Heart of the Image

I have found over the years that it is often better for me to photograph part of the subject in order to show more of the subject. Capturing the tulip's play with light and shadow does more for the composition and revelation than including everything from the tips to the cut stems. The heart of the image, just like the heart of me or you for that matter, is not so easily seen from a distance.

I try to find out why I am drawn to the subject. There is usually something specific that catches my interest. Without even knowing what that is at first, though knowing there is something, I begin to engage with the subject by way of my lens. Looking and seeing, bending and moving, I explore and see what it is that draws me. More often than not, after some time, I find it.

Bits

Sometimes you don't need to see the whole to know what something is. Here is a good example. Glimpses of telltale orange and familiar bits will give you a good understanding of the whole. This doesn't always work, of course, but in this case it does.

In writing, they say to "show, don't tell"...don't lay it all out. It is less interesting, less engaging if you do. I wonder if that premise can also be applied to photography.  I prefer bits of, instead of the whole. Every now and again, a sweeping landscape photo is just right, the right shot, and I will take it and enjoy the results. More often than not though, I like to get closer and see what there is to see, and then show you little bits.