_{Photo by @hobotang - taken with iPhone}

A while ago I posted an application to @thealliance. It’s a community I’ve heard plenty about thru @ameliabartlett, and its supportive and positive community I have wanted to be a part of. Being a new writer, sharer, blogger... I didnt expect to be ushered right into the inner circle, and was ultimately welcomed to ‘the classroom’ - a place for Alliance applicants to get a little coaching and mentoring. Excellent for me. However, being the nonconconformist, rebel, can’t-tell-me-nothin’ type of dude, I didn’t take well to the #homework portion. We’re instructed to produce a post with a few guidelines, one of which being subject matter.

Last week’s subject: toys. “This is bullshit, toys, really!?” “Why the hell do I need to do this?” “Why can’t I just write my own content without them telling m what to write about?” Yeah, just being honest. Nevertheless, I did the homework. I was inspired by some of my camera ”toys” laying around (In this moment I picture an parent shouting at a child “PUT THAT DOWN ITS NOT A TOY!”). Actually, these Gear Talks have been some of my favorite posts to date, with Part 1 & Part 2 released, and Part 3 in the works.

Then something big happened...

I was welcomed to the family, and it feels great. I’m grateful for my mentors @Zen-Art & @Carrieallen getting me out of my comfort zone. The classroom truly is beneficial, and specifically helped by guiding me thru some tools to make my post more aesthetically pleasing and read better. I don’t know any other way to say thank you other than...doing my last homework assignment, lol.

This week’s subject , bugs.

Ugh. It’s rare for me to share this about myself, but here we go... I don’t like bugs. The ticks are the worst in Tennessee - especially this year; And for these reason I do not have many photos of bugs. I gathered a couple from the archives, but then had an idea to curate a few of my favorite. Let’s gets right into it!

Every artist needs practice.

How do you practice your craft? I know Amelia, as a writer, likes flexing her #freewrite muscle. As a photographer, I like to focus one one or (a few) of the elements of design, and focus on that for the day. For example, “today I’m focused on texture.”

See the elements of art below:

_{Graphic from Paper Leaf}

Let’s forget about the bug fear-thing and remember - I’m an outdoorsy guy.Have you ever taken time to slow down on a hike in the woods? If I had to pick my favorite artist it would be Mother Nature (the most hippie thing I’ve ever spoken, lol). Art and design is everywhere - especially the BUGS! _{ugh, gross.}

_{Photo by @davedavis91 - check them out here}

Here’s what I see

• Shape, Size, & Line - Check out this butterfly wing! Steals the attention of your eye immediately, as it draws you closer to the details in the body and leg.
• Color - The active color really catches my attention first seeing this image. This starts a trend all off images, as the colors almost interact with the natural greens of the scene.
  
  

_{Photo by @fauzi86 - check them out here}

Here’s what I see

• Color - The contrasting color scheme of oranges, yellow-oranges, and greens are my favorite part of this variety of lady bug.
• Value & Texture - The excellent exposure of this images creates the perfect shading across the body allowing the viewer to discover the translucent strange dimple-patterned shell.

_{Photo by @adibiqbal - check them out here}

Here’s what I see

• Texture - This backlighting shows every detail of this exoskeleton - almost dimple-like texture
• Size - The perspective and macro lens makes this dude looks like a MONSTER!
• Line - Again, amazing detail shows off the clean lines of these buggy legs equipped with what look like unusable thump-like features.

_{Photo by @miroslavrc - check them out here}

Here’s what I see

• Space - the use of small amount of negative space paired with this beautifully framed buggy makes this one of my favorite frames of the bunch. Although imbalanced - it works perfectly with the focus point being right in the golden margin.
• Color & Value - Vibrant greens pop against the dark background. The amazing detail allows the reddish antenna to show.

What did you learn?

...that I don’t like bugs but still consider myself outdoorsy?
...about the elements of design?
I learned a lot here. From honing my searching skills on the platform to stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s always a nice refresher too - take a leap - do something bold.

What elements do you see in each?

It’s all an interpretation, so no wrong answer here. I find that my best work is produced with a large variety of elements instead of just one or two. Photographs that have many (or all) of these principals always make for more visually complex/appealing images.

This was my first attempt at a small curation...

... and it was HARD! Maybe it’s just because I’m still a new Steemian, but I find it difficult to search and/or navigate to any specific content i.e. a specific type of bug. Some might say this was just an excuse to avoid going out and finding some creepy-crawlers - I say I’m just working on building some community, while still finding my personal style. I’d appreciate ANY and ALL feedback.

Hey, my name is Tang. 👋

Most people know me for being a bus dweller - I converted a school bus into a custom RV, but I’m also a film photographer, dreadlocked Legolas, and a dad to a dog named Hobo. Right now, I'm experimenting with vintage cameras and expired film, learning how to mountain bike, and sharing my adventures along the way.

First time on my blog? Say hi below. 🤙