I was re-reading a Bryan Peterson book on composition and he suggests that compelling photography is not about the content but about the arrangement of the content. I think that’s only partly true but he does have a point.
I went out for my usual newspaper and coffee and passed a wide variety of interesting but common things like huge pumpkin stands, Amish children of the corn and even a rare steam engine at the Strasburg Rail Road.
But I was looking for something different and a mile from home I stopped to check out some potatoes. They had three sizes and I noticed this old cash jar that said medium on it right next to the medium potatoes.
For some reason this fascinated me and I decided to photograph it featuring the jar as the main subject. Between the Amish woman that owned the stand and the potato junkies that kept pulling in it was distracting but I persevered.
Eventually I realized that I could move things around to get the composition I wanted and the last three images I took were the best. Despite the clouds and an umbrella blocking the light I got a shot I’m happy with.
Now is this the kind of thing I would hang on my wall? No, but my Psychiatrist has been asking me for a photo and I think if I had this printed and framed she would not only stop asking me but would probably give me better meds.
I adore this photo for the week. 😀
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Thanks Cee, I just realized it fit your weekly challenge.
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Interesting. I’ll be thinking about my composition a bit differently the next time I click my shutter. 😊
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I think after a while it comes naturally, and if not we have the delete key. 😀
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Love your thinking aloud about composition in this post – thanks too for making me laugh picturing this ‘medium’ on the psychiatrist’s wall
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If might be funny but I’m serious, she has a new office with bare walls. My therapist on the other hand has six large Ansel Adams photos, because for her everything is black and white.
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am sure therapy is about seeking the grey tones
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I agree but but shes an eternal optimist and believes that all will be well with a positive attitude. I think Hemingway probably had a positive attitude before he pulled the trigger. 😦
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he was an extremist as well as a fine author!
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Is being an extremist a good thing Laura?
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You catch me every time – I am reading along, agreeing with your insights, and then you throw the twist – always humorous. You really should publish a book.
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Well I am retired and have a few (24) free hours a day. Truth is stranger than fiction VJ. 🙂
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True dat.
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Oh you have a gangster side to you, I like that!
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My doc had never asked me, but I brought some of my works anyway) I think your doc won’t be shocked… or is it the thing you want to reach?
I like your photo. I can imagine it on the wall in a cafe, it has some atmosphere.
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Thanks Alena. For a long time she refused to look at my blog but I think I talked her into it last visit. I’ll tell you why next time we talk.
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