by Mary Denman     Twitter: @MaryDenman    Instagram: @MaryFDenman

Sometimes we have false thinking that if we could just go somewhere gorgeous, we could get fantastic pictures and be a better photographer.

But really, we can look for beautiful or interesting images all around us.
So today, I want to show you a part of my yard that’s a bit overgrown with weeds.
Why in the world would I do that?

Because there is interest to be found for the looking.

Let’s get started.

TIP 1: If you look hard enough, you can find something interesting to appreciate and take a picture of. 

Take your camera or phone outside and walk around your yard or down your street and LOOK for interesting subjects.

PHOTO 1: Here’s the overgrown part of my yard near the creek. At first glance, it’s easy to see there’s nothing good about this picture. It’s too cluttered, no focal point, and overall, a pitiful shot.

But I took it just for you, my reader.

Why? To show you how to FIND something interesting or beautiful to photograph.

TIP 2: Look for the play of light. 

PHOTO 2: In this case, I moved to the tree trunk and focused in on the English Ivy.

Don’t you love the warm colors and textures, highlighted by the sunlight?

TIP 3: Take more than one shot of the subject. MOVE around.  

PHOTO 3: By stepping just a little bit to the side, I was able to focus on this single part of the ivy growing up the tree.
Notice the lighting is very different!

TIP 4: Find something unique to focus in on. 

PHOTO 4: While the tall weeds look just like that in Photo 1, look at how interesting they are when I moved in and focused on the tops of them.

It almost looks like silk.

TIP 5: Look up or down to find something interesting. 

PHOTO 5: These berries caught my attention. They are not edible, and the leaves are partly eaten by bugs, but I still liked them and got this shot that I love.
The deep purple against the soft green of the understory is so soothing.

So the BIG IDEA is to go in search of beauty and interest. By taking the time to look, you can find it. Especially in the midst of the ordinary. This applies to writing as well as photography. You can find interesting subjects in the ordinary, whether it’s an interesting topic or character!

Mary Denman is a photographer who also writes and loves to teach. As a freelance writer, Mary has had articles published in various forms ranging from Focus on the Family publications to magazines to devotions to op-ed pieces. She’s a member of several professional writing organizations including ACFW, My Book Therapy, and Word Weavers.

As a professional photographer, Mary has had photos published in both print literature and online. Her shots have been used by businesses and by fellow authors alike.

Her philosophy is to catch a moment that reflects God’s beauty and creativity, whether in nature, in life or in the face of her subjects. Mary blends the mediums of writing and photography on her blog. www.marydenman.blogspot.com.