When I’m out and about I’m often looking out for photo opportunities. Sometimes, though, a scene will present itself that requires nothing much more from me other than to frame it. Opportunity props are not to be missed.
In the photo above, the bicycles leaning on the fence with the backdrop of a fantastic beach on a beautiful day does the job. It tells its own story. Two people, a girl and a boy given the bike styles, have set out on their bikes and are on that beach enjoying the sun and the sea. Well, that’s my interpretation of it. It’s a draw for most people, and each viewer may have their own interpretation of the story.
For this shot, I got to the bottom of the footpath that opens out onto Whitsand Bay beach and saw this dog sitting there. Then I realised that the dog was waiting for its human, who was out riding the surf.
Armed with only my phone camera there was little chance of getting the surfer, but I think the dog looking out to the surf says it all.
When these opportunities arise, it’s time to exploit them in our photos – opportunity props. It transforms a nice picture and gives it a storyline.
We don’t need to be out and about to find photo props. Often, there are things around the home or public buildings and venues that can be used to boost a photo.
