Many aspiring photographers - and not just beginners, either - work far too quickly. They get their picture and are eager to dash to the next spot. One photo? Really!?! After only a single shot, you haven’t even gotten started! Whenever possible, take the thoughtful, more deliberate approach by dropping the ready-aim-fire attitude.
Certainly, not every scene or subject can involve a leisurely approach - such as candids, action, or fast-changing light. Or you may be heading for an appointment, for example, and there’s only time to shoot one image. But when the light’s right, the scene’s inviting, and there’s no need to rush it, slow down and make the most of a photogenic setting.
An example is my accompanying series (below) from a recent trip to Capitola, California's colorful seaside town. I started with an early-morning big view that shows buildings, beach, and reflections. Next, I went for a tight shot by zooming in on just the colors and patterns. For the third image, I changed my camera position to catch the close-up scene.
Here’s a quick tip: Once you begin using a tripod for every stationary subject, your photography will start to improve immediately. Yes, immediately. Using the accessory that photographers love to hate forces you to slow down, analyze your scene, and then carefully design your photo so that you can get it exactly the way you want it.
(Note: Jim Miotke and I cover these and many other concepts in our new book: The BetterPhoto Guide to Creative Digital Photography.)
1/8 sec. @ f/22; ISO 200; 70-300mm @ 145mm; tripod (c) Kerry Drager
1/125 sec. @ f/13; ISO 200; 70-300mm @ 280mm; tripod (c) Kerry Drager
1/2 sec. @ f/22; ISO 200; 70-300mm @ 230mm; tripod (c) Kerry Drager
Lovely images, Kerry! Photography is a proven method of maintaining one's sanity and spiritual equilibrium, precisely because of its ability to make a person slow down.
Posted by: Nancy de Flon | January 17, 2012 at 02:29 PM
Hi Nancy - great hearing from you, and glad you like the photos. Excellent thoughts too about "maintaining one's sanity and spiritual equilibrium" ... so true!!
Posted by: Kerry Drager | January 17, 2012 at 05:13 PM