“Avoid the Bystander View -Another quick tip” ~ Jean Wibbens

When you see something which fascinates you and makes you grab your camera, how do you react? Do you stop, bend over, aim and shoot? Or do you stop and think? Part of my shooting routine is to ask myself, “What are you trying to say?” If you merely fire off a quick shot and move on, you are shooting as a bystander. Your photo will look like you did not engage with your subject, and your viewer, also, will not engage with your photo. Start to really explore your subject.

Think about what attracted you. Get closer, get on your knees, or try different viewpoints.
Eliminate distractions.
Make it obvious what you are trying to say with your photo.

Look at these two photos of a mushroom. The first was taken as a bystander. One look, quick snap, and done. The second photo was taken from a closer vantage point. Distractions were eliminated. The viewer can see that I was drawn to the shapes of the mushrooms nestled together. The textures of the mushrooms almost allow one’s eyes to feel the creamy yet fragile skin of the mushroom. Which photo do you prefer? Ask yourself, “What are you trying to say?” the next time you are out shooting.