Exposed! :: Taking a Photo ... A Process from Start to Finish ::

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Contents

• Photo Tips
• Homework
• Pro Perspective
• Final Frame

Recently, I was approached by a client who had a good understanding of photo fundamentals. He was baffled, though, by where to start photographing - there were too many visual options! We developed a Custom Course to help him enjoy his photography more. He discovered many new things including the fact that a camera, alone, does not create stunning pictures - the photographer makes stunning pictures with imagination, curiosity, ample daydreaming and a knowledge of photography'’s fundamentals.

In this edition of Exposed! we delve into the intangible process of taking a photo. Read on for tips to help you achieve better and more rewarding pictures.

Professional daydreaming at work

Photo Tips

1. Start dreaming of your photography adventures

Where are you going? What do you think you will see? What would you like to be shooting? Really, this step helps start your imagination process - you will begin imagining your pictures days, weeks or even months before they materialize!

2. Be flexible!

Your imagination is just that - imaginings about what may be. You may arrive at your photo destination to find a bicycle race in the beautiful park you had planned to shoot! Your imaginings may not materialize but they will help your creative juices flow for whatever you do see!

3. Arrive at the site and slow down

Often photographers (me included) are so excited about shooting that we miss important opportunities and necessities. When you get to your photo site proceed, not slowly, but methodically with all senses wide open. Have you got your spare batteries and extra memory/film? What can you smell? What time is it? What can you hear? Where are your car keys? Often, the faster I try to go the more mistakes and missed opportunities I make! Take time to be aware of the world around you.

4. Explore your photo area withOUT your camera

For the first ten minutes to an hour take time to explore the world! Get on the ground and check things from grass level. Sit and watch. Listen. Sniff. Ask "what if...". The act of exploring without your camera will help you do two things - collect more ideas from which to create a photograph AND develop your already active creative juices!

5. Start making decisions

It is now time to define your first picture.

• What photo opportunity most intrigues you? Start moving closer to the subject. Redefine your subject - are you photographing the pack of cyclists, an individual cyclist, the sense of motion or the grimacing face of the lead racer?
• What lighting opportunities are available? Flash? Direct sun? Diffused sun in the shade? Evening light? What will the different effects be?
• What lens to use? That depends on your desired perspective.
• What about aperture and shutter speed? Hmm.

6. It is now time to pull out the camera!

This is the easy and rewarding part - decisions are made. Fire away!

Start clicking!

Revisit steps 1-7 as necessary. Keep your senses open and let the imagination flow!

Homework

Easy! Pick a date for a photo safari and do your best to follow steps 1-7. Let me know how it goes!

Pro Perspective

I often get sidetracked shooting my stock work. I start shooting a runner and by the end of the day I am photographing something completely unrelated! Undisciplined and daydreaming? Or open to creative change with a fertile imagination? I do know that I have abandoned planned photo ideas for much more successful opportunities. Many working creative people have their best ideas as a result of professional grade daydreaming!

Final Frame

In the end what matters is the visual quality of the photo. It's nice if you've had fun while doing it!

Take photos. Have fun!

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