Photographer or Not!

By James Breedlove

Who's a good photographer?  Well likely the one getting paid the most.  That can mean they take good photos or it could be they put good things in front of their camera to shoot.  

Hey I been shooting photo's a long time, but I don't profess to be a photographer.  By profession a photographer will be getting paid for all those glamor shots.  They aren't going to shoot your wedding photos for free, they are going to charge what they think their photo magic is worth.  But there are tricks and tips to photography that work wither or not you do it as a profession.  And to be honest with you most photographers if not all know everything I might say here in this short blog post, so those of you who are getting the big bucks, just move on....

Okay for the most of you who aspire to be a photographer one day or who just shoot for family and friends lets go over some stuff...

First off, a good photo is generally the one that you took time to perceive what it would look like before you took the photo in your minds eye.  As Mr. Ansil Adams said, on "Visualization": Adams advocated for "photographing with intention," which involves visualizing the final image before capturing it. This means understanding the scene and planning how to frame it to evoke the desired emotion. He believed that a successful photograph requires both technical skill and a clear vision of what the photographer wants to express.  Additionally, he covered topics that resonate such as; 

The Zone System

Adams developed the Zone System, a technique for achieving the perfect tonal range in black and white photography. This method allows photographers to control exposure and contrast, ensuring that the final print reflects their artistic vision. By mastering this system, photographers can create images that span the full spectrum from deep blacks to bright whites.

Emotional Connection

Adams also stressed that photography should evoke emotion. He believed that art is not just about how a scene looks but how it makes the viewer feel. This approach encourages photographers to connect with their subjects on a deeper level, enhancing the impact of their work.

By focusing on perspective, visualization, technical mastery, and emotional resonance, Ansel Adams shaped a profound understanding of photography that continues to inspire photographers today.

A person who is beginning to learn photography should focus on practicing regularly and learning from others by studying their work. Additionally, understanding the rule of thirds and experimenting with different angles can greatly improve your photography skills. What I mean be different angles, different shooting positions; high, down low, etc.

Essential Tips for New Photographers

Understanding Your Camera

• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your camera's functions. Knowing how to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is crucial.

• Experiment with Modes: Try different shooting modes (like aperture priority or manual) to see how they affect your photos.

Composition Techniques

• Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into nine equal sections. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections for a more dynamic composition.

• Background Matters: Keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered. A clean background helps focus attention on your subject.

• Get Close: Don’t be afraid to fill the frame with your subject. This can create a more impactful image.

Technical Skills

• Practice Regularly: Take lots of photos to improve your skills. Experiment with different angles and lighting conditions.

• Focus on Highlights: When shooting, expose for highlights to avoid losing detail in bright areas.

• Use Depth of Field: Learn to blur backgrounds to emphasize your subject. This technique is especially useful in portrait photography.

Learning and Growth

• Follow Other Photographers: Study the work of photographers you admire. Analyze what you like about their images.

• Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and be open to constructive criticism.

• Invest in Good Equipment Gradually: Start with what you have and upgrade your gear as you grow in your photography journey.

Additional Resources

• Online Courses and Workshops: Consider taking classes to learn specific skills, such as lighting or posing.

• Join Photography Communities: Engage with other photographers for support, tips, and inspiration.

By applying these tips, you can enhance your photography skills and develop your unique style.

The best way I was able to learn while starting out is search for videos from the pro's to be honest with you, but more over search for videos on how to use the specific camera you use. Always strive to learn everything your need on the basics first before aspiring to be this self proclaimed expert on photography. You must at least learn every button on your camera so that you can shoot, "upside down in the dark" per say. You should know that not all shots come in the day. You should know instinctively what settings you might apply for any particular shot you might shoot, for those who are going to venture to take they SLR camera off the (AUTO MODE). Then after you have learned all you can in your Auto mode of shooting then, take it off Auto and forget that it is even there for a great time till you learn the hard way how to shoot. Seriously! Once you have learned to shoot in manual mode all but "Auto Focus" perhaps. Then you can call yourself skilled. Once you have become skilled at shooting then try you luck at shooting small stuff for pay or volunteer as a second shooter for a actual photographer, what ever you can do to challenge your knowledge of photography and the use of the camera.

Understand that taking photos is only the fun part, but there are some real logistics to learn as well, one if you are venturing to become a photographer, that it is a Business and the rules of business apply. Drumming up contacts, contracts and managing your business affairs as in paying the electric and rent come into play. Having a client list and a list of shots each of them generally like to get. When you have decided to upgrade your photography equipment to faster lenses and those that open up wider to let in more light, then shoot those weddings. Make your inventory list of materials you need and the shots that are required for your venue. And make sure you never miss those things.

Okay you have decided that you will just shoot for yourself and friends, still you should make it a goal to do most all of the things above. Learn your camera inside and out, try your luck doing hard stuff, such as low light photography, use of off camera flash devices, remote triggers and such. Nothing will be out of limits for you. You then can actually do you and your friends and family justice with your shooting some of their wedding stuff, or baby showers or just fun at the park.

Last words; Learn Natural Light Photography, and Learn that the best shots that make money are those where you put the best thing to photograph in front of your lens. Shooting junk gets you junk. Hanging your head out the window, while shooting is good practice for speed related stuff but you ordinarily don't capture anything usable for any photo contest. Join contest and challenge yourself. If your looking for easy recognition, submit your photos to events where you have taken photos at, such as local activity fairs, out door sporting events etc. You may find they would love to use your work to submit into News papers, or online media coverage. Helps them yes, but it helps you by publicizing your ability. Make sure you spread your fame and keep record of these things for experience portfolio. Lastly, manage your gear, make sure you treat your gear well and clean it regularly. Keep batteries charged, lenses clean, camera stored with the lenses that will be used for quick access. Your memory card(s), never can just have one. If one comes out the camera one must go in, that way you won't run off without a card. Having several batteries never hurt anything. Might cost a bit but DO IT! and as always Visit my blog and Facebook groups to more handy ideas....

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