One fine Saturday morning I grabbed the camera and the husband and decided to go on a local DIY photo safari in downtown Houston. It was fun to experiment and to see the city with a different perspective.
Here are some tips for a fun excursion and a few pics from the outing.
1. DIY = Do It Yourself. Although it is great to take a class and learn from the experts, it’s ok to experiment on your own! A digital camera is very forgiving. Just have fun with it.
2. Charge your battery or bring a spare. It was painful to run out of juice a short time after starting so unfortunately I have a limited number of pictures this time.
3. An open and curious mind can create the most interesting shots. See the beauty in unusual places. Sometimes an abandoned building can hold as much promise as a garden.
4. Be respectful. Being in a crowd is an advantage when taking anonymous photos of others. If it’s a one-on-one situation, it’s considerate to ask permission.
5. Look for contrast. A bit of green in an urban setting. Young and old. Old and new. Differences add creative tension and interest.
6. Be aware of the lighting. Buildings look good in the sunshine. People look better in the shade.
7. Change your position and line of sight. Instead of the usual dead-on shot, look up, try kneeling, climb some stairs. Different angles and positions give you and the viewer a whole new perspective.
8. Zoom in to capture texture and look for patterns.
9. Photographers, artists and designers use the “rule of thirds.” Imagine that your viewfinder is divided into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and place your subject where the lines intersect for a more pleasing composition.
10. Focus on the entire frame – not just your subject. Pay attention to objects in the background that may be distracting.
Taste for Adventure 
Nov 24, 2012 @ 18:26:30
Yup… right on, I would like to contribute the following:
Experiment with different lenses
Get close, if you think you are close, get closer
Keep the design of your frame simple
Use leading lines that lead in and out of the picture
and most important… have fun and take many pictures
Great Post…!
Nov 24, 2012 @ 18:42:50
Thanks, Olaf! Very helpful!
Nov 26, 2012 @ 17:44:59
I am not the guru of photography, but after years of phototaking, I realized one thing, the photo that leaves a footprint in our heart is the photo about our vision and love. I have only a fixed lens Sigma DP2, and it has helped me to see further in the world of my vision, with its own limitation.
kc
Nov 26, 2012 @ 18:59:39
I enjoy the camera because it helps me focus on the world around me. Too often we rush through life and don’t really see. I like your idea of using the camera as a tool to capture vision and love.
Dec 07, 2012 @ 16:20:58
I like this DIY photo safari idea, and I will try and put it into practice.:)