One of my favorite things to do, when I find myself in a photography rut, is to send myself on the “Switching the Focus” challenge.  This is a very simple activity that can be done anywhere, anytime, and with most any camera.  (If using a point and shoot, it works best to have your lens fully zoomed, to create a bit of a depth of field.)  Simply aim your camera at something you normally would take a photo of, set your focal point on your subject, and press the shutter.

Then, without moving the camera (too much), set your focus point on something else in your frame, and press the shutter.

The result is usually a photo that is much different from your normal style.  To get the most out of this exercise, I take several sets of photos like this during a photo shoot, so that I can carefully examine them, once on my computer, to determine which I like better and why.

Obviously, sometimes there is very little difference.

Whereas, other times, it is plainly obvious which is the stronger photo. The set below is one of those for me.  The first one appeals to me much more than the second.  I find the yellow blur of flowers in the corner of the second photo to be highly distracting, and adds nothing to the composition.

The next set is much the same.  The bird feeder is obviously a better subject for a photo.  It has great lines, and character, while the trees behind it are a bit dull.

My favorite outcome of this exercise is when you find that you like BOTH photos equally well.  Without this activity I would have missed the second shot in this set.  Honestly, from this particular set of photos, I learned that a sun-flare amongst bokeh, can be fabulously beautiful.  Now when taking sun-flare shots, I always try to take some like the first, and some like the second.

This last set is an example of something I learned early on while performing this activity.  When photographing people, it is not wise to always let the face be the main focus.  Having an object be the main subject, with the person out of focus adds an amazing amount of emotion to your photos. Personally, I like to have several of these sprinkled in with all the other photos when taking pictures of people.  They truly add more character to the story you are telling.

Photography is a process, and I certainly find that activities such as the one I described above, is a fun and easy way to encourage growth in your understanding of your camera, and in finding YOUR photography style. Take time to lookover your photos, and determine whether you like them, and WHY or WHY NOT.  Then do it again!  Happy Snappin’!

Corey finds herself blissfully caught between mothering her adored Sugar Bear, and her budding passion for photography. You can find her Living and Loving Every Minute Of It over at her blog, where she strives to share her joy in just being….Corey.