Framing

This isn't about framing a picture and hanging it on the wall. This is about framing the subject within the photo. Sometimes a picture can become more interesting when you use objects around you to create a border around the subject like a frame. Instead of being distracting, this adds visual interest to the shot in several ways. It creates a sense of depth between the viewer and the subject through layering; through this depth, perspective is added. Whatever is used as the frame also helps the eye draw to the subject, pulling the viewer in and creating an almost interactive piece. Plants are among the best objects to use as frames. You simply step behind some branches or leaves, find a spot where the subject is clear and the border is visible in the viewfinder (or lcd screen if you're too cool for a viewfinder), and take a picture.

Photography Angles

Don't worry, I didn't misspell angels. This is truly about different angles in photography. Have you ever looked at something from  your normal standing position and didn't see anything extraordinary, but then you tilted your head or stooped down and all of a sudden it intrigued you? This is why I like taking photos from several angles. A flower may look like a tiny bud from above, but if you get down to its level, it looks like a monstrous plant. My favorite "abnormal" angle is the diagonal. Sometimes the subject doesn't fit in the whole frame, and sometimes the angle simply takes people by surprise.

(Under water)

Shadows

Shadows are fun photo subjects. Sometimes they trick your mind into thinking it's something else much like the first picture below. It looks like a Scottish terrier, but it's really a window with curtains and objects on the sill. Shadows also cooperate with photographers trying to capture silhouettes. Just be careful if you're taking the picture of your own shadow. Strike a pose that won't betray you as the one taking the photo.

Bokeh

You probably know what "bokeh" is even if you don't know that's the technical term belonging to it. Have you ever seen a picture with lights in the background but they're out of focus? They make this cool light circle. That is bokeh. The technical definition is the aesthetic quality of the blur the background of a photo when it is out of focus. An easier way to say this is the way that a lens captures out-of-focus points of light. The reason for it being such a fun word to say is its roots are Japanese. Bokeh comes from the Japanese word "boke" meaning "blur" or "haze." Boke-aji means "blur quality." And there you have it folks. Bokeh can be good or bad depending on if it takes away from the picture, and that usually depends on the lens. My camera creates a softer bokeh. I think it's good bokeh.

Bath Time

Hedgehogs only need a bath every one to two months. That's probably a good thing, because they hate the water. Sonic went into hiding after I pulled him out of the sink. But he was so darn cute! You can't use soap on hedgehogs because it might irritate their skin and quills. Instead, you put them under running water and brush them with a toothbrush. It's that easy. Take your camera out too...they're adorable with water droplets on their snouts. The radial blur in the first photo is caused by Sonic struggling to get out of the stainless sink.

Texture

I love photos containing great texture. It's even better when there are multiple textures to break up the repetition. It may the designer in me, since as an interior design major that was one of my requirements for every room I created. There's texture everywhere you look. It's even on you. Your hair, your skin, your clothes...I could probably go on for hours. It's like a dog with scents. They keep discovering new scents, and each new one is as wonderful as the last. I'm that way with texture. I don't go around smelling and touching everything I see, but I can appreciate the textural qualities of things. All of them are very visually stimulating.

Rule of Thirds

I'm sure you've heard the term "rule of thirds," but I'll refresh in case anyone's been missed. This term is a rule of thumb that is used in the visual arts. Basically, it is more pleasing to the eye when the composition of the picture, painting, design, etc. is divided into nine equal parts (as shown in the photos below) and the subject of the artwork is placed along the division lines. Rule of Third for dummies: don't put anything dead center. Sometimes dead center works. Portrait settings are one example. However, this should be avoided for the most part. A centered photo is a boring photo. What do we want? Visual interest. When do we want it? Now!