Off-Season
Tips for Amateur Photographers on Ocracoke
GET CLOSE
to your subject. Fill the frame with a person, building, or scene.
A speck of a seagull or catch-of-the-day becomes much more interesting
when you fill your viewfinder with it.
Concentrate
on early morning and late afternoon shots when the light is best.
Avoid the harsh, uninteresting, overhead light of midday.
Avoid shooting
toward the sun (unless, of course, you're shooting a sunrise or
sunset). Most subjects between you and the sun will likely end up
as silhouettes. Try the harbor before sunset to catch returning
boats.
Divide your
composition into thirds rather than halves both vertically and horizontally.
Move the horizon line either 1/3 from the top or 1/3 from the bottom
and don't allow a tree or other object to cut your picture in half.
Try moving your subject off-center for a more interesting composition.
Look for unusual
subject matter or backgrounds. Boat docks, dunes, island shops,
marshes, or maritime forests all spell B-E-A-C-H.
Shoot an interesting
detail up close ... fishing nets drying in the sun, an interesting
nautical feature, or a bicycle basket filled with shells.
Pick your
subject (notice the word "subject" is singular). How many
vacation photos have you seen where tiny people are posed in front
of a giant attraction? Viewers want to see the expressions on faces
in portraits. And, if you're taking photos of attractions there's
no need to pose people in the foreground . . . viewers will trust
that you were actually there.
Try unposed
shots. While it's great to get everyone together for a group photo
where everyone looks at the camera and says "cheese,"
it's also interesting to get some candid shots when they're not
aware that the camera is operating.
Avoid high-speed
films. While film of 400-800 speed will allow you to take photos
in low light, it will produce grainy results. Try working with 100-200
speed if most of your shots will be taken outdoors.
Take your
camera everywhere. If you don't have the camera, you won't get the
shot!