The Internet Needs More Cat Photos: Embracing Your Photography Clichés
It's said that there are more cat photos on the internet than any other kind of picture. Or maybe I just imagined that because I've seen so many. Either way it's no secret that cat photos were a staple of early personal websites and are still frequent favorite subjects of photobloggers and flickr folks. As often is the case when something becomes really popular, perhaps even becomes a cliché, the self-appointed critics appear with their claws out.
Replace cat blogging with your favorite photographic cliché (mine happens to be flowers) and you'll be able to find plenty of self-imagined cool kids who will knock it because it's not arty or hip enough or doesn't live up to their aesthetic standards. But you know what? They've got their own clichés, we all do, photography is an extremely personal art and it's common for us to photograph things we like. Repeatedly. Over time that favored subject of yours is going to meet the definition of cliché but it doesn't matter. As long as you still enjoy shooting something and still find beauty and interest in it then it's still a worthy subject. That doesn't mean you should get lazy and take the same cat picture over and over again. You should try every time to take the best cat photo the world has ever seen. You won't hit it out of the park every time but you should try.
Here are some tips to help you embrace a few common photography clichés and and create wonderful shots.
Flowers
It's possible that flowers are the most photographed subject ever. I know I've done my fair share but I've yet to see a truly beautiful flower that doesn't make me reach for my camera and I've yet to see a truly beautiful photograph of a flower that doesn't make me stop to admire it.
- Don't limit your flower photography to macro shots. I know it's tempting to just move in as close as possible because macro images of flowers can be very beautiful but remember to sometimes see the flower as a whole.
- Set a stage for your flowers. If you're working with a single flower or a bouquet take it out of its natural setting and instead use a piece of black velvet as a striking background. Or if you're feeling diy-ish make your own lightbox.
- Go for unique angles. Don't always shoot from directly above or perpendicular to the flower. Tilt the flower, tilt your camera, focus on leaves or thorns, look underneath.
Pets
Pets are a joy to shoot for many people because they are both incredibly loving and loved and frequently the camera captures those emotions. Like kids they also tend to ham it up for the camera (your attention) and pet photography produces some of the most fun shots imaginable.
- Reach your pet's level. Get down on the ground and shoot your pet at eye level. When you're where they are it will be much easier to engage them with the camera and capture them. Eye to eye shots are much more interesting and beautiful than shots where your pet is craning his neck up at you.
- Get them used to the camera. The first few times you get down on the floor with your camera your puppy will want to do nothing more than lick the lens. Accept this fact and things will go a lot more smoothly. After a few times she'll be used to the camera and she'll start ignoring it and go about her business of napping or playing or begging for treats. Then you can start getting the good shots without always having a lens cloth at the ready.
- Have fun. Both of you. Instead of trying to convince your cat to sit still for 30 minutes while you get the lighting, composition and angle to make the perfect shot let her play with her favorite toy or stare at the treat you're holding in your hand. This interaction helps catch your animal's personality and demeanor. If your dog loves nothing in the world more than say a squeaky ball then it's only natural to photograph the happy couple. If your dog loves chasing a frisbee take him out on a sunny day, get set with a fast shutter speed and capture him in action.
Macros
Macros are another favorite of mine. Small objects are just cool when they're blown up and you can see all the intricacies and details.
- Break away from the expected. Flowers, coins, sugar packets, etc. are pretty frequent subjects for macros. Take a step back from those and explore other things. If you've got the gear for extreme macros look at salt crystals or blades of grass. If your gear is not quite so extreme check out tools, rusty hinges, parts of larger objects and food.
- Watch your focus. When getting in close light is sometimes scarce so you'll need to be shooting with a wide aperture to let lots of light into your camera. This results in a small area of focus. If you can't add more light to the scene then grab your tripod or another camera stabilizing device so you can shoot at a smaller aperture . The smaller aperture will give you a wider depth of field, keeping more of your subject in focus. The tripod will allow you to have a slower shutter speed, without camera shake, to compensate for the smaller aperture.
The best tip of all though is to enjoy your photography. Shoot what you love and love what you shoot and whether you're a hobbyist, serious semi-pro or a full time professional you'll find your photography rewarding.
