Workshop at the Ranch – April 2003 – What Drives an Image

What Drives an Image?

Welcome to April’s Workshop at the Ranch. Beginning with this months edition I will be teaching and illustrating elements that drive an image. That is, things besides “the moment” that can draw a viewer into your pictures and hold their interest. I believe that color, pure and simple, is one of those elements that when used correctly can be a driving force behind an image selling for publication. Here are some examples.

This picture of volleyball players is simple yet effective. The color of the court is a dominating factor in drawing the viewer into the picture. I used the Nikon D1H and set the white balance on Shade-3 which is the warmest setting to make the salmon colored court a burnt orange. Simple action, it happens a hundred times a game, but made interesting with color.

No trees, No golfer, No action, No moment, yet a very pleasing picture. Color is the main focus of attention. It also helps that the guy mowing has a red shirt. A simple scene made interesting with color.

Similar to the volleyball players, color is the draw. I used a Nikon D1H at this event and enhanced the blue of the stage lighting with white balance controls on the camera. Fluorescent+3 is a very cool color setting when used in combination with theater lighting grids used at some sporting events.

The color of the clay in tennis can vary. This clay in Argentina was extremely vibrant. Shot from the top of the stadium with a my thought being Great Color, I chose the most common movement in tennis to heighten the idea of perfection and beautiful color.

Sometimes the color can be the subject and the background is simple. In this example, Indy500 winner Rick Mears has the brightest yellow car on the track. Terrific color, and the champion.

Same concept as the Rick Mears photograph. Strong color this time popping out of the black background of pine trees. Russia’s premier skier with great color, black background, strong action, and the subject I was assigned to photograph. Works for me.

Well, we have a start into a series I hope you will like. Please join me next month for another Workshop at the Ranch were we will continue along this series of what drives an image and see how to incorporate design into your work. Your questions are always welcome.

Adios, Dave