Subject matter; does it matter?

Subject matter; does it matters to you for all the shots you take, or do you go out of your way and try to turn something casual into something great?

I raise this particular question, in my case, on macro photography. There is no doubt that I always am looking for that special bug or that strange worm, mantis, jumping spider or beetle because it will make your shot at a whoop more interesting to watch, right? But the truth is that, most of the time here (and I am longing for my Costa Rica trip) the bugs aren’t so exotic looking or have those fabulous colors. Mind you, I am not talking about the Wonders of that Little Macro World, which are amazing, but I am talking about seeing with other eyes when Nature sends all the simple bugs your way

I read or get messages about photographers finding it hard to come up with new pictures once it gets colder and the bugs are nowhere to be found, and their inspiration drops to a low level. It’s in these cases that you should rethink about subject matter, because sometimes you can do great things with simple subjects. You just need to find another angle on it.

Take for example: Flies.

Not loved by many people, and not a favorite macro subject neither for me, but they mostly sit still, are willing to have their portrait taken, will live all Winter in your home and do have a funny head seen in close up. I don’t particularly enjoy shooting them, but when it’s all I got and I went out to shoot macro, well, I just try to make the best out of it. It’s the moment to let your brain work on other things, like backgrounds, compositions, colors or angles. See it as a creative moment and try to blend all things together in your shot. You’ll be surprised how a casual subject matter as a simple fly can wield some pleasing images.

Don’t get stuck when you find no great subject matter, thinking it’s a waste of time...just focus on something less and get that other side of your brain, the creative one, kick in action.

Cheers,

Nikon Tom