Finding Focus in February: 4 Ideas for Any Camera
From what feels like the longest month of the year to the shortest, February is a transition month—caught somewhere between the depth of winter and the whispers of spring.
For those of us walking with a camera, February offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re shooting with a high-end mirrorless or the phone in your pocket, here are four themes to kickstart your creativity this month.
1. All You Need is Love
Love is in the air in the month of St. Valentine, but don't feel restricted to cheesy greeting card aesthetics. This is a massive subject perfect for every genre of photography. You don’t have to focus on sentimentality.
In the street, look for the subtle interactions between couples, or the hustle of street sellers shifting love themed gifts and trinkets. Love takes many forms: the love of a sport, the passion of a musician, or the dedication of a fan. It is a very broad subject— offering the freedom to kickstart your creativity with a camera!
Nature has its own romance this month, too. Lots of wildlife begins to pair off this month and if you head to local wetlands or urban parks with bodies of water, keep an eye out for Great Crested Grebes. If you’re lucky you might just be able to catch them performing courtship displays, including the famous "weed dance".
2. Wintering Flowers: The Low-Down
1/400 | f2.8 | ISO 2500
Snowdrops and crocuses are an obvious but irresistible challenge.
The challenge is to avoid a boring photo, you need to get low. If your camera has a tilt screen, now is the time to use it. If you don't have one (and don’t fancy lying down), look for flowers growing on raised banks or flower beds to bring them up to eye level.
Try this trick: Place a small pocket mirror under the flower and photograph the reflection from above. It allows you to see the underside of the petals and the sky simultaneously. Look for unique angles or a flower appearing in an unusual spot to make your shot stand out from the crowd.
3. Celebrating Dank Weather
Let’s be honest: January wasn't as crisp and bright as we might have hoped, and February has started in a similar vein. Yet, there is plenty to photograph and celebrate in these conditions. In fact, some scenes look extra special because of the gloom.
Glossy cobbled stones reflecting muted, foggy street lights, neon signs shimmering in puddles, or under-prepared walkers battling the elements—there is a lot to explore. Because many photographers shy away from the rain and grey skies, if you venture out, you are far more likely to come home with something original.
1/1000 | f9 | ISO 100
4. Starling Murmurations: The Final Act
1/320 | f2.8 | ISO 5000
If you haven't caught a murmuration yet this winter, consider this your two-minute warning. My local resident starlings have already started nesting behaviour, and it won't be long before those iconic aerial displays thin out as individuals disperse to their breeding territories.
Murmurations of any size are breathtaking. The synchronized swooping and diving against a twilight sky is one of nature's greatest spectacles. If you aren't sure where to look, check out theStarlings in the UK map to find a roost near you before the season ends.
Inspiration of the Month: Steve McCurry
Since we are talking about finding beauty in inclement weather and capturing deep human connection, our inspiration this month has to be Steve McCurry.
McCurry is a master of color and atmosphere. His project on the monsoon season is a stunning example of how to capture unique images of weather; he captured life, passion, and resilience amidst torrential rain. He also views portraiture through the lens of connection, once noting that the chemistry required to get a great portrait is "sort of like falling in love."
Take a leaf out of his book this February: embrace the weather, look for the connection, and shoot with love.
Photo Walk of the Month: Whitby (Extended)
Whitby Blue Hour
Capture this greatly celebrated coastal town like never before. As the sun sets and the blue hour arrives, we’ll explore every photo worthy corner for original and exciting photos at one of the best times of day! Book now in Night Photography Walk Workshops
