Introduction
Yes, improving your photography is a well-worn path, and I'm here to offer my own insights forged from experience. While this article revisits familiar ground, I hope my perspective offers fresh value for both beginner and intermediate photographers.
For this discussion, I assume you're comfortable with the fundamentals – composition, exposure, and the like. Let's dive deeper!
Good photograph
The often-overlooked key to great photography? Understanding what makes a 'good' image. Yes, beauty is subjective, but certain principles underpin most compelling photographs – at least until you reach the point where you intentionally bend the rules!
While studying those principles is valuable, it doesn't resonate with everyone, especially beginners. A great alternative? Immerse yourself in the work of artists who inspire you. Whether a social media standout, a renowned photographer, or even a classic painter, certain images will consistently make you say "wow!". That's your starting point.
How does this fuel your photography? As you practice, you'll face countless choices, often feeling overwhelmed. That's where your internalized sense of a 'good photograph' subconsciously guides you.
Imagine that stunning lakeside scene: mountains, reflections... excitement! But how to frame it? Stand or crouch? Wide or telephoto? Tripod? Slow shutter? Rocks too dark? Your options are endless! Digitally, you could try them all, but the fleeting moment demands a deeper choice – which composition best captures your vision?
Your subconscious benchmark matters! Emulating a local photographer will produce work similar in style. But if you've studied the masters, even a fraction of their skill puts you miles ahead. Choose your influences wisely – they'll shape your developing artistry. Eventually, your own unique style will emerge, but that's a story for another day.
Example-1: This image from a few years ago when I was greatly impressed by some photographers I had been seeing on Instagram. I started playing around with hues and color mixer panel in Lightroom to get a certain look. Had I not been following those kinds of photographers, I would not have thought of playing with hues in a landscape photograph. If you observe carefully, the blues and yellow are desaturated, while yellows and oranges are pushed more towards red.
Example-2: The image below is a simple abstract photo, not great by any means, but shows how my work was recently influenced by some of my favorite photographers whom I met last year at a workshop - Anna Morgan and TJ Thorne.
imagine raw
Now, while this approach may not apply to genres like photojournalism, where authenticity is paramount, editing plays a pivotal role in many photographic styles. Few would dispute (except perhaps the purists!) that editing has become an integral part of the photographic process.
One exercise that's propelled my own growth is mentally deconstructing photographs. When I admire a photographer's work, I try to envision the original RAW image. It's incredibly insightful! With practice, you'll begin to see the editing techniques behind the finished masterpiece.
How does this help? By reverse engineering these images, you gain valuable insights. You can replicate their techniques or create your own unique variations. Even when you're stumped by a particular effect, recognizing your gaps becomes powerful – you've identified a specific area for improvement! Now, let’s look at an example -
Observe the image carefully, and note down a few things that you think have been done in post-processing. Then imagine how the raw version might look like.
And here’s the RAW version of it, compare what you had thought initially
online resources
In today's world, YouTube videos and tutorials are the go-to resource for learning anything, including photography. Whether you're setting up a new camera, mastering controls, or diving into editing techniques, free online resources offer a fantastic starting point.
While dedicated mentors can accelerate your learning, they aren't always accessible. Free resources, however, come with a caveat: instructors may have different approaches. This isn't necessarily bad news! Embrace these varied perspectives. As you consume this content, your brain will begin to categorize information and identify patterns, fostering a deeper understanding over time.
Don't misunderstand – structured learning programs hold immense value. But when budget constraints limit your options, free resources become invaluable. Many successful artists today honed their skills through experience, observation, and perhaps a dash of natural talent, often without the benefit of formal training.
practice-feedback loop
With all that said, theory won't make you a better photographer – practice will. Applying the knowledge you've gained, whether from observing others, watching videos, or reading books, is essential. Without practice, that knowledge fades, leaving you back where you started.
Hard work is the foundation of progress, but there's a way to accelerate your growth: the feedback loop. Getting critiques on your photographs is invaluable, for beginners and advanced photographers alike.
A good critique can save you significant time. Tutorials show you techniques, but they rarely illustrate what not to do. Having an expert analyze your work – even if it stings at first – draws attention to potential weaknesses. These may be flaws or simply areas for growth and stylistic exploration. Either way, this awareness empowers you to make intentional choices in future photos.
Even when you're an advanced photographer, always push for improvement. Complacency halts progress. As Swami Vivekananda said, “In a day, when you don't come across any problems – you can be sure that you are traveling on the wrong path.” If you've reached a point where feedback feels scarce, your growth may be slowing.
