Different Angle

Sometimes you change the look of a picture simply by capturing the object from a different angle.  If taken face on, the object will probably look flat and two dimensional.  But trying different shots from different angles can add depth and interest to a photograph.  That's what I've tried to do with this photo of another dahlia.

I had thought of trying to adjust my position in the garden so that the center of the flower was face on with my lens.  However, I had done that with some other photos of this particular type of flower and I wanted something different.

I realize the image might not be as sharp as it could be, or the colours at their best, but I'm learning.  I like the way this one looks, but I'm sure a professional looking at this photo could see several things I could do differently or areas where I could make adjustments.

I was trying to focus more on the little curl of the petal, but I suppose I should have also tried to get the little yellow parts (not exactly sure of the technical name of them...) in sharper focus as well.  I also wonder if the petal just to the left of the curled part (maybe the same petal?) should have been more in focus.  I suppose if I had a decent tripod I could attach my camera to it and take several different shots and see which is more asthetically pleasing to the eye as well.  But, it's all part of the learning process.

I must say that I have been enjoying taking pictures lately, especially now that I have a copy of Photoshop Elements.  That program, which I am still learning as well, makes editing fun - even though, admittedly, I don't know how to use it to its full capacity.  In some cases, I haven't made a lot of adjustments to my photos, and in others, I've done quite a bit of adjusting (even though I don't know if what I've done would be considered good or not).

Something I read on one of the photography forums I've joined (and I can't recall which one it is offhand), that you should take 36 shots of your object from different angles, using different depths of fields, different ISOs, etc.  This should help you learn to take more creative shots and...well, other things as well.  I never thought of trying that today, when I was taking this photograph, but it might have been a good idea.  I might not have had the time to take 36 shots, but I might have at least tried several different shots with different focal points, apertures, etc. to see which one would look the best.  Sadly, I didn't.  It's something I'll keep in mind though...and hopefully remember the next time I'm taking pictures, no matter what the subject is.

I also think it's a good idea to take several shots because if you take only one, it might not turn out at all - it could be blurry, the focus could be on the wrong area...anything really.  By taking many pictures of your subject, you should get at least one good one (hopefully)...

What are your thoughts on taking several photographs of your subject, or do you think taking one or two is just fine?