions: How does this make me feel? What does it make me think about? The answers will guide you to look deeper. When you can truly see the essence of something or the soul of someone, your photos will mirror these to the world.

Capturing a certain scene or emotional expression can be mesmerizing. Looking at the photo of wind sailing through trees, captured at just the right time, will forever take you back to that moment. This is the magic of photography.

Also, researching your subjects, from buildings to nature, and getting to know them better can really make all the difference.

For some architectural inspiration, visit the Temple Israel of Long Beach, on Riverside Boulevard, a building where you'll find some fine details, especially its doors. Just down the block from the temple on Riverside you’ll also find the St. John's Lutheran Church by The Sea, which has a unique, historic feel to it.

Of course, in Long Beach, you can capture some great photos at Ocean Beach Park. Nature offers beauty in many forms, and beaches are simply an outstanding subject, even in winter. For a combination of nature, people and structure, take your camera over to the recently-renovated Clark Street Playground on the bay.

Composition

Seeing the world in sections will help you choose a successful composition. Add frames to your subjects so you can contain certain elements. Looking through a lens is a great way to train your eye to do this. Soon you will be seeing everything as a snapshot and it will come much easier.

Also, when you decide on a final shot, do some experimenting. Play with angles and perspectives. Try to see each subject in a different way. Variety can't hurt, so take a few different shots to see which one is the most interesting.

To read more about composition, stop by the Long Beach Public Library on West Park Avenue and check out their photography section. 

Definition & Meaning

As you study your subjects, explain to yourself why they attract you. Do they make you happy or maybe a bit sentimental? Are they visually stunning? Why?

Your style and taste come into play here. Some people love vibrant colors, while others find pleasure in black and white and more subdued hues.

If you enjoy taking portraits, than what is it about people or animals that pulls you in?

It's important to figure out why each subject is important to you. What is the message you are trying to share through your photo of it? What emotion do you hope to evoke? What is it about you that are you letting people see through your photo?

Define your vision so your work is clear and conveys a sense of life. Most of the time when you just point and shoot the end result is empty images. You want others to take something away from your photos.  

Taking an art class can help you to clarify your thoughts and emotions, and teach you expression in many fields. The Long Beach Art League, which holds its meetings at the Magnolia Senior Center, has a number of workshops available. Even if you take a painting class, it will help develop your eye to look more closely and deeply at your subjects.    

Tell a Story

Sometimes it’s good to tell a story with a photo so that others can imagine how you felt when taking it. It's also nice to allow some room for viewers to use their imagination.

Think of it like this: you’re setting the stage for wonderful things to happen. Art is all about taking a space and creating a unique world in it.  

Why not head over to the Long Beach Recreation Center, at Magnolia Boulevard and West Bay Drive, to take portraits of active people, whether playing sports or fishing off the pier?  You can also get some nice action shots at the neighboring Long Beach Ice Arena. Even just walking around Long Beach, with its many unique neighborhoods and diverse people, can inspire some great shots.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re at a party or on vacation or even just home with your family. Wherever you may be, try to capture those moments in time and share them with the world. Showing others your perspective on life is a gift, and we should all take advantage of it when we can.