THROUGH A LENS: By Raffy & Jim Paredes
Last week, we featured the ten rules of the Lomographic Society for enjoying the "lomo" cameras. We also said that those rules can equally apply to having fun with whatever camera you may have. This was intended to boost the morale as well as spark the creativity of those readers who cannot as yet acquire high performing digicams.
Today, let’s take another look at some of the rules and see how they can guide us to take more pleasure in photography - and be better photographers as well. My comments follow the rules.
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Street and car lights glow as rain falls heavily on
my car’s windshield. Just experimenting. | | "Rule #1 & 2: Take your camera everywhere you go. Use it anytime, day and night." Try bringing your camera everywhere you go for at least a week. Yes, don’t leave home without it. The devoted photographer is ready anytime, anywhere to capture that single moment that will never come again. You will see that you don’t even have to look hard for a subject. When you have a camera on hand, notice how the world seems to come alive around you. Be aware of the people, the different objects, the lighting, shadows, movements, etc. Realize that every passing moment will never come again. Everything changes all the time. But you have the opportunity and the means to interpret that specific subject and moment in a photograph.
"Rule # 3: Photography (lomography) is not an interference in your life but part of it." Photography is a means to express the artistic self. Breathe and create. The more you create, the more you become. Shoot pictures to experiment, to interpret, to remember or simply to keep.
"Rule # 4: Try the shot from the hip." Be bold. Try a new angle, a different lighting perhaps. Expand your limits with new ideas. How many ways can you take a particular shot? And remember that you are expressing yourself. Others need not like what you shoot.
"Rule # 7: Be fast." When you have become aware of your surroundings, you will realize the many photo opportunities around you. Don’t take too long with the viewfinder. Point and click that shutter. Get better with more practice.
"Rule # 10: Don’t worry about any rules." Don’t let the rules restrict your passion. Celebrate life with your images. Express. Be yourself. Give free rein to your imagination. Relish your photographs.
Of all the ten rules, the last one is really my favorite. I find it the best for nurturing the creative process.
See the 10 Rules of the Lomographic Society at www.lomography.com.
For comments, suggestions or simply sharing, email rfyparedes@yahoo.com.
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