Expressive Photography: Shooting Images to Express Mood, Emotion, Thoughts

There are a lot of things I love about photography. But the diversity of subjects you can focus on is high on the list.

Yesterday was an extremely stressful day. And craziness seemed to be coming from all directions.

But once I'd put the kiddies to bed, I decided the best way to relax, to release all that stress, was to shoot.

So I set up a new backdrop that had just arrived from overseas. I set up different configurations of vases, flowers, fabric, chairs and other decor, until I found one that said "serenity."

It took a few tries. The following image was nice, but didn't quite express the mood I was going for:

But once I shot the following photograph, I knew I was done. It was the last image I shot.

Here -- the softeness of the tulle fabric, the muted tones of the backdrop, the single flower, and the antique vase -- everything works together to create a calming image I want to keep looking at, to dive into even.

I've now set it as my backdrop. So that as I work on my computer, I can take breaks, minimize any open windows, and just relax.

This coming fall, I will be launching a line of greeting cards. I'm sure this soft photograph will ultimately serve as one of the featured images in my collection.

Have a great, relaxing week.

: )

Best,

Susan Eckert

http://www.liartphotography.com

http://www.liboudoirphotography.com

Crazy Weather Can Make for Beautiful Images!

So I shot a wedding on Sunday the 31st of May. The weather was INSANE. Kept changing every 2 minutes - which made it tough to shoot the ceremony. One minute there was a blazing sun, the next minute dark heavy clouds, the next minute a flat gray sky...you get the idea.

Because I like the creative freedom that comes from shooting manual, I kept having to shift my settings to keep up...but it was worth it!

Take this image:

To my eye, the coulds make this shot! Sure, the preacher's position--looking skyward as he prays to God and bestows blessings on this lovely couple--is key as well. It tells a great story. But it wouldn't be a complete story without the coulds.

The puffy blue, powerful looking clouds could symbolically represent God's presence here at this holy event. It's almost as if God is listening - and the clouds serve as evidence of that!

Not to mention that the clouds add visual interest and serve as a nice backdrop. Picture the same image against a flat grey sky...just wouldn't be the same, now would it?

It did drizzle a bit. And my heart did flutter in my chest as I noted that my camera and lens (worth more than some used cars) were exposed. But, the weather kept changing. And sure enough, the sun made its appearance yet again.

So, if the weather isn't ideal on the day of your big event, don't worry - in the right hands, it can add to the artistic beauty of your images taken on that day.

Make it a great day (even if it is raining cats and dogs - at least here in Long Island, NY!)

Susan Eckert

www.liartphotography.com

www.liboudoirphotography.com