It’s not necessarily about how to take a picture, but where you take a picture, according to longtime photographer Scott Grant.
“Go to see the Bay of Islands. It’s as impressive as Gros Morne, but less tourists and you can have the place to yourself. It’s truly a hidden gem,” explained the Steady Brook photographer.
Photography started for Grant as an outlet for stress relief. He was training in sales management at the time.
“I dreaded going to work and I’d rather be happy. The birds and the bees never said much back to me. So I left my job and took on photography full time,” said Grant. “Someone once told me to follow my heart, so I did. I don’t need fancy stuff. I walk out my back door and I see beauty.”
Grant was going to work in car sales, but he said the only thing he enjoyed about the job was picking up his cheque every two weeks. In 2010 he took a risk and dived head-on into photography.
Born in Corner Brook but living in Steady Brook for many years, Grant was self-taught a while ago. He has since gained a lot of technical experience. When he started out the internet and digital photography were not as popular and he has managed to accumulate a lot of experience and technique. In fact, when he is shooting, he teaches photography classes.
He also captures weddings and engagements, as well as scenery, but he doesn’t have any limits.
“Photography is always positive. The occasions being captured are always happy if you think about it,” he said of the events he covers.
His favourite scenery is the night sky, which originated from the presence of his daughter.
“She is eight years old now and I wanted to try and be home as often as possible. I’d sacrifice sleep for pictures. That’s my cup of tea, standing under the night sky.”
The Western Star
Fact box:
Scott Grant provides some tips to make your vacation photos pop.
• Take your camera with you. The best camera isn’t the most expensive one or the most popular one. It’s the one you have in your pocket or backpack. Creative vision and good light always trumps choice of camera.
• Remember to charge the camera battery before embarking and bring a memory card with you. Taking an extra battery or two is not a bad idea with today’s power-hungry devices. Also be sure to have enough memory. Murphy’s Law dictates you will run out of either or both when you want them most.
• Dress appropriately and take adequate food and water. If you are not comfortable you will not be concerned about taking photos.
• Always look behind you. Many of us get so caught up with the amazing sights in front of us that we totally omit what might be happening behind our backs.
• Beautiful photos are most often made at dawn and dusk. The sun is low on the horizon in morning and evening, causing shadows to be longer. The longer the shadow, the better the light is for photography. A good rule of thumb to follow in the evening is that when your shadow is as long as you are tall, the light is beginning to get good and will only get better as the sun moves lower to the horizon. The opposite is true in the morning. Once your shadow is as long as you are tall, the light is becoming harsh and won’t make for good photography. And you know those sunny afternoons in summer we all love? It’s one of the worst times to take photographs. Contrast will be very high and harsh shadows will dominate your images. In mid-day sun, look for shade, hope for cloud or scout out your evening shoot so that later, when the light is incredible, you know just where you should be.
Source: www.roninphoto.ca.
