PHOTOGRAPHY

A few people have asked why I am fascinated with photography. And I do not blame them, especially when the average photographer can be seen clutching his/her dear equipment and pursuing a desired target, eventually assuming various posture, positions and angles, in the avowed bid to get a shot, a classic study in frenzied chaos, most time
And more often than not, I give this reply- taking pictures gives man the opportunity to go one better than that age long ally and foe- TIME. It is a chance to capture a piece of a moment in time, hold it in your hands and call it your own! Moreover, you will better appreciate this against the backdrop of the fact that Time never seems to cease reminding us, at every chime that it is in a hurry to go, to leave- chastising us for moments lost, congratulating us on those utilized- only to come back repeatedly!
So to capture and frame that smile, frown, kiss, some awkward moment…. and possess that, to me, is as exhilarating and as pulsating as climbing Mount Everest (thank heavens it is my blog).
Overall, it is a great vocation (just ask a professional photographer), a worthwhile pastime (just ask me), a great way to relieve stress, clear the mind and serve as a boost to the creative process. I hope I have written enough to convince a few of you to join the train. If yes, do get a camera and start shooting .And if you remain unconvinced or indifferent, do read this article again (Laffs). Hasta la vista


HOW TO SHOOT GREAT GROUP (AND INDEED ANY OTHER KIND) PHOTOGRAPHS

1. BE PREPARED-
Check that the camera is on, scope out the location before hand, think of positioning people, frame your shot, have extra batteries and so on
2. GET A GOOD LOCATION:
Beware of the background, edges of your image such that the group will fit in the location, where the ground is flat, where there is sufficient light and where there are no distractions in the background!
3. GET CLOSE:
The closer you get, the more detail you will have in their faces-something that really lifts a shot a lot.
Use wide-angle lens if getting close results in cutting off people
4. ARRANGE THE GROUP
Act like a movie director to get a group photo. Take the initiative, be polite, be firm, and be creative in placing people and things
5. BE IN CONTROL
Be firm in directing things; do not let the status of your subjects intimidate you. Always find a polite or even humorous way of telling them what you want them to do
Always keep them in the know and be a great communicator
6. TAKE MULTIPLE SHOTS
Taking multiple shots makes it easier to get the best shots, making selection easier