Spontaneity, Anticipation, and Inspiration

On the way to the Hammond Building, the core engineering building on campus, I pondered the perfect topic for this final blog post before a hiatus.  I found three.  Although focusing on three topics may seem like a scattershot approach, they're similar in that they help me distinguish which photos to use and what topics to discuss every week.

Spontaneity

Sure, planning is crucial in an art such as photography.  However, photography is unique in that it only takes an instant to capture the final product.  Within a split second, you have your entire creation before your eyes.  With this fact in mind, it's important for photographers to master the art of planning, as well as the art of thinking on the spot.  I've been able to focus on this second skill frequently here at PSU, where in my limited time between classes, I need to find subjects that are diverse, but still representative of and unique to Penn State.

I once again took advantage of the unusual stairwell in Hammond.  This double exposure is dominated by the stone pattern surrounding the steps.  Originally, I had no intention of taking this photo, but something about the configurations of the stones and colors spoke to me.  Since I always carry around my camera with me, I was able to snap a picture right away.

Key point being, keep your camera on you, you'll never know when you'll want to take a picture.

Anticipation

Anticipation, in all forms of the word, contribute to the success of any photograph.  In terms of predicting what comes next, it's important for the photographer to not only be aware of the subject they are shooting, but also their surroundings.  Especially when shooting moving scenes, it's integral to be cognizant of what's truly being shot.  Anticipation in the sense of timing also accentuates the themes of the picture.  This red and green shot of these flowers above serve to create a stark contrast, while also conjuring thoughts of Christmas.  Anticipation of the holiday season subliminally drew my attention to this color scheme and now, this picture creates excitement for events to come.

Using timing to your advantage can keep your intended purpose for the photo, while eliciting a potentially powerful response from your audience.  Always keep your surroundings (literal or figurative) in mind!

Inspiration

Finally, I'll leave you with this image.  At first glance, it's a pretty mundane picture of some buildings on campus.  At second glance... it's still pretty boring.  But really give it a long, hard look, and you'll find something.  As faint as it may be flowing from the bottom left corner, there was a rainbow that day.  Even though it chose to not manifest itself clearly in my photo, I know if I look hard enough, I'll find it.  Sometimes, it's not about the picture—it's about remembering the moment you took that picture.  During a week full of midterms and a seemingly infinite number group projects, the rainbow was just the pick-me-up I needed.  Shining through the sky, overcoming the clouds that had dominated that dreary day.  In some ways, that rainbow was showing me there really is light at the end of the tunnel.

If you couldn't see the rainbow, here's an edited version that highlights it: