More than Just a Photograph
“Great designers seldom make great advertising men, because they get overcome by the beauty of the picture - and forget that merchandise must be sold.”
James Randolph Adams
Pictures can capture the beauty of a sunrise, laughter, or the majesty of a waterfall. They share with others our experiences: the good times and the bad. Pictures express the beauty of God's creation. They show the vastness of His great love for us. Embedded in our hearts and minds are pictures of situations that we remember. Why don’t we capture those memories for others to see? We’ve asked Micah Engel to share some of his “memories” with all of you.
How old are you? Micah: 17 years old
How long have you been into photography? M: I’ve dabbled in it for 2 ½ years but mainly gotten interested in the past year.
Which subjects do you like to take pictures of? M: I’m pretty varied at the moment. Landscapes, macros and abstract pictures come easiest to me. I would love to get better at people photography also.
What kind of camera do you shoot with? M: I shoot with a Canon Powershot S3
Do you plan to use photography in your future, as in a job? M: I certainly would love to if I get the opportunity. I will always have it as a serious hobby.What tips do you offer those just starting in photography? M: Don’t get discouraged if it’s hard to understand/use your camera! As a photographer’s who’s self taught, I felt very inadequate when I started out. I suggest trying out all the settings on your camera, looking at some photography books, talking to more experienced photography lovers, and just keep on taking pictures. It takes a while but if you stick with it, you will learn a lot!
What has made you stick with it? M: Mainly personal motivation kept me going. Also, I want to thank former NSAer, Mark Henspeter, who proved that it was possible to be both a high school student and a great photographer.
How often do you take pictures? M: During the summer I took pictures almost everyday. Right now I’m a bit busy so I haven’t had as many chances. I’m working on getting a very basic studio set up so I can take better pictures of people.
How old were you when you started taking an interest in photography? M: I was 15 the first time I remember experimenting for the fun of it.
Do you have a certain “formula” for taking pictures? M: Usually I try to observe an object quickly to get a good idea of what I want to emphasize. Then I try to figure out whether it is better to shoot the picture horizontally or vertically. Finally, I make sure the camera is on the setting that matches the effect I want. My camera’s automatic function is quite good though I’ve been able to get better pictures on occasion by changing the settings manually.
What do you think makes a good picture? M: It’s not the object that makes the photo but the photographer. A good photographer can make even the most boring, mundane objects come alive. It all depends on the ability to see something from a new perspective.
What time of day do you prefer to shoot? M: Here’s a hint to all people who like to take pictures outside where there is sunlight. 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset is the best time to shoot pictures because the light is most natural. Noon time usually gives harsh shadows which don’t accentuate a person or landscape.
What do you like most about the camera you shoot with? M: My camera has an awesome 12x zoom. That’s definitely the highlight of the camera. It has a decent amount of manual settings and has helped me learn more about professional shooting techniques.
What kind of camera do you recommend for those interested in taking photography seriously? M: I searched internet forums for about 2 months searching for a good “learning” camera. The Canon Powershot S3 is $300 on Amazon.com and probably the best equipment you can get in the lower price range. (I even convinced both my grandma and aunt to get it.) Otherwise, if you have access to a large Swiss bank account, check out Canon’s Rebel XT or a Nikon D40. Those are some of the cheaper “expensive” cameras. ;)
What do your pictures represent or reflect? (personality, ideas, dreams, etc.) M: My pictures reflect my view of the world. While some pictures obviously don’t have a meaning behind them, I try to always incorporate my faith into my pictures. While I take pictures of both the good and bad elements around me, I always try to emphasize the good and show the hope we have in Christ.
How do you think your pictures could help others interested in photography? M: I hope my pictures are an inspiration for other photographers out there. I certainly have a lot still to learn. If you have any tips, or want to talk about photography at all, just email me!
MICAH’S TIP OF THE DAY:
When taking pictures in low lighting, try using a tripod. It will help you get less blurry images!As you can see, Micah has some very fantastic photographs. The wondrousness of the sunrise above shows us the promise of a new day.
Romans 1:20
”For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, even since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”God’s “invisible attributes” can be captured in pictures of his creation. Everything we see shows Jesus’ holiness just like the clear, pure water in Micah’s first picture.
We would like to hear your feedback! If you have any questions or tips for the column, email Paige Walker, Andrew Maust, or Marietta Long. Snap away!
