Trying to create a "Vision" tutorial

I would like to run a pre-tutorial within my club next year called "Vision in urban photography". I will keep a running log of spots that look like there is nothing to shoot but upon further examination, many photo opportunities exist.

Most, if not all, of these shots were taken with a G12. This is a great little camera but at times you cannot get the clarity in dark areas you can with your big camera. The plus is most people are not afraid of you and think you are just a tourist.

 Another note, some of these photos are really meant to show that there is more in a scene than meets the quick eye. These shots are not meant to be super fantastic, just to see if they can get the creative juices flowing.

Using weather to make common photos unique.

One way I find to take unique pictures of non-unique or oft-taken scenes is to use weather to your advantage. Here I was lucky it was a foggy morning. Which one is better, black and white or Colour?

Clearing out the Clutter

You may find that you look at a scene and either feel it is too busy to get anything good or you know something is there but you can't find it. Here are a couple of scenes and the photos that I felt were pretty good.

The first one here depicts the scene. Busy, messy, is there any shot here?

For me, the Yellow bib really stood out. Not saying this is the best shot in the world but when trying to make lemon aid from lemons....

This shot tells a story. Notice he still has a smile and is encouraging us to smile at him if we can't donate.

Here is another example of a messy street scene and some jewels within. At first glance you see construction, pylons, the usual CN Tower shot.

But if you look hard and have patience you can tell a story of the area. This guy seems to be deciding if he needs his umbrella or not.

I particularly like this shot. Don't forget to change the angle of your shot. I find getting down to the ground level opens up a lot of opportunities.

Always look for the character of the area in the people.

I am always looking for colour on the street. Clothing that will bring interest to any shot. These next photos will show what I saw first and what you can turn them into.

So here we have two young people looking around with a camera. Nice yellow hoodie which would contrast nicely with the white one. Will they get closer?

Yes and now we have a story. Again this is not about a great photo, just about making more of the situation than appears there in the beginning.

Same thing here. These two gentlemen caught my eye with their awesome attire. Will they walk my way?

Yes they came right at me. I had to go into "stealth mode" to keep the shot more natural but I really like this shot.

Here is another street scene that does not look like much is there. For me, I am intrigued by the black wall and the trees.

I loved the contrast of the tree on the wall. The pedestrian just added the gravy.

Other gems in this area

Don't forget to try Black & White

Sometimes other opportunities present themselves

Get in closer, wait for a better pose

Don't forget about different perspectives

Use motion to increase interest of a stagnate scene

 

So I hope this was of some interest to you. Please comment on any item you wish. Click on any photo for a bigger size view.