Personal Photography Project of Kara Orwig
centered
What is/was your personal project and what inspired you to start it?
My personal project is called “centered”. My 365 was coming to an end in May 2013 and I was searching for a new project to keep me inspired. I grew so much through daily shooting and I knew that a goal-oriented project would be a great way to keep pushing me. After a year full of studying and practicing the technicalities of photography, I became more interested in exploring my artistic vision. I am fascinated with composition and I knew that I wanted to start breaking the rules effectively, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I finally turned to my own portfolio and discovered that two of my favorite images were centered. I knew that I love centered compositions more than I am supposed to, so I decided to really figure out what makes it work in certain situations.
Are there any challenges or ruts you faced during your project and how did you overcome them and keep a creative eye?
I honestly didn’t face any ruts during my centered project. This particular project didn’t change the way I shoot. It didn’t require any extra planning; I was still able to find my inspiration from light or moments. I just had to allow myself to step out of the rule-of-thirds box.
What have you learned through your process with your personal project?
I was actually surprised by how frequently I saw opportunity for an effective centered composition. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been. I am a big fan of symmetry and balance in other areas of my life, such as the types of artwork that appeal to me or the way I decorate my home. I also use framing and leading lines in my work quite often. All of these situations lend themselves to a strong centered composition. Once I figured out when to center and gave myself permission to do so when it felt right, I challenged myself to consider different types of lighting and perspectives to add variety to my set.
Is there anything additional about your project that readers may find interesting?
I really didn’t think much of my centered project because it isn’t flashy or elaborate. But it served a very valuable purpose for my individual growth. Several months ago, I was really struggling with self-doubt. The words of advice that I kept receiving during a mentorship were to go with my gut. But I had no idea how to put that into practice. Months later, I realized that my personal project had become less about a certain type of composition and more about trusting my instincts. With time, I became more confident in my decisions for the project, which in turn spilled over to all of my work. I guess I would want readers to know that a seemingly small project can still reap big rewards, even unexpected ones. I hope that “centered” will serve as a springboard for something bigger and flashier for me in the future and I can’t wait to figure out what that next project will be.
I never center anything anymore, but I really love all of these images! Thanks so much for the new perspective. I think I’ll try to incorporate more centered images now, too!
I’m searching for a personal project for 2014 as well and never really thought to take one element of photography & use it for creating a project! I was only thinking in terms of shooting one certain thing, or shooting a type of light. Aha moment!!! Thank you. 🙂
i hope that you find your element to focus on–i think it’s a great way to stay motivated and follow through with your project if you don’t have too many limitations. good luck!
Ahhhh!!! I love this so much! I love center composition, these images are fantastic. I think I just found my next personal project. thank you!
you’re welcome! i’m so glad to hear there are other fans of centered comps and i’m thrilled that this may inspire another project.
I’m a fan of your work and I love that you made a project out of a photography “no-no”. I learned something about framing and leading lines and centering compositions reading this, so thank you!
awesome! framing and leading lines are my go-to compositional elements, so i’m so glad that you learned something from my work <3.
Gorgeous pictures!!!!!! <3
All centered, yet none of them look alike. Amazed at how far you’ve come Kara! Always an inspiration <3
Kara, I am such a huge fan of you and your work. You have such a beautiful voice in your art. I loved reading more about your personal project – gorgeous images! <3
I love centered composition and am so inspired by your project <3 Thank you for sharing!
I love your images, and your project is really interesting. I love a good centre comp, you’ve inspired me to look more closely at mine too. Big fan of your work heretoo 🙂
I’m so glad you shared this, I have two recent centered images that I really love! Your work is incredible!
Really love this idea and what you did here! Awesome. I just may give it a try.
This is a beautiful project, Kara! I love your use of centered comps! <3
These are beautiful!
Kara, your beautiful work has always wowed and inspired me, but you’ve taken your art to a whole new level! These are exquisite!!! Thank you for sharing a piece of your personal life with us. <3
thank you all so very much for your kind words and support of my work. it is much appreciated.
I love seeing a collection of your images together. You are something special. 😀
Amazing images, Kara!!! I really love this set and feel very inspired by your share!!
I love a good centered composition 😉 your images are lovely, I love the story telling aspect from each one.
Oh how I love a centered composition and yours are masterfully done! So many favorites here but the second image made me smile and giggle all at the same time!
Kara – I am such a huge fan of your work! I love your eye and those centered compositions. I’m always in awe of your DP images, so it’s so wonderful to see you on the blog with all these beautiful images together.
Wonderful project Kara! I could spend a long time exploring each image. Lovely work. <3
This is such a fantastic idea for a project, Kara! And a stunning collection of images, too!
Beautiful work, Kara! I always love seeing what you’ll do next.
Beautiful images Kara! Love this photography project idea, may have to give it a go. I totally agree that focussed photography projects can have huge implications for our growth and what eventually becomes our trademarks as an artist. Keep up the great work; thanks again for sharing!