
Moods & Feelings
June Theme Assignment
Reminder: Phones and pocket-style cameras only.
Our next Oak City Clicks assignment is all about Moods & Feelings— Expressive Imagery Conveying Joy, Solitude, Energy, or Nostalgia.
1. Use Natural Light Thoughtfully
Light sets the emotional tone. For warmth, joy, or nostalgia, shoot during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and golden. For solitude or melancholy, try overcast lighting or indoor window light to create moody shadows.
2. Focus on Color to Set Emotion
Colors evoke feelings. Bright, saturated tones (reds, yellows, oranges) convey joy and energy. Cool, muted tones (blues, greys) suggest calmness, solitude, or sadness. Use color filters or edit afterward to push the emotional impact.
3. Compose with Intention
Use negative space to emphasize isolation or introspection. A centered subject with a vibrant background can express energy or happiness. Try the rule of thirds to keep your composition balanced while allowing room for emotional context.
4. Capture Expressive Moments
If people are your subject, wait for genuine facial expressions or gestures that reveal emotion. With your phone, use burst mode to capture fleeting moments—like a laugh, a sigh, or a reflective glance.
5. Blur for Mood
Use your phone’s portrait mode or tap-to-focus with a close subject to create depth and blur the background. This soft focus draws attention to the subject and can make the image feel more intimate or emotional.
6. Edit to Enhance Feeling
After taking the photo, use editing apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile. Adjust contrast, warmth, and saturation to lean into the feeling you're trying to express. Consider grain, vignettes, or desaturation for a nostalgic or somber mood.
7. Pay Attention to Environment & Symbolism
A lone figure on a bench, a shadow on a wall, or sun flares through trees can all hint at deeper feelings. Think metaphorically—use reflections, silhouettes, or framing to layer meaning into your photo.
Happy shooting—can’t wait to see your moods! 📷✨
JUNE WINNERS
Judge’s Choice
BREAK FREE by Andrew Munger
(Click to buy print)
Member’s Choice
MELANCHOLIC RD by Kaylen Glass
(Click to buy print)
(June 7 meet-up with guest Catherine Nguyen)
Inspiration Gallery
JUNE SUBMISSIONS
DISILLUSIONMENT
BREAK FREE
EMOTION IN MOTION
HEAVY
MOOD OF JJ
WHAT CHU LOOKIN AT
GOOD BOY
LEADER OF THE PACK
LOCKED LOVE
MELANCHOLIC RD
DON'T GO UP THERE
UNHINGED
LIBERATION
SUNSET CLIFFS
GOODNIGHT
THERE GOES THE SUN
ACCEPTANCE
LEFT IN THE DUST
WASHED OUT
VOTE for Member’s Choice
Vote for your favorite MOODS AND FEELINGS photo, Member’s Choice winner will be announced at the meet-up this Saturday June 21, 5-7 at WXYZ Lounge on Hillsborough St!