LDS Temple Photography - Taking Better Images, Part 1
We all want to take better photos including photographing the glorious LDS Temples. Too often our images don't meet our expectations, what are we missing? The secret is to make the image, not take the image.
Temple photography can be complicated especially when we try to compete with others who use post processing programs like Photoshop. Don't get me wrong, I love and use Photoshop, but if post production isn't your thing follow these simple tips:
The key is communication: An image lacks the sounds, smells, and noises of the original scene so you must communicate those senses intentionally yet differently. Great photographers have mastered communication through imagery. It's really that simple. You communicate through color, light, composition, simplicity, and depth etc. Understanding exactly what you are trying to communicate before taking the picture will help you make better images. Start with these tips:
Always define the subject: Are you trying to show beautiful gardens of the Temple or it's structure? If both, which is more important? Think about balance. How does the sky play into the image? The human eye is always attracted to the brightest area of the image with the possible exception of the color red. If you are trying to show the Temple and gardens but the brightest area is the sky, you are sending the wrong message.
Light: Avoid mid-day harsh sun at all cost, the blue cast of mid-day sun is generally unattractive. Remember the eye sees differently than the camera. Always shoot within 30-45 minutes of sunrise and sunset to get that beautiful red light.
Color: Colors are emotions, seriously. The warmer colors of reds, oranges and yellows evoke feelings of happiness, optimism and energy. Cool colors like green, blue and purple evoke soothing and calmness but can also express sadness. Bright colors can uplift your mood, whereas dark, muted or grey colors can evoke sadness. Use color to communicate your emotion. For example, take 3 different images, a dark foggy forest, a blue night time cityscape or kids in brightly colored clothing eating ice cream. All 3 images portray different emotions. Define the emotion you are trying to portray.
Composition: The lines in the image, or where the elements of the image are placed is paramount. There are many ways to achieve great composition but the easiest is the "Rule of Thirds". This is simply a large "Tic Tack Toe" grid superimposed on the viewfinder; make sure important elements of the image fall on one of the connecting points, and other lines of the image fall close to the vertical or horizontal grid lines. Using leading lines such as paths or retaining walls will draw the viewer's eyes into the image, but make sure the weight of the subject is on or close to connecting points.
Putting it all together: Go out and shoot! Pre-visualize what you are trying to do before taking the shot, and practice. Don't just take an image, make an image and communicate.
David Williams specializes in LDS Temples, Landscape Photography and Indigenous Cultural images of the Southwest. See his work at https://www.davidwilliamsphotography.com or follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/david_williams_photography_/
