How to be a better photographer

This article talks about how to be a better fine art photographer but I think many of the points made refer to being any type of photographer, it is worth reading all of this article.

“How do you proceed to grow and develop as a fine art photographer? Basically, regular use of your camera with deliberate intent, while paying attention to the following, is what brings it about.”

Photo captured by alihankamis (click image to see more from alihankamis)

How do you proceed to grow and develop as a fine art photographer? Basically, regular use of your camera with deliberate intent, while paying attention to the following, is what brings it about.

1. Pursue the Goal:

To make images that stir the viewer’s thinking and emotions.

2. Develop Your ‘Seeing’ Skills:

Its the first and most important skill that you need to learn.

‘Seeing’ exercises: Set aside 45 minutes from time to time around your home, with your camera and a subject that has your sustained interest. Relax for a few minutes then start taking pictures. Study part of your subject for a moment or two, then re-focus on another part of your subject and study it for a while. Become aware of colors and shapes. See how many details you can find. Then note the following:

• Personal responses: You’re ‘tuning in’ to your feelings/thoughts to locate the subject matter, or portion of it, with most personal interest for you.
• Impression: look at your chosen subject matter, or any part of it, and see it simply as a geometric shape or an arrangement of geometric shapes. Note the position where things look most graphically appealing.
• Expression: What does the subject matter seem to express in the way of: Sensation; rough/smooth? hot/cold? sharp/dull? hard/soft? moving/still? Etc. And Emotion & Mood: love/hate? joy/sadness? anger/delight? peace/turmoil? Tranquility/disturbance? Respond with your perceptions of sensation and emotion.
• Meaning: What ideas does the subject matter seem to suggest? Respond with your intellect.
• Subject Theme: In view of your personal responses, the graphic impression, what is expressed and seems to be said, decide upon a subject theme, the main idea/feeling you wish to convey to the picture-viewer.

 MORE of this excellent article on Picture Correct by JohnMaxymuik

Images with Atmosphere from Finland

On the ever interesting Photography Served gallery site I found these, more here

Does That Little Flip Up Diffuser Actually Help?

From The Digital Photo School over in Australia comes the answer to an often asked question in class.

“Not all flashes have these two items that cover the flash head and pull straight out, but if yours does and you’ve always wondered, here is your answer.”

Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/does-that-little-flip-up-diffuser-actually-help#ixzz1kkeh2MN2