Umbra Photography
	Hints Keep your eyes open There are photo opportunities all the time. If you have a compact camera keep it in your pocket or handbag so it's ready to whip out at a moments notice. Even when you are out for a drink with friends there's always that memorable moment. It doesn't have to be that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but something simple like friends laughing. Capturing that moment is the important thing. One of my favourite photographers, Henri Cartier-Bresson, is famous for capturing the moment. That split second when the image tells it all and is magical. He refers to it as the "decisive moment". The important thing to remember here is, if you see something happening while looking through your camera (or at the screen on the back), you are too late. You've missed the shot! So you need that 2 second anticipation sometimes. Cardinal de Retz: "Il n'y a rien dans ce monde qui n'ait un moment decisif" ("There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment"). Often you can predict something is going to happen and be ready for it. You see this kind of image all the time. Sports photographers capture them all the time, players frozen in mid-air. You wonder at amazing wildlife photos. Predicted outcomes, but needing time and effort to capture, something the majoity of us don't have!	About me Ruaridh McDonald Photographer since 1980 Follow me on Twitter @amnoaweegie. Note though that not all posts are photography related! Copyright All images within this site are the copyright of Ruaridh McDonald and may not be reproduced in any format without prior permission. See Contact section for details. Contact amnoaweegie@umbra.org.uk Image use request Favourites @Alyssa_Milano @hotforwords Links BBC News Photo Hints You don't need an expensive camera... Keeping it level What's the subject? The eyes have it Keep your eyes open

Umbra Photography - All images copyright Ruaridh McDonald. Images may not be reproduced in any format without prior permission.