How to Choose a Subject for Photography?

The subject of a photograph is the main focus of the image. The object is what is being photographed. The subject does not have to be the only thing in the photo, but it should be the most important element.

The two main elements of a photograph or a body of photography work are picking a subject and composition of the image. Sometimes the subject is chosen for you, for example, if you're hired for a portrait photoshoot. But if you're working on your project you pick the subject.

Photography allows you to express yourself and show others your view of the world.

Many things may inspire us, but true inspiration comes while working. 

What is a photograph? A photograph is a visual representation captured by a camera, consisting of light and shadows recorded on a photosensitive medium, such as film or a digital sensor. 

The subject in photography can be a person, landscape, still life, or abstract concept. 

Photo by Joanne Guillard

Photo by Joanne Guillard

Photography serves as a means of storytelling and communication and also can be a form of artistic expression. It preserves memories, document life, and captures moments. Whether you explore themes, to inform, entertain, or evoke emotion. The photographer chooses the purpose of their work.

Finding your subject

Photo by Joanne Guillard

Photo by Joanne Guillard

Photo by Joanne Guillard

Whether it's portraits, landscapes, still life, or abstract, as a beginner in photography, just start taking photos inside or outside, of whatever inspires you without worrying too much about the camera settings, camera equipment, composition, background, and anything else. In the best way take photos of everything you feel like.

Make it a habit to take photos everywhere you go.

When you’re creating photos you have an idea of what you like as a photographer. You’re able to communicate yourself to the world. You won’t know until you go out and take photos. “To create a successful body of work, the subject you are photographing must live in an environment that you enjoy being in.” (George Tatakis)

Be around places and people you enjoy. If you like inside you may be comfortable working in a studio or at home or you may like

adventure or talking to people outside where you can explore. 

Maybe you enjoy photographing your band or sporting games, start where you’re most comfortable.

Remember art is all about your unique views and expression, as you’re getting used to creating photos. Look back on the work you created. And answer these questions, what was it that attracted you the most? Are they black and white? Color? Are they horizontal photos or Vertical? Is there a specific lighting pattern in these photos? What was the situation that made you want to take this photo? 

As you continue to learn your craft and develop your personality through your work. Go further into learning the art of photography by reading books or watching videos. Always be learning as you work. Master your subject.

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Why Art Matters?

According to the Dictionary:

Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

According to Wikipedia:

Art is a diverse range of human activities involving the creation of visual, auditory or performing artifacts (artworks), which express the creator’s imagination, conceptual ideas, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Other activities related to the production of works of art include art criticism and the history of art.

Mimesis:

Art is the representation or replication of something beautiful or meaningful.

Expression:

Art is the expression of subjective experience and emotion.

Formalism:

Art is the arrangement of lines, colors, shapes, and other aesthetic elements.

The Power of Art

Art grabs attention/awareness, inspires us to act, and gives us a way to express what’s important to us. Stimulants creativity and it heals. Keeps us hopeful, makes us feel less lonely, rebalances us, helps us to be more appreciative. Art is a universal language.

Art expresses a person’s view of the world. Art creates the world we live in, it’s wherever you go. It’s personal to every individual. It educates, it’s understanding, creates relationships, creates dialogue, and fosters new ideas.

3 Major Forms of Art Generally Includes

Visual Arts

In visual art, artists use a canvas, pen, camera, or different creative objects to send a message. The elements of visual arts are line, shape and form, tone/value, texture, color, and space. Visual art forms include fine art, decorative art, and contemporary art. The main forms of visual arts include ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, design, and filmmaking.

Literature Arts

The main genres of literature arts include Poetry, Play-write, Non-Fiction, Fiction, and Folktale. It shares a story and develops a theme for the audience. While it can stand alone as a form of art, it also is closely related to other art forms. It is a body of written works of a language, period, or culture.

Performing Arts

There are four elements of performing arts time, space, the performer’s voice or body or presence, and a relationship between performer and audience. Performance can be scripted or unscripted, spontaneous or planned. It can be live or via the media. Performing arts may include dance, music, opera, theatre, musical theatre, and spoken word.

Other Forms of Art

Culinary arts (including cooking, chocolate making, and winemaking)

Graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed on flat surfaces)

Plastic arts (sculpture, modeling)

Architecture (often including interior design)

Some art forms combine a visual element with performance (e.g.cinematography), or artwork with the written word (e.g. comics). From prehistoric cave paintings to modern-day films, art serves as a vessel for storytelling and conveying humankind’s relationship with the environment.

Overall art is about something being made creatively and convey a cultural message. Art gives people a voice. Art is for everyone. Art tells the story of the people. Art is a creative outlet.

If you enjoy my work, please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee or checking out my author page on Amazon. Also, check me out on YouTube, Instagram, Apple Music, and Spotify.