Lessons 15–16: Ira Block—People in Their Environments
Besides light and composition, moment or gesture is important in
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odd or strange elements, such as masks or stilts, in the environment. Such
elements intrigue viewers, prompting them to wonder what’s going on in
your photographs. Keep in mind, too, that you don’t always need a face;
some images can be emblematic, showing the tools of your subjects’ trade
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story without ever showing a face.When the right light, composition, and moment come together, you know
you will have a good image. But you need to be ready for those situations
to occur. Sometimes, you may get lucky, but for the most part, you need
to make your own luck—be aware of your surroundings and be on the
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background, then waiting for someone to walk into it.Environments and Activities
Like any story told with pictures, those that include people should capture
the feeling of their environments and activities. With an explorer, for
example, you want viewers to see the lonely and harsh environment in which
he works, as well as his jubilation when he reaches his goal. Photographing
people allows you to step into different cultures and lifestyles, broadening
your own perspective on the world and the perspectives of your viewers.If you’re shooting at an event, look for images that are a little less obvious,
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the activity of a waiting child, or beautiful costumes. Again, you might
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interesting to happen in front of it. Such shots don’t capture the event itself,
but they tell viewers about it.Surprising Images
When you’re photographing people, you need to be ready for surprising
expressions or other great moments to happen. In a sense, a photographer is
like an athlete—warmed up and in tune with the rhythm of the sport. When
the ball comes, the athlete is ready to catch it. The same thing is true for a