National Geographic photo editors are known to use the expression “dancing around the teacup.” It means to approach your subject from every angle imaginable, not just the shot you first envision. Photograph it from every side, from the top, down low, near and far. Photograph the entire teacup, inside and out, the handle, and maybe even the saucer. Try different light conditions and focus points. Let your imagination take over and see what happens with your camera.
When I came across the shipwreck Donna Kay, I took over 120 images in about one hour. Given more time I could have gone on for a several hundred more. Shooting low and high, close in and farther out I took long exposures to soften the waves and quick shots to show them in detail. In post processing I tried full color, black and white and even this mixture of both.
With my image “Uncharted Waters” I removed all the color from the image except the blue and red of the hull itself. A different angle and post processing separate this image from many others I made of this subject.
Someone once said “if you want to take more interesting photos, find more interesting subjects.” I will add that if you find an interesting subject, work it in every way possible. You will be pleased with what you get.
This is the final of three articles featuring Donna Kay, a shrimp boat stranded on the Florida coast. The combination of an interesting subject in an amazing natural light show is a photographer’s dream. View the other photos in the series here and here.
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.