Actionable Tips for Your Photography Life
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Actionable Tips for Your Photography Life
Whether you're a beginner, an experienced enthusiast, or an emerging pro, these insights will assist you in honing your craft and taking your photography to the next level.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, In this short post I’ll be exploring actionable tips to help you become a better photographer and improve your photo life. Whether you're a beginner, an experienced enthusiast, or an emerging pro, these insights will assist you in honing your craft and taking your photography to the next level. Read on and discover secrets you can action right now.
Focus on One Aspect at a Time:
When I first started my photography journey, I felt the urge to learn everything at once. But I soon realized that this approach wasn't effective. Instead, I adopted a different strategy suggested by some creators I admire. “Be singular. Focus on one thing each time you shoot.” I decided to focus on one aspect, like magazine composition, nuanced lighting, or location choice, at a time. By dedicating a week or a month to mastering each skill, I saw significant improvements in my overall photography technique. I continue this process as I shoot moving images, edit and tell stories.
Stay Organized:
Organization has been a game-changer for me. Saving time and finding my best shots quickly became easier once I developed a system for cataloging and storing my images effectively. I also maintain an organized ical of my upcoming photography projects, personal projects, YouTube content creation and when I should post new stories. I use Notion for mapping out everything. This structured approach not only improved my skills as a visual storyteller but also brought clarity to my life and coherence to my body of work. I get better at this every month and at some point soon I’ll start making content specifically on how to organize your photo life. This seems to be the part so many shooters struggle with. I wrote about it a few weeks ago in my post “Finding Time for Photography: Effective Time Management Tips”
Tell a Story through Projects:
One huge tip that will transform your photography is creating projects or photo essays around a central theme or story. Instead of simply capturing individual images, strive to tell a compelling narrative through a series of photos. This approach adds depth and emotion to a portfolio, leaving a lasting impact on my viewers. No one is hiring you to make a single image. It will ALWAYS be a series of 2 or more images and you’ll always need to provide variations. Get used to providing a narrative to all your images. Show that you can tell stories in your portfolio and on social media.
Inspiration Beyond Photography:
Drawing inspiration from other visual mediums has been a creative breakthrough for me. I explore moving pictures as well, commercials, music videos, long and short films. I’m finding unique ways to utilize lighting, composition, and storytelling in my photography this way. Cinematography, in particular, has become an excellent source of inspiration for both my photography and videography endeavors. Looking at films is an amazing way to inspire photography (and new video endeavours).
Immerse Yourself in Photography Books:
Photography books are a treasure trove of ideas and techniques. Immersing myself in photo books ignites my desire to create and explore new perspectives. Starting my collection of photography books has been an enriching experience, allowing me to absorb and appreciate the art form through the printed page. I published my first photography book, “Positives” in 2009 and I’m excited to produce a new one later on this year. Photography books are the best way to take in a photographers design sense and their work.
Study Design and Layout:
Studying design and layout has significantly enhanced my creative journey. I discovered that always looking at typography, layout, and text on photography can transform my own work and make me a better creator. By analyzing design elements in various visual mediums, I've found innovative ways to approach my own photography and create impactful compositions. I like to give my subjects space and plan ahead for copy.
People-Watching teaches you how to notice nuanced gestures:
People-watching has proven to be an unconventional yet powerful source of inspiration. Observing expressions, gestures, body language and subtle nuances of individuals as they move through the world helps me capture authentic and emotive moments in my photographs. This skill is particularly valuable in portrait and street photography, adding depth and humanity to my images. We can capture incredible depth and humanity in our photographs. If we pay attention. If you are a people photographer, study people everywhere.
The Power of Writing:
Writing about my passion for photography and the reasons behind my creative choices has helped me gain clarity and focus in my work. It's surprisingly similar to photography; both allow us to convey emotions and nuances through a carefully crafted medium. Writing makes the imagination activate. Who needs that more than those that move through life with a camera.
These actionable tips have played a crucial role in enhancing my photography skills. I hope you can take some of the ones you needed to hear today and action them yourself. I believe that by focusing on one aspect at a time, staying organized, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources, any photographer can elevate their craft. This photography game is a journey of continuous learning and growth. It never stops. Take it one step at a time, stay organized, and explore beyond the realm of photography for fresh ideas. You get better every time you gear up, show up and look through that little window. Keep shooting.
See you next week.
P.S. If you appreciate what I’m doing here, please consider recommending me on your Substack or giving me a restack. If you don’t have your own blog here, start it today, and in the mean time, please share A Life Behind the Camera with your social networks. Every share helps. Thanks in Advance.
I recorded 3 podcasts this week, they all have great value but this one was so passionate, I just have to share it here. If you have some time for some great free value today, jump into this next.
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For a comprehensive list of all the still and video gear I shoot with, click this link.