Changing Perspective – Making It Work

 As I stood just a few steps to the right and peered through my viewfinder I saw a similar scene that this photographer was shooting.  Yet, by taking a few more steps back and shifting my scope slightly a new and wonderful scene was then exposed that told a greater story.  The subjects in this photo are not just the monument and fountain but also the person, and it is the person that catches my eye as he carefully plans his image and shoots.

 When starting the new format for this site I made a decision to only use my personal photos this year.  I knew it would bring a challenge to my semi-busy existence, but I also knew that it would force me to once again pick up my camera, pull out the knowledge gained from photo school twenty plus years ago, and learn the technical side of shooting digital (something I’ve put off far too long).  Thank goodness I have a database of old photos to keep me going until I come up to speed with the new skills I am seeking.

 I feel it is important to push ones self in order to grow in a new direction.  The easier choice would have been to have stayed in the same place and just use what I could find (some of my shots and many of other people’s work).  But, by years end my skills would have remained the same as at the beginning.  Not only am I expanding my abilities but also I am, in a sense, opening my eyes.

 If we want to achieve beautiful results we must do the work necessary to get them.  This photographer, most likely, prepared for years to get the shots he so patiently sets up.  Yes, he has nice equipment to aid him in his quest, but it also takes knowledge, and years of experience to really master the art.  This photo was, to a degree, a lucky result.  But as I shift my sites, look around, and put the effort in to learn I will rely less on luck and much more on ability.  By doing this I will know how to get what I am after instead of just hoping for those fortunate happenings.  In life people who rely on luck will get the beautiful results some of the time, but overall do not have the long-term effects of hard work and planning.  You can really gain a clearer view and perspective if ultimately you are willing to step back, learn, and make it work.