It’s time to think for a moment and reflect the things I figured out. Writing them down helps me get sharp on them. Let’s abuse my blog to do so. Perhaps I can energize you on your journey of improving your photography? Here’s my 10 cents:
1. I should plan for every shooting in advance. I need to have an idea about what I am going to do already before I leave from home for the shooting. At the set I will be the director. It’s no democracy. I have to rule the shooting.
2. When leaving for a shooting I go through a checklist. Is my photo bag complete? Batteries charged? Let’s take even more batteries! And another two extra! Here is my checklist for the complete photobag.
3. If possible I arrive at the set half an hour earlier. And it’s nearly always possible. Especially since models are always half an hour late ;-)
4. During the shooting the histogram is my best friend. Especially when shooting outdoor. It’s clear, accurate and reliable. Who ever invented the histogram view deserves an award for it!
5. Nevertheless, I shoot in RAW format unless I have an incredible need for speed when shooting. There is always the one photo which makes me happy for having some flexibility to adjusting the exposure _afterwards_.
6. I’ll get dirty. But snapping a great photo is well worth ruining an old pair of jeans. And after all, if my hobby would be tinkering with my car it would be much worse for my clothes.
7. I keep telling myself: "Be bold, be very, very bold. This will be visible in my photos." I hope it works.
8. The golden ratio today is exactly as important as it has been 2000 years ago. Chances are it will still be important for quite a while...
9. Posing a beautiful model like an s-curve leads to stunning photos. That is a rule. But then again, breaking this rule is what adds magic to a photo. I better try both!
10. When composing the photo I imagine how it will look like printed out large. After all, I love to print my photos large - especially the ones with "magic".
How about you share your lessons learned with me over here? Please comment!
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Comments
golden rule
have you gotten any great photos by not following the rule of thirds. Are there absolutes in photography? I am not finding my muse so to speak and my creativity is suffering. I really don't know yet what i want to do with photographs. I love flower photography and nature for now. How do i find my vision for what i want to do?
Hi Anna
> by not following the rule of thirds
Yes, a couple of them
> Are there absolutes in photography
So far I did not come accross any absolutes
> I am not finding my muse so to speak
MMhhhh yes, how can you walk towards your muse without knowing the direction. That's a toughy. But solvable. Let's start by finding out what attracts you. Can you name the 3 photos of OTHER photographers that touch you the most?
Good light!
-- Michael
Golden Ratio
Hi MS211,
sorry my writing skills are...
Well, that's why I'm into photography and not into lyric ;-)
The golden ratio also refered to as the rule of thirds, is a rule how to proportion your photo to be aesthetically pleasing. Move the lines and the subject to the thirds of your frame - don't place your subject in the center. The dead center is dead.
Wikipedia has got a much more elaborate explanation for us:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio
Hope this helps.
Good light!
-- Michael
what does this mean...
Sometimes I am reading your blogs and aren't for sure exactly what you are talking about. It could be the phrase, or simply a word that catches me off guard. Since you said this post could help others(which I am hoping to learn) I think it would be good if you could explain some of the things you say, for everyone isn't as advanced in photography "lingo" as you are. I know I'd benefit alot.
example? The golden ration today .....
what is the golden ration?
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