08.22.07

Jardin Geometry

Posted in Paris Life at 11:04 pm by rachel

Last weekend I went with a talented friend to the Jardin du Luxembourg and Montparnasse, to embark on what she calls a “photo safari.” The goal was to practice using my new camera: a digital Canon EOS Rebel XTI. Before the safari, I knew how to use the “automatic” and “close-up” settings, as well as how to switch from automatic focusing to manual. Impressive as I know those talents sound, I really do have a long way to go in learning about aperture, shutter speed, and so much more.

One aspect of photography, which doesn’t have much to do with the camera, is composition. We found all sorts of interesting perspectives and geometrical shots. Angles here and there, triangles, intersecting lines…
My goal in taking a shot is to find an “anchor” in the foreground, contrasting shades and shapes, and interesting lines, like the shot to the right.

Most importantly, I have to get comfortable taking lots and lots of pictures, and more often! I have a tendency to keep the camera in its protective bag, inside another bag, so when I want to shoot, I have to unzip twice, pull it out, take off the lens cap…in the mean time, the sun has gone behind a cloud, or the perfect people-shot moment has passed. That’s why the photo safari is all about camera-in-hand at all times. It was a blast and I think I’m making progress - and I hope the pictures show it.

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