You are ready to capture something amazing with your camera, but where should you start? Without a clear process, it is easy, ignoring the details, or finishing with the photographs that remember the scar. Let us capture more, capture more, and make each shot count to help slow down a simple, repeated approach.
I wish I knew in my photographic journey earlier how important it is to do a process to create images. It is beyond having only an idea and executing; Planning, equipment, observation and many other factors contribute to creating image. A structured approach can increase the creativity, efficiency and stability of your photography. Mainly, it is easy to follow and repeat, which leads to a repeatable process that is behind the camera, which increases your chances of success! You are trying to remember everything you need to consider, naturally forgetting the major aspects of the process, which increases the possibility of failure. Over the years, I have learned the important lessons that have created a real difference in the success of my shooting in the field. Below are insights and techniques that have helped me hold strong, more intentional images.
Slow and inspect
When something catches your eye, you want to hold the camera and capture the scene immediately. But can you take a moment to soak it in all? We often recall interesting elements or light in a picture by starting to catch and shooting the camera immediately. Use at this time to study light, composition, unique angles and storytelling elements to help create more visually attractive image. Pay attention to small details – text, reflection and movement – which can increase your shot. Take time to slow down! Just because my Nikon takes 120 frames per second, it does not mean that I need to shoot that landscape at 120 FPS! Speed will only kill your creativity, and you will find yourself chasing the next photo, only to come home and feel that you are unhappy with images you created.
Work of composition
Just because you have imagined the best composition just outside the gate, it does not mean that you have. I have often thought that this was the case and only focused on the composition that I thought was best, only to find out that if I have spent more time in thinking creatively, then I really missed the best composition. The composition is straight, but we often ignore this aspect of the process. Here are some things when “visual working” is considered:
- Experiment with approach: Shoot from high, low, or unexpected angles.
- Back to Basics: It can be very complicated to try to create images with the golden ratio, many subjects, or balanced the negative and positive space in an image. Go back to the basics – leading lines, thirds, symmetry and vice versa are straightforward and effective creative techniques.
- Distraction: Keep an eye on the edges of your frame. You can easily miss things sticking to the frame. Be more aware of the edges and make sure that there are no distractions like poles or objects directly behind your subject. I often look at images with a very bright light source or another element that is not the subject. Bright spots attract the viewer’s eye and can pay attention elsewhere!
Mastery
Any great photo starts with one thing: Great light! Pay attention to the quality and direction of light. Is it rigid, soft, or immersed? Understanding the quality and direction of light reveals many things and helps you create images with depth and emotion. Knowing the direction and source of light will guide both you and your camera position. Sometimes, the camera position needs to be adjusted slightly to create a more striking image. Adjust your exposure to fit your view and story, and look at your histogram.
I like to do my photos a little bit, and I have a different view on the most exposure. Some may disagree, but this may be another article for another time!
Fine-tune camera settings
Set the right aperture, shutter speed and ISO for the image you want to make. Take your time and consider each setting, as they all play an important role in your image and its risk. Do not just choose a combination to get the right exposure – think about the camera mode you use. You do not need to shoot in manual at all times. There, I said! Aperture and shutter preferences such as mode can produce images similar to manual mode. Every exposure mode has a time and place; Remember, do smart work, not difficult.
Many photographers set and forget the metering mode, but remember, there is more than one metering mode, and they are all in their time and place. I know the photographers who especially use the spot meter because it fits their process, and they make some of the biggest pictures! If you do not fully understand the measurement mode of your camera, open your manual or fire Google and do some research!
Many shots with intentions
Capture the variety of photos – different -focal lengths, compositions and status of light. You have a bag full of lenses, use them! I don’t know how many times I have heard “I only use _________ Lens.” Then, he told me about the picture whether he had missed or not. They would not miss the shot if they only used other lenses. I never understood that some photographers would die on the hill, which they will ever use, announce the same lens 35 mm Or 50 mmIf he works for you, it is very good, but if you miss a shot then do not be crazy because it was not the right focal length for the image in the hand. I will get off my soap box now! Remember, each tool has a purpose, and there is no one size-fit-solution for every problem you encounter!
I also like to use the image area or aspect ratio of the camera. Many times, I switch between 3: 2, 1: 1, and 16: 9, because it allows me to think differently about composition! It is also valuable to experiment with exposure. Who says that you cannot overaxpose or unwanted your images? I often bracket my exposure in high-opposite scenes, which gives me more options during editing. Remember to take a mixture of wide, middle and close-up shots-it helps tell a story and ensures a good flow of images.
Review and adjust in the field
Always review your shots behind the camera during the shoot! Taking time to check your images can help in catching and correcting mistakes on the spot. I have made this mistake before, and I am not immune for it!
Here are some things that I check after shooting a series of images:
- Zoom in LCD and check the sharpness and exposure.
- Check for “blowing” or overexposed (very bright) areas.
- Look for issues related to distracted or composition.
- Repair and reframe if necessary.
- If the light is not right then return for the second time.
final thoughts
Each shot presents an opportunity to refine its approach to the process of creating image. Trust your tendency, but continuously challenge yourself – if you feel uncomfortable, it is part of your learning. The best photos do not come from just a camera; They come from you and how do you experience the moment behind it!
If you run away, you will finish with hasty images. Take your time, and your images will be made with intentions. The audience will notice the idea you have, and you will find more meaning in your work.
Sit and pull out a pen and paper. Write the steps you take when creating images and see if there are areas for improvement or additional steps you can include. What steps do you take almost every time you create an image? Let me know in the comments below!
