Through

In my Project 52, this quarter’s theme is “Shoot through.” Regina and I approach this project with an openness so we have embraced this idea with freedom. The concept of "shooting through” has developed into a creative method to add depth to my art. Here are some tips to utilize this vision to enhance your visual stories.

Set your camera

Use wide aperture. Yep. Lower your f-stop. I find around f/2 to f/4 will give you the most powerful “shoot through” images. With a shallow depth of field (lower number f-stop), objects in front of the subject and behind are blurred drawing the eye to the focus while maintaining an element of mystery. Allowing natural elements in front of your subject cause the eye to travel through the frame minimizing distraction and emphasizing the focus of the subject.

Look for holes

When you’re engaging with your subject, seek out opportunities to find a gap: a break in the petals, a place where the water parts, This method of “shooting through” gives the viewer an inside look, like they are experiencing a part of a secret world and further incites the imagination to wonder what else exists.

Use repetition

Find items in multiples. Take some time to observe. Where do you experience layers? It could be in a field of flowers, it could also be among grasses or fences, ripples of water or fence posts. The natural world is full of opportunities for discovering depth. With that shallow depth of field, focus on a subject in the middle allowing items both in the foreground and background to blur. This method of shooting through takes the viewer on a journey and helps to expand the vision of what’s beyond.

Put something. Anything. In front of your lens

In my creative art I often use the Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System which includes a series of reflective plates (some with holes :) ), crystals of various shapes, and colorful films. When you place these in front of your lens, move them. twist them, cover part or all of the lens. With slight movement unique color and bokeh appear adding an element of vibrance! You literally can shoot through anything! Try plastic wrap, prisms, crystal glasses, copper pipe, sequence/cloth as well as using natural elements such as flower petals and leaves. Here’s where your creativity has the the capacity to soar!

First image: Lensbaby OMNI neon film, Second image: Lensbaby OMNI quilted film, Third image: plastic wrap

What will you shoot through today?

I challenge and encourage you to view the world in a way that seeks out opportunities to shoot through whether through your positioning or angle or purposefully placing items in front of the lens. May you experience wonder and a new depth in your creative art!