Cover image via blogspot.com
Thinking of jumping on the photography bandwagon?
Everyone seems to post photographs on social media. From selfie, wefie, to unending #YOLO posts, they are everywhere! But, it's still rare to bump into photos that are unfiltered—or as millennials hashtag it: **#NoFilter**.
Image via Giphy
Whatever happened to authenticity? If you truly are interested in photography, learn to embrace its rawness first—and the hardwork that comes with it
The late Vivian Maier, whom we believe was the trendsetter of the selfie phenomenon, modeled it best when it comes to 'authentic photography'. She has managed to capture every moment of her waking life with her trusty Rolleiflex and not even once did she dare to develop them—until in 2007 when John Maloof acquired Maier's film rolls from an auction and developed them afterwards. Her photographs are now displayed in museums around the globe inspiring photographers at large.
Image via Vivian Maier website
Image via Vivian Maier website
Image via Vivian Maier website
Image via Vivian Maier website
Look at Maier's works and every photographer who never filtered nor edited their images. Familiarize yourself with their photographs and relearn the basics of Photography 101 before calling yourself a pro.
Be the bigger person and try to disregard them beautiful filters for once. Look for the right lighting, capture the beauty of the unnoticed and maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to capture an event at its finest moment. Just be patient with yourself and enjoy your growth process. 🙂
Here are the essential camera phone tips that you need as you master the art of mobile photography:
Follow the (natural) light
The lighting is the backbone of a photograph. Whether it's the sun's rays embracing the vibrant elements of your salad or the flickering candle blanketing a subtle warm orange color on your mother's face, natural light will produce your photograph's raw and authentic composition without having the need to filter.
Image via Rappler / SAYS
Image via Instagram / thanasak26
Remember the rule of thirds
Divide the image into nine (9) equal parts (two vertical and horizontal lines) and place your subject along the intersecting lines. This way, you can refrain from the typical 'centering' and show your subject from a fresh, different perspective.
Image via Rappler / SAYS
Image via Instagram / __hugomarques__
Be observant
Never underestimate the power of observation and perspective. Just because everyone's capturing the temple in the same position doesn't mean it's the ONLY acceptable angle to photograph it. It wouldn't be wise if you'll just follow others' view on things—even in life.
You have to find, even *create*, your own standpoint. Step away from the scene the moment it happens. Observe intently; look and walk around. Capture the subject in a different angle and you might just wring a different story from it.
Image via Instagram / j0eel
Image via Instagram / rozakdotnet
Match colors!
Try capturing the same colors in one frame like, a red umbrella and a red telephone booth or a blue raincoat and a blue bicycle. Play this game when photowalking so that you won't get bored and it'll force you to take more creative shots!
Image via Facebook
Capture motion
The best way to do this is in public places like train stations, restaurants or even Chinatown. Observe the movements of people, cars, trains. Find a place where you can stand without getting bumped (or robbed!) and wait for the right moment as they pass in front of your frame—then shoot.
Image via Petapixel
Image via Rappler / SAYS
Embrace negative space
Unless you want to capture a group of people, try focusing on one or two subjects per frame while keeping the 'rule of thirds' in mind. Leave a lot of negative space (blank area) around your subject to give it a breathing room and an artistic flare!
Image via EFTM
Image via Instagram / doyoutravel
Try going noir
In the early 1940s, a style of filmmaking called *Film Noir* was developed which literally means "black film" in French. The name refers to a genre of mostly black-and-white American films with bleak subject matter, downbeat tone, and low-key lighting. Today, *Noir* is embraced by renowned street photographers like our local photographers: [Xyza Cruz Bacani] (http://says.com/ph/kulture/filipina-photographers-on-instagram-that-you-should-follow-right-now) and [Rick Rocamora] (http://says.com/ph/news/this-filipina-who-grew-up-in-quiapo-as-a-beggar-graduates-from-college).
Canadian photographer [Ted Grant] (http://tedgrantphoto.com) said it best about black and white photography:
"**When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!**""
Image via Instagram / fracrox
Image via Instagram / oh_hedwig
