Understanding Photography Bare
When you hear the term “photography bare,” there’s a good chance you’re a bit puzzled. It’s not something you’re likely to come across in your everyday conversations. But put simply, it refers to the purest form of photography, stripped down to its most basic principles. Think of it as photography in its raw and unedited form, where the focus is solely on the subject and the photographer’s skill in capturing it.
Funnily enough, that’s also exactly what I love about this concept. There are no high-tech filters or fancy post-processing techniques to hide behind. You just have the camera, the subject, and your creativity. It’s a challenge that pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to glean the most from your surrounding environment. It’s an exhilarating feeling, to say the least.
Going the ‘bare route’ in photography means embracing natural lighting. No artificial lights or strobes are used, hence the term ‘bare.’ Rather, the sun is your primary light source during the day, while moonlight, streetlights or ambient lights take over when darkness ensues. This necessitates a good understanding of how light works and how to manipulate it to get an attractive shot. It indeed adds an extra layer of challenge, but the results are invariably rewarding.
Importance of Composition
Capturing a photograph bare is much more than just clicking the shutter button. It involves a lot of on-the-spot decision making. One of the most crucial aspects is composition. The way elements are arranged within a frame can make or break a photo. I’ve learnt from experience that the rule of thirds and the golden ratio are invaluable tools for admiring composition.
- Rule of thirds: This involves dividing the frame into nine equal parts by two vertical and two horizontal lines. The subject or points of interest are placed along these lines or at their intersection. The result? More balanced and engaging photos.
- Golden Ratio: Also known as the Fibonacci spiral, this rule suggests that an image can be divided into a grid. The subject, which forms the shell’s smaller square, is positioned on the spiral’s curve, creating a pleasing sense of balance.
The great thing is that these are just guidelines and not fixed rules. Sometimes, breaking these rules can yield incredible results. That’s one of the beauties of bare photography – the room for creativity and experimentation is endless.
The Thrill of Bare Photography
People often ask me, “Isn’t it much more convenient to just use editing software and filters?” Of course, it is. But where’s the thrill in that? I’ve found that there’s a certain enchantment to be found in the unpredictable. Each setting, each subject, brings a unique mix of challenges. And it’s conquering these challenges that makes the whole process so rewarding.
In photography bare, deciding just the right angle, just the right composition, just the right light; all while racing against the changing natural conditions, might seem tough. But to me, each and every photograph captured in this way is like a trophy earned. An accomplishment. The satisfaction it brings is immeasurable. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this thrill, there’s no turning back.
Embracing the Unpredictability
The unpredictability of photography bare may seem like a drawback to some, but I believe it’s one of its biggest appeals. There’s just something about not knowing what you’re going to get from each click. The way a sudden change in lighting or weather conditions can turn an ordinary scene into an extraordinary shot. It truly keeps you on your toes and adds an element of surprise to every session.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the spontaneity of it all. Sure, you can plan and prepare to your heart’s content. But at the end of the day, Mother Nature calls the shots. It’s about being reactive and adaptive, going with the flow and embracing the variables. The more you practice, the better you get at it. And in time, you will find these unexpected elements becoming a part of your photographic style.
Developing a Better Photography Eye
Photography bare also helps in developing a better photographic eye. As you are forced to focus more on your subject, to study the patterns, the colours and the textures, you begin to see things you would normally overlook. With time, this sharpens your observational skills and before you know it, you start seeing potential photographs everywhere.
In essence, it’s not just about the pictures you take. It’s about the journey, the learning, the growth. The realisation that there is more than one way to see the world. This is the power of photography bare and why, in my opinion, every photographer should try it at least once. But be warned — once you experience its raw beauty, there’s a high chance you’ll be hooked for life.