Make an ordinary photo, extraordinary…

Make the ordinary, extraordinary. This is our job as photographers and artists. The photo above is of a very common bird, an egret. There are countless white egrets in Florida this time of year and they are generally quite unremarkable, white in color, they blend in with countless other white birds this season. However, what make an ordinary image become extraordinary is the gentle gesture of the bird extending her wing and appearing to count her feathers. I’m sure she is just preening as most birds do, but in my story telling image, she’s counting feathers. That’s our job as good photographers, to be good story tellers. We are waiting for the right moment to make the picture, in this case the light and the gesture of extending her wing. Removing the color from this scene is another way to create a stronger image. Instead of color getting attention, light, shadow, pattern, texture and tonality all become more important in B&W. The photo is of an ordinary bird but in extraordinary circumstance, and that’s what makes the image powerful and more compelling.

The same concept applies to structures. In this photo, the bridge is photographed during beautiful light to accentuate the interesting architectural qualities of the bridge. Photographed in ordinary light conditions, the bridge remains an ordinary means allowing vehicles to pass over water, from point a to point b. However, at twilight, the bridge takes on a magnificent golden color and stands out beautifully from the deep blue background. During the day, the bridge looks utilitarian, but during the blur hour, it looks extraordinary.