Since my last shell post, I’ve acquired five more shells, all tritons, in varying stages of growth and decay. I decided to photograph them on and in my beach studio, the flood wrack construction where I hang my towel for the morning swim.
Once I’m in my studio I feel obliged to experiment, rather than merely document and exult. I’ve taken advice from Sue’s guest post for Paula about negative space – “the space in your image that does not contain your main subject. It might be clear space with no detail or almost none, perhaps predominantly black or white, or it might be a blurred background that contrasts with your (in focus) subject. Negative space is perhaps the single most important aspect that helps the subject in your work – the element of interest – stand out and attract the viewer’s attention.” I asked her for ideas about photographing my tritons and she suggested capturing them from below. The flotsam towel rack offered me plenty of opportunities.
I was on a roll so I explored other perching possibilities and of course reverted to my passion for closeups and sand.
Heyjude said:
All very beautiful and you have captured them perfectly. The ones from below are my favourites and I think they fit the brief of using negative space the best. When are you off Meg? I’m afraid I have lost track lately…
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morselsandscraps said:
Are you in Cornwall yet? Your transfer is far more dramatic than mine! This time next week we’ll be on the bus to Sydney: fly out about 5 on Sunday. This was my first mini iPad one and the first without Blogsy, now defunct.
I’m glad you like the shells – I badly need a shake out of the photographic routine: thanks Paula and Sue.
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Heyjude said:
End of the month and we should be there permanently. Just a small matter of organising the removal!!!
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morselsandscraps said:
Stay sane!!!
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Heyjude said:
I am trying to!
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Rosemary Barnard said:
I am eager to see how these photographic adventures will inform those in your forthcoming European sojourn.
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morselsandscraps said:
I have hundreds of photo-tutorials saved to study as I photograph Warsaw. When I see my granddaughter’s photos I feel as if mine are somewhat pedestrian and unchanging. So watch out!!! I might get a name for myself as the old woman who lies down on Warsaw pavements pointing her camera skywards,
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Rosemary Barnard said:
You might then have some interesting encounters leading to further photographic opportunities which you never anticipated. I don’t know about Warsaw, but eccentricity, or the perception of it, is often valued by people of discernment.
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pommepal said:
Negative space works so well with the beautifully detailed shells Meg. You will miss the morning swim soon. But it will be replaced with so many other delights.
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morselsandscraps said:
I’m so indebted to Sue for her advice, and for opening up my mode of photography. Yes. Other delights. I’m eager to see what they are.
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Lucid Gypsy said:
Meg these are awesome, I hope you’re planning to frame some. The collage with a shell resting on wood is my favourite. You’ve certainly grasped this negative space thingy – I think I’ve done it without knowing it had a name a few times 🙂 but I’d have no hope if I set out to do it!
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morselsandscraps said:
No wall space for a framed shell: too many windows. But thanks for paying me that compliment. I was so immured in habitual seeing I needed a nudge to put me on the track of doing things differently. I bet if you set out to do it, you’d do it triumphantly.
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desleyjane said:
More beautiful shots Meg and great use of negative space.
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morselsandscraps said:
Thanks for appreciation. Have to stop myself whizzing out to take more for Triton 3!
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desleyjane said:
Don’t stop! Keep shooting 😄😄😄
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restlessjo said:
You do use advice well, Meg! There are some great shots here- full of life and character. I can almost see them marching off down the beach with a life of their own. Real beauties 🙂
Have you gone off me, or ‘unfollowed’ me again, or are you just busy? Sending hugs! An early morning dip- the things you take for granted that are pure luxuries for some 🙂
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morselsandscraps said:
I certainly haven’t unfollowed you. Your posts always require careful attention, so in hurly burly they sometimes don’t get it. I thought I’d only missed the lighthouse one.. Just back from what could have been an evening swim except I was stonkered.
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restlessjo said:
Sorry sweetheart! I wasn’t hustling you. I’ve seen you on Gilly and Jude’s and just wondered, because it happened before. I don’t mind to wait patiently for your attention, Meg, and having seen your challenge for Paula I now feel very churlish. Apologies 😦
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Lucid Gypsy said:
People we follow do disappear from our readers quite often with WordPress, it drives me crazy!
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restlessjo said:
🙂 🙂 Thanks for the backup, Gilly. Having now seen Meg’s fabulous Thursday Special I feel very mean for asking.
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morselsandscraps said:
My Thursday special was written in November before the deluge! I’m grateful that you noticed my absence.
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restlessjo said:
And you’re coping under the deluge, Meg? It’s a great piece. I have some ideas but I don’t know when I’ll get there. 🙂
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morselsandscraps said:
Coping well, but eager to depart now. Once I’ve left, things undone stay undone and there’s nothing I can do about it!
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restlessjo said:
Bit like Jude, in fact! 🙂 Only not so permanent.
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