How to survive… June

June (or the end of it) officially marks the half way part. Sadly though, the advice kind of stops the same through out summer as the same problems pretty much apply month to month. In order to try and mix it up a bit, last year I trialled ‘surrealist June’ wherein I took a surreal (ish) photo every day for the whole month. Some were total pants, but there are some photos in there which I still really like and it set me on a different path in terms of my photography.

Positives of June

Better weather, longer light. Get out there!
Flowers. Always changing!
Insects. They can be tricky to shoot, but there will be lots of them. Do some research online to find out which flowers will attract which insects and where you can find them and off you go. If you don’t have a macro lens, try buying some extension tubes, you can get them for around £5 on eBay!

Negatives of June

More of the same. May, June and July (and August!) are quite similar. Don’t get stuck in a rut.

How to survive …June

‘In the style of’ – pick an artist (doesn’t have to be a photographer) and try to do something in their style. Don’t just set out to make a copy of it, but instead try to come up with your own idea but make sure it is in their style.
Revisit old shots – this time try to take as close to possible as the same shot. Look for positioning of the camera and lighting to try and recreate it. Where possible though, try to show that you have progressed with your skills.
Convince the pet to sit still long enough for a portrait – practice a different technique with someone who wont sit still for long. Don’t have a pet? Borrow one from a neighbour, friend or family member. Even better exchange the photo you take for a visit to their house and a cup of tea with a slice of cake.
Document the mundane – try to make every day house hold chores, or the trip to work look at least vaguely interesting. Choose an unusual angle or a really shallow depth of field to help you emphasis details.

June 2013