Photo Challenge: Historic Hometowns

An old church, a monument, a university or even a river. You pass it everyday. It is what makes your hometown "home." It makes it unique. Let's celebrate what makes our hometowns special by getting out the camera and snapping away!

With a few basic photography tips you can capture the spirit of what is around you. You can stop time, like Ali did in this photograph of the United States Capitol.

Or you can go back in time to 1823 when this archway was built in my hometown of Centerville, Indiana.

Spend a little time moving around what you are going to photograph. Look at it from different angles. Sometimes this is how we can capture a subject's magnificence. Look at this picture Cinda took of the Denver Capitol. By shooting upwards we are able to see just how great this building is.

Don't forget about composition, or how you balance the important elements in your photograph. A good rule to follow is the "rule of thirds." If you think of your photograph as being divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, you would want your point of interest to be where these lines intersect. For an example of this rule let's take a look at this picture Amy took of a grave at the Old Sheldon Church. Notice how the grave is not in the center of the photograph making for a much more interesting photo.

Of course, all rules are meant to be broken. If you are going for symmetry, like in this photo of the Stanley Hotel (where Stephen King wrote "The Shining") go for the center of the frame. I wonder if Cinda has ever been brave enough to stay here!

Another way to emphasize your subject is by framing it within the picture. Amy did just that in this picture of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge, an old swing bridge located in historic downtown Beaufort, SC. Notice how the tree above and the land below act as a frame.

Last, don't forget about the background behind your subject. Try to make sure there is nothing distracting that will take away from your subject. Sometimes, like in this photo Ali took of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, the background can work for you.

Now that you know some basic tips, get out your camera and go take some pictures of your historic hometown! Be sure to share your photos and stories on the photography message board!

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!