Three Photo Experiments to Try
“Photography is the art of making memories tangible.”
Light
I’ll never forget how I began to see the world differently after I bought my first DSLR camera. I spent hours of time researching photography, and everything I learned emphasized how light changes everything. And once you start looking for the light, you won’t ever be able to stop. When we visit a new place, I’m hypnotized by how the light pours through the trees. On a drive to dinner, I drool over the majestic golden hour that’s happening right above our local Target. And even after living in our home for over four years, I’m always surprised to see how the light dances into different shapes through varying times of day and different seasons. Looking for light is not a bad way to walk through life. Don’t just wait for ideal lighting conditions to fall upon you—look for the pockets of light, and consider how the shadows play into the story your photo will tell.
Indoor Light
Indoor lighting varies drastically. You don’t need picture windows on every wall to take beautiful photos in your home. Pay attention to how light changes the story. Bright, morning light unfiltered is warm and hopeful. Light filtered through blinds dramatizes the details that fall within the light. Leaning into shadows contrasts nicely against the focal point of your image. Indoor light in your home will be unique to your story, and that is beautiful.
Outdoor light
Golden hour is the most popular light, and it’s hard for me to stop clicking when I see a beautiful golden hour. I’m often chasing every last drip before the sun dips below the horizon.
Full sun allows for bright images while still maintaining dramatic shadows to play with.
Overcast can add color or drama depending on what the sky is like.
Application
Try photographing in all sorts of light. Use the same subject and try in 2-3 varied lightings. Consider how the light adds to the story, just as thoughtful word selection would enhance an essay.
Perspective + Negative Space
Where you shoot from changes the story. Neither of the images below are right or wrong, but notice how your eye is drawn in differently with a slight shift in perspective.
Shooting from above is a great way to document the story from a mother’s perspective.
Negative space (space around the focal point of the image) has the ability to amplify the image. Negative space is one of my favorites to really play with, and allow the setting tell the story more than expressions.
Application
Try photographing an event or outing and play with perspective. At the beach or playing at home, see how multiple perspectives allow the viewer to be more immersed in the story.
Details Remembered
Capturing small details can have a big impact. Things that would otherwise blur in memories become a very in focus part of the story. Little baby toes splashing in the bath, the way your toddler holds their tongue out while they finish a puzzle. These are things we think are ingrained in our memories, but fade over time. By documenting the details, you ensure they won’t ever be forgotten.
Baby eyelashes wet from bubble bath splashes. The way your daughter’s hair falls in the golden sunlight. How their hands look when they’re grasping yours. These are holy moments to be remembered. Click away and hold onto them forever.
Application
Take the time in your day to stop, notice the details, and photograph them. The way your toddler loads the dishwasher, or the way your baby reaches for their toes in the morning light. Details in a photograph refine memories in the most lovely way.