Right about now most of you are probably thinking that I’ve gone completely barmy – that it isn’t possible to photograph noise; what a ludicrous concept – photographing noise.
Well in the creative world, noise refers to anything random or unpredictable that interferes with the signal or message being sent. For instance, noise could refer to a speck of fly dirt on a photograph.
Imagine a clean white photograph; crisp white background, eye-catching female wearing a brilliantly white dress; gleaming white teeth protruding from a rather large smile – sending a white is fresh and clean message; but wait: what is that black spot on her tooth.
The message is instantly lost; all we see is the poop on her tooth. That is noise; an unexpected anomaly that interferes with the message being sent.
When it comes to photographs some like the “fake” type: people posed, smiling and looking glamorous.
Anybody can take those types of photographs and have them appear half-decent, but what about the out-of-the-ordinary and interesting aspects that are missing from perfection; combinations of focused and fuzzy, bizarre faces and my favourite: natural-looking people photographed without warning.
Digital cameras allow for experimentation because any unwanted photographs can be deleted easily, without the expense of developing something unrecognizable.
Of course you could always go for the Photoshop option but where’s the thrill of creating something distinctive; anybody can take a photograph and add an effect using software.
For me photography is about pleasure; recording something not only inimitable but mundane – you never know when “noise” will change the appearance of the photograph.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on your journey to creativity and capturing noise:
* Blow glitter or some other non-lens-harming material toward the camera as the photograph is being taken.
* Photograph something miniature, close-up, using sugar to mimic rain (probably an outside activity).
* Use water droplets to create interesting effects on every-day objects such as CDs or put the droplets on the camera lens itself.
* Include mirrors, magnifying glasses, smoke or reflections in your photographs.
* Use fast or slow movements to photograph lights or sparklers at night.
* Photograph objects from a moving car window (carefully of course).
The person in the front seat might be willing to stick their head out while you photograph from the back (carefully of course, and probably shouldn’t be done using the driver, or a public road).
Timers can also be used to create attention-grabbing photographs:
* Carefully lower your camera into cracks (not the kind created by wearing a pair of hipsters), crevices or over cliffs with the timer set to go after the camera is in position (carefully, with your camera somehow secured).
* Toss your camera into the air with the timer set to go whilst it’s airborne, spinning even (again carefully, with a way to prevent your camera from plummeting to the ground and smashing into a billion pieces).
There are so many ways to create interest in your digital photographs without spending hours at a computer. Just remember to ask permission before photographing others or posting their pictures on websites like Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/) or Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/) – as a courtesy if nothing else - taking photographs without permission may be considered an acceptable practice but bullying and harassment aren’t.
Now for the disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any cameras damaged from reading this article – use your own good judgement and common sense – these are simply ideas to inspire creativity away from the computer, and assist you in gaining more enjoyment from your digital camera.
If you have any salubrious ideas for adding “noise” to your photographs please post them on the blog: http://parkes.yourguide.com.au/bl ogs/it-matters/.
If you capture some extraordinary, Photoshop-free photographs, please email them to mail.championpost@ruralpress.com with Att: Lana in the subject line - I’ll use them to enhance an otherwise, boring blog.