Photography: Creative Composition

It has struck me recently how many creative and talented colleagues and friends I have and I wanted to showcase some of their creations and stories for you.

I got to know Sandrina through a shared love of interior design so it was no surprise to discover her creativity. (I first met Sandrina through a love of wine tasting but that is a different story). This story is about how she combines three of her passions (photography, cycling and her dog Lexi) with great flair and stunning results.

Sandrina’s passion for cycling was demonstrated in a huge way recently when she and husband Hugh cycled New Zealand’s Tour Aotearoa (and raising funds for Cure Kids) – with just 48 hours to make it back home before the COVID19 Level 4 Lockdown began. Tour Aotearoa is one of the world’s great bikepacking trips: stretching 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

Even when she is not on such a great adventure, Sandrina is often found cycling (or walking) around the greater Auckland region and documenting her travels in photographs. Recently she participated in the Lockdown 100 – walking 100km in 2 weeks.

And then there is the delightful Lexi – such a wonderful companion for Sandrina on her travels: often found in a basket or even in a backpack on different cycle adventures. She is so photogenic! Sandrina has captured some wonderful moments with Lexi and/or her trusty bicycle around Auckland. I always look forward to seeing how her creative eye makes even the seemingly mundane sights around us look stunning.

Sandrina has captured some stunning views through the wheel of her bicycle. This is a work in progress that she is hoping she can turn into an exhibition.

I asked Sandrina to share some of her stories, tips and tricks:

How did you start taking Lexi with you on your bike rides? 

Previous to Lexi we had a large dog, I always felt guilty if I went for a bike ride and she missed her walk or she would get a walk and I would miss my bike ride. So when it was time to introduce a new fur baby to the family I chose a small dog with the idea she would be able to come with me on the bike and also get her exercise. Lexi was perfect, she has been coming with me since she was about 10 weeks old. A tiny little fur ball in the basket.

Lexi is now 9 years old, she comes with us on our Sunday rides every week and lights up faces where ever we go. It is a wonderful feeling to have her with me and see the joy she brings to young and old alike while we are out either on foot or on the bike. She is currently cover girl and one of the founding members of the Auckland Facebook page Bike’n’Bark.

I love having her along. While we were training for Tour Aotearoa she made good ballast on my bike, her longest bike ride is 85 km, she has done a few around the harbour rides at 65km. If it was not for restrictions on where she can go she would come more often.

What camera do you use on your local travels? Do you use any filters, apps or special tips and tricks? 

“The best camera is the one you have with you” quote by Chase Jervis   

Generally when I am out and about either by bike or on foot around town I just have my trusty phone. Sometimes depending on my destination and the reason for that destination I might choose to take a small digital camera or better still my full frame DSLR.

With the DSLR I would use filters if required for a certain type of image. With the phone and the little digital I shoot as is where is and play later in the phone app or on the computer.

An app I love on the phone is called Snapseed, it is a very useful and powerful free download. I love all of the things it can do. I have tried other phone apps and just come back to this one every time.

As for tips and tricks, the most important thing in photography is to shoot/create for yourself. If someone else likes your image it’s a bonus. First and foremost you need to be happy with the result. Everyone else’s opinion is based on what they have experienced in life; your life is different so please yourself with your images.

Do you use any special techniques or approaches when you are deciding on a particular composition?

Most of my images come from a gut feeling; there will be something about what is presented to me that catches my eye. I don’t always know what or why till I actually frame an image up. Then I could take heaps and heaps of images of the same subject from different angles or only a few, the impact might be lost in the frame. I prefer to be on my own when I really want to be creative with my photography. That way I can play and consider what I am trying to say with the image at my leisure. This allows me to think about all the photography elements I have studied/practised over the years.  

 

You can see more of Sandrina’s work on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/SandrinaHuishPhotography

https://www.instagram.com/sandrina50/