Getting the most out of your desert memories

Living in Maricopa has its advantages, and one of the biggest might be the scenery we all get to take in on a day-to-day basis. The Sonoran Desert can be a lot of things: hot, dangerous, desolate and beautiful.

Sometimes, that beauty serves as inspiration to take photos. It’s difficult, though, to ensure images reflect the emotion felt taking in a landscape in person.

Which is why InMaricopa chatted with some of the city’s most accomplished photographers for their inspiration and tips on how to get the most out of our photos.

Lending their expertise were Jack Jackson, Michael Feigenbaum and InMaricopa staffers Bryan Mordt and Monica D. Spencer.

A common theme seemed to revolve around timing, with right after sunrise and just before sunset the best times, as Mordt explained.

“The golden hour, which occurs the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, offers beautiful soft light that enhances the colors and textures of the desert,” Mordt said. “This is an ideal time for photography, as the warm tones can add depth and atmosphere to your images.

Spencer agreed.

“My favorite time to shoot landscape photography is when the lighting is most dramatic: at sunrise or sunset,” Spencer said. “The low sun angle creates longer, more dramatic shadows, and colors appear more vibrant. In the desert, this means you also have the advantage of avoiding the exceptionally harsh sunlight at midday.

Simplicity is another important aspect of photography to consider, Jackson explained.

“The first tip I would offer is to simplify your composition,” Jackson said. “Eliminate everything that is not essential to the story you are telling. Photography, after all, is communication. Get to the point! One idea-one paragraph; one idea-one photograph.”

Jackson went on to explain the best photos are sometimes the result of an intent focus.

“Often this is best accomplished by getting closer to your subject, either physically closer or through the use of the proper lens and lens setting,” Jackson said. “Strive for contrast between your subject and the background so there is no doubt in your viewer’s mind what you are trying to say.”

Along those lines, Spencer said the simplest medium of photography, black and white, can yield impressive results.“Don’t fear black and white,” Spencer said. “I learned to shoot photos on 35mm black and white film and continue to shoot in that medium. Black and white has the advantage of emphasizing textures, patterns and light.”Mordt added the best way to nail a great photo is to consider your own positioning.“Seek unique perspectives,” Mordt said. “Look for interesting angles and viewpoints to add a sense of uniqueness to your photos. Get down low or climb higher to capture different vantage points. Incorporating foreground elements, like plants or interesting rocks, can also provide depth and interest to your compositions.”

This story was first published in the July edition of InMaricopa Magazine.