Benched in Tortuga

Top:  bench in Tortuga  Bottom:  Kathryn on the same bench

When I see something that appeals to me visually, I want to photograph it.  I loved the scene facing us (top) while visiting Tortuga last year.  It was colourful, had clean lines, and was simple yet attractive.  It was populated with simple objects each of us takes for granted.  To top it all off there was an easy way to compose the image, facilitating the rule of thirds and framing.

Clearly though, something was missing.  The large open space to the left of the window was begging for a subject; anything really.  It was a gaping hole in an otherwise wonderful setting.  The solution was to incorporate a person, and I knew the very one.  One of the things I frequently do is to photograph something without someone in it, then repeat the process but this time with a person.  The change was dramatic.

Although the same void existed, there was now a dominate subject which displaced its presence (bottom).  Instead of the eye finding an empty quadrant, it found a person.  This deflected your attention in such a way as to change the entire composition.  The great news here is that it is an easy fix.  It accomplishes the goals of changing the anchor point in the image and adds a personal touch.  The reality is that the top photo would mean less to me over time while the bottom one would forever carry the image of one I love.  How poignant. 

This idea then is the basis of this blog.  Shoot as you see fit, but remember to put people in your shot some of the times.  Photographs of things or places will always carry with them a certain degree of appeal or nostalgia, but it is the people in our lives that gives them perpetual meaning.  Selfies are, of course, all the rage, but often leave out important methods of producing fetching photos.  A tripod, a little time, and some instructions on your part will likely produce far more rewarding images with you as the centerpiece, along with whoever accompanies you.  I suggest taking two shots, one with people and one without.  Compare them over time; the one with family and friends will almost certainly become the most favourite over time. 

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