May's Contest "Hands at Work" Photography
is now open for submissions
Monthly Contest Entry Instructions
- Prepare one JPEG image for entry.
- Resize the image so the long side is 1920 pixels.
- Save the image in the sRGB color space.
- Name the file with a short title (1–4 words).
- – Do not use your name in the filename.
- – Example: Morning Fog.jpg
- Do not include watermarks, borders, or text on the image.
- Email your entry to:
contest@tcpcinc.org - In the body of the email include:
- – Your full name
- – The image title
Photographing hands
Photographing hands at work turns a simple action into a powerful narrative. By isolating the hands from the subject, you draw focus to the textures and movements that define a craft.
Capture the Narrative
• Focus on the action: Keep the emphasis on the movement and the task at hand to center the story.
• Highlight detail: Pay close attention to skin textures and the physical signs of the craft, as these details offer significant visual character.
• Contextualize the environment: Capture the hands mid-task within their natural workspace to build visual interest.
• Create an emotional connection: Use tight shots to reveal intricate details that allow the viewer to appreciate the effort involved. ________________________________________
Technical Execution
• Master lighting: Utilize side lighting to emphasize textures and define the shapes of the hands.
•Choose the right aperture:
• Select f/8–f/11 when it is important to keep the background tools and environment sharp.
•Select f/1.8–f/4 to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the surroundings to make the hands stand out.
• Apply composition basics: Use foundational framing rules, such as the rule of thirds, to guide the viewer’s eye toward the primary action. ________________________________________
The most effective images result from experimentation with different angles and lighting setups to find the most compelling perspective
