Doors and Perception

Very few people look at doors and think that they can be a good photogenic subject. But if you pay attention you are bound to find many colorful samples and if you do a little research and keep an open mind, as well as a keen eye, you can find samples which are not only colorful but present unique designs, great textures and some may even possess many of these qualities plus show an "aged" look to them, even better if they also have a nice looking and interesting door knocker.

Doors can make for a very interest and unique photographic project which because of its simplicity presents the viewer with an unique way of looking and admiring a simple everyday object.

Doors and Windows are there and they are full of patterns, textures and designs. They call us to be photographed. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Some are huge and some are intimidating, some are small and just there. Some doors and windows are famous and some are also art forms. These and more certainly bring the fascination of capturing images of doors and windows. http://www.picturecorrect.com/

Remember to look everywhere. Doors don't have to be hinged to a wall.

You may find very good usable and nice looking photogenic samples by visiting some architectural stores, old buildings, abandoned structures, churches and so on.

Also to be aware of is any colorful details around the door such as the walls and any vegetation surrounding it.

Bricks, flowers, chairs, flower pots, climbing vines, and antique garden tools all add to the interest of the scene and can make good accents that serve to complement the main door image.

Don't just go out and look for doors. This will take some time but if you know where to look you can find suitable subject matter.

Simply pay attention to where the doors are and how they are made as well as any thing that adds or enhances the door itself.

Keep in mind that since doors face outwards you may not be required to ask for permission but it is always nice to ask anyways.

However, if the image serves to identify the location, such as having an address visible, then it becomes a different matter. Asking the owners and explaining what it is that you are doing always helps and may find you new admirers.

After all you are taking a picture of a subject matter that has been photographed countless times before. Your images must stand out not just simply look nice.

Look for designs and accompanying patterns. Interesting textures, especially if the doors have suffered the effects of weathering, and try to capture any cultural traits for which the door is a representation. Some doors "open" and show you a view of the world around it and this is in essence what you are aiming to capture within your images.

Be creative with your post production work . Some doors may be found that stand out simply because of what surrounds them like a facade that is totally void of color.

If you come upon a door that is painted in a vibrant color but located in an otherwise lackluster adjacent area then changing the scene to a monochrome and leaving only the door with its natural color can result in an interesting and eye appealing scene.

Look at the last photograph in this article for a good sample. Care must be taken however not to make the colorization too rich or risk having the door look unnatural.

This is best done in Photoshop and the process is really not that difficult.

Use your images as stand alone, in photography publications, for calendars or just to simply practice and improve your skills.

These easy to photograph subjects require the use of a single, preferably a prime lens in the range of about 55mm. Flash,tripods or other aids should not be really necessary.

The other issue to keep in mind is the time of day when you take the images. Bright midday Sun is not the best time. Overcast days are better since they will provide the best diffused light needed to bring out texture and show details.

Although these subjects can stand alone and make for good images, adding a person to the scene can infuse the image with an interesting detail. You do not need to include people but if you do so, rest assured that the pictures will present a more interesting appeal to the viewer because it can show the relevance that they play in the lives of the people around them.

I like to capture images of doors when they are closed so that I can show their full texture but open doors can work just as well ,especially if there is a relevant and appealing scene behind "the open door".