Do We Really Need Both Eyes?

I'm not known for my "traditional" style of photography.

And I'm OK with that.

In fact, my style often involves chopping off an eye...

...or both eyes.

And while we're on the subject...is the head really necessary?

What I'm trying to say is...sometimes it's the "part" of the photo that tells the story, not the "whole" photo.

Can you guess what this is a picture of? I bet ya can...no head, eyes, or major body parts needed!

I've been editing a ton of photos lately for family photo sessions and I'm trying to challenge myself to not always go for the "Look at the camera and Say Cheese" picture. Most of my favorite pictures involve no eyes at all!

Here's a few of Rebel I took last week...in this one he's gettin ready for the big game. I threatened his life to get him to look at me and smile. Then I snapped this one quickly as an afterthought...and although all major body parts are accounted for, his eyes are covered completely...it will be one of my forever favorites of him.

Here's another one, my threatening didn't work this time and he wouldn't even look at me. (yes, my mothering skills need help, that's a whole other post!) So I just snapped away, much to his annoyance, and ended up with another shot that portrays one aspect of his personality so well...again, the eyes are barely visible but I love it...

So join me in the challenge to explore new angles, new views and new attitudes when analyzing your photos.

Every time I open a new photo in my editor I try to ask myself "What part tells the story?"...or even better...

"Do we really need both eyes?"

I'd love to read your comments on how you challenge yourself in photography...please share!!