A Keynote Speaker

Ok, this is not usual.

I was invited to be a keynote speaker at a conference at Cornell University.
Sounds impressive, don't you think....

Actually, it was fun. I was speaking to about 150 4-H'ers and parents on adding photography to their projects, and actually entering their images at State Fair.

They gave me 40 minutes, and I found it wasn't nearly enough time.

So lets hit the high points, and you be the judge of my material.

First, photograph what you love.
Second, make the photo technically correct, exposure, color, contrast etc.
And third (most of the talk), composition.

Start with the background. Fuzz it out. Eliminate it. Soften it. Uncluter it. Darken it, but make your subject stand out no matter what.

Next, apply the rule of thirds. If you don't know what that is, e-mail me and we'll have a conversation.

Next, don't shoot straight on. Photos look better with perspective, diagonals, curves and the DaVinci Curve as compositional elements. DaVinci Curve later.

And most important, carry the camera with you every day, so you can capture those moments that are otherwise lost. Images like the 2 geese flying at rooftop levels into the sunrise. Kids climbing on the jungle gym over your head. Natural Ice Formations from this past March's ice storms.

Very last, be sponges. Never grow tired of learning and improving. Play with that camera. Push it past its limits. Every day. Go for it.

And for you budding great photographers, check out www.shootsmarter.com. The best advice and tutorials in the world!

See you next time!

Monroe