asymmerical – Slow Shutter Speed

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Anne Sandler · 58 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #274: Asymmetry

It’s amazing how we can learn about the way we photograph as we take on our weekly challenges. Last week Sofia had us think about how we use symmetry in our photos, and this week Donna has us digging through our files for asymmetrical images. What a learning experience. I realize that while I truly don’t think about it when I compose a picture, I lean towards taking asymmetrical images.

I guess I just like things not so obviously balanced unless I see symmetry demanding to be photographed. For example, when I compose a nature image, it’s usually asymmetrical but somehow balanced. I really don’t compose it thinking about whether it’s symmetrical or asymmetrical.

With event photography, it’s the same. Now I’m wondering why! I guess carnivals are always asymmetrical.

I tend to do the same with environmental portraits. These pictures were taken at the Empire Mine State Historical Park. I offset the man and his dog and the blacksmith. I even offset the close up of the blacksmith.

And did you notice I also posted an odd number of pictures for each segment? What does that say about me? All kidding aside, I truly don’t think too much about how I compose a photo. I just work the camera and lens until I get what I like.

Thank you, Donna, for showing us the other side of symmetry. As you can see from this post, I’ve learned a lot about my photography techniques. And to Sofia for starting us off with symmetry. I enjoyed seeing all your symmetrical images, and they were very creative.

I’ll be leading the challenge next week, so look for my post.

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Anne Sandler · 26 Comments

Lens-Artists Challenge #197: The Rule of Thirds

Not only haven’t I taken a photography class, I tend not to follow rules when it comes to photography. I just go with what looks good to me. I think it helps that I spent 20 years in business with a graphic artist (I was the writer.) and learned the basics of doing a flyer layout: have an odd number of graphics, avoid having text run down the center of the page (tunnel vision), and spread your text around the page.

This week Tina introduces us to the Rule of Thirds. The reason for this rule is basic–it helps us compose pictures that are pleasing to the eye, avoiding symmetry. But sometimes it’s better to have an image that is almost symmetrical or totally symmetrical.

Let’s see what I did in 1918.

Here are some floral examples. One is definitely centered. Although the second flower is centered, the water drop is not and it is the focal point. The last one is not centered, taking up 2/3 of the frame.

Next let’s look at some wildlife. The Canada goose in the left side of the image, giving it room to fly away. The small burrowing owl is centered but looking toward the left side of the frame. They are so small that a good crop was needed to show detail.

Landscapes are the most fun. In the first image, a white boat starts out in the lower left of the picture. You know where it is going! The second image starts out in the lower right corner with the road that takes you through the mid section and back to the right. The third is symmetrical taking us right up to and through the gate.

Sunsets can also be asymmetrical.

Portraits can also be off center. I did ask her parents permission to photograph her. I think by the way she posed, she’s had her picture taken before! Notice there’s a little room to her left.

So, yes, I break rules, but I sometimes follow them. It all comes down to what looks good to me!

Thank you Tina for giving us the nudge to look at how we compose and whether we can do anything different. When you post your reply to this challenge be sure to link to Tina’s original post and use the Lens Artists tag. Next week Patti will lead us next week with a Light and Shadow challenge.

If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, just click this link and join us: https://photobyjohnbo.wordpress.com/about-lens-artists/

Posted on September 26, 2020 by Anne Sandler · 15 Comments

Lens-Artists Challege #116: Symmetry

I love these challenges because they get me thinking about how I shoot. This week’s Lens-Artists challenge is from Patti Moed and is on symmetry.

I mostly shoot asymmetrical because I find it more pleasing to my eye. However, I do like to do macro shots of flowers and tend to fill the frame in camera. When I do shoot symmetrically, it’s usually a road or building. Again, this is mostly institutively since I don’t have any art training.

So, with that in mind, here are my examples of symmetry.

Vertical