What to shoot this May

Following in the footsteps of my previous articles, I’ve again decided to start off with a few words on the name of the month as it seems that often the origins of the name set the scene of what the month is generally about.

May, then, named after Maia, the Greek goddess of Spring, was originally known as ‘Tri Milchi’ by the Anglo-Saxons. Literally meaning ‘three milkings’ it was a reflection of the fact that the grass by now is growing at a rate fast enough to allow cows to produce more milk.

As I stepped out of the house the other day, I noticed that the chill in the air had gone, and although there was a breeze it didn’t have that bite to it that we become accustomed to through the winter months. Whilst it’s always nice to have a bit of warmth, one benefit just practically speaking is that whenever you go out with all of your camera gear, you don’t have to be wrapped up like the Michelin man, equipped with several layers, gloves, scarf, and other things that if you’re like me, make taking photos harder work than it ought to be.

As I usually do before writing these, first I search around for the notable dates during the forthcoming month. Mayday is the obvious one, and in some places the old tradition of Maypole dancing will still be seen. I admit here that I am and never have been a fan of watching Maypole dancing; however looking at it from a different perspective now, there may be some good photo opportunities with all of that colour and movement.

I was reading an article recently that was describing a particular coastline at a holiday destination, from the point of view of a photographer. He was describing the shots available from down on the beach, but then went on to say something like (paraphrasing), ‘Of course, you will probably want to wander away from that area where everyone else will be, and venture up the cliffs for some different shots.’

What has occurred to me recently, especially after reading that, is that when I’m out somewhere with my family, I’m often leaving them behind as I wander off and walk ahead in search of a slightly different view. On one hand it’s understandable, but then on the other hand is it not sometimes a shame that we visit somewhere and end up experiencing more of it alone than with those we’re with? I’m sure someone has already said this, but memories are better shared, and what better way to preserve a memory than a photograph?

Additionally, in forever searching for that lesser captured view, perhaps we miss out on being able to capture something special within the ordinary? I’ll touch upon this again in a minute.

So anyway: May, and hopefully the beginnings of some nice weather; hand-in-hand with nice weather go outdoor social activities- picnics, barbecues and the like. Something that I would like to try to do is photograph some everyday scenes such as those I just mentioned, but in doing so also attempt to clearly capture the mood of the event. In one sense, some may argue that a photograph is merely a visual documentation of a scene's physical appearance. If that were so, then it would be difficult to reconcile the emotional response that we can sometimes have to a photo.

Some of the most successful photos may not be masterpieces of technique, but somehow manage to capture a mood, an emotion or a sense of feeling. I think it's capturing the special in the ordinary that can define the distinction between a sterile documentation and something that leans more towards a piece of art. Some of the techniques I plan on using for this will be slower shutter speeds that allow a focus on individual, still aspects of a scene whilst retaining the connection to the sense of movement and activity in the background.

As for how much I’ve talked about ‘What to Photograph’ this month, I’m not sure; it seems like I’ve talked more about approaches to photography rather than subject matter. But then I suppose that’s one of the many great things about photography- there are no rules about what to photograph and when, and there are no rules that can be applied that will solely guarantee a good photo.

On top of that, there is definitely an argument for beauty being in the eye of the beholder when it comes to photography. I know for sure there are countless numbers of brilliant images of Spring lambs gallivanting around a lush green field that have already been taken. Why then might I consider taking a similar photo? I think it’s because the photo will be mine; the composition will be what appeals to my eye, and I’ll choose the lamb that I think is the cutest.

It all comes back to what makes up our response to photographs- good photos provoke memories; memories of how we were feeling that day, memories of who we might’ve been with while taking the photo, memories of how we felt when we saw the view through the lens as we pressed the shutter button.

This is what makes our photography individual to us, so whatever you photograph this May, remember that in some way you’re also recording what’s happening behind the lens. Have fun!