Details, Details

Photo Randy Vanderveen, Grande Prairie Karissa Rempel, 13, a competitive gymnast with the GP Gymniks, puts chalk onto her hands before she practises her routine on the uneven bars at the southside gymnastics club's facility Wednesday afternoon. Photo Randy Vanderveen, Grande Prairie Grande Prairie, Alberta 20/01/10 Photo Randy Vanderveen A good grip with properly chalked hands is important for gymnasts performing on gymnastics apparatus for practice or competition.

Details are important in photography and life.

Sometimes focussing a little tighter on something provides a whole different view. Gymnastics is a sport of grace, beauty and athleticism but it is also a sport where you have to get your hands dirty and work at developing muscles others might not notice.

A good example is the two photos of the gymnasts hands. If she hadn't chalked them first, her time on the uneven bars would have been short lived.

It is also essential for her to build up the grip in her hands, which isn't even noticeable to those watching her compete.

When taking photos, especially when trying to do a series, photo essay or story, take a lesson from those who shoot news stories for TV or movies. Always try to get a wide, scene-setting shot, a medium shot, a close up and then an extreme close up or detail shot. The variety will really improve the package and will provide a well rounded look to things.

Don't think this is just limited to photojournalism, wedding, corporate and even personal photography can really benefit from taking the time to get the details.