Shooting More Creative Digital Photography Is Easy
After we've moved past the initial beginnings of understanding the way our cameras and lenses operate... once the "photo bug" has attached itself - we photo junkies all want even more creative digital photography. (Of course that assumes you use a digital camera - if not, you'll have a yen for more creative film photography! )
Let's face it we've all been there. We look at the pictures we run across in books and magazines, then we look at ours and obviously something is missing. The beginnings are there, a good exposure setting, correct shutter setting, clear focus and so on, but it just isn't up to snuff.
Don't Possess The "Creative" Gift?
Sure there are geniuses around! Possibly a handful spread throughout the world. Our photographs will never compete. (No one else's phots will either!) But for the most part, we aren't competing with that miniscule group... we are comparing our pictures to the every day production of average, everyday Joes who truly are NOT any more creative than we are.
Generally, our first thought is that we are lacking and just don't have the "creative" talent! Most of us tend to discount our own photos, and overvalue the work of others.
Creative digital photography can be LEARNED.
The main differentiation between "us" and "them" is that they've been taught how to put their creative vision into their cameras - and we haven't.
Remember, creativity CAN be learned! And it's fairly easy and QUICK!
The technique is modeling. By that, I'm saying... If you shoot the same subjects, in the same conditions, with the identical camera settings they're employing, you'll wind up with the same results.
It has to work that way! The camera is a machine. It doesn't care who pushes the shutter. It's not going to operate more creatively for one photographer over any other. It doesn't wonder who is studying the scene through the viewfinder.
If we copy the others correctly, we can be shooting the same type of work they are, in no time.
Here's what you do...
Whenever you find a shot you like, cut it out of the magazine and tape it into your photography journal. You do keep a photography journal, right? All the best photographers do!
Then, closely study the photo. Try to figure out what the lighting conditions were. What time of day it was shot, how many and directionality of the lights (reflectors and mirrors are light sources too ). Try to determine the focal length of the lens. Did they mount the camera on a tripod, what was the f-stop, shutter speed and so on?
Now, make a note of ALL this data in your journal.
Now it's time to test.
Get out there and attempt to duplicate the photo. Test your guesses on how they built the shot. The ideas that get you closer to success, make a note of them in your journal. Write down the theories that don't work too!
As you get closer and closer to the wanted end result, you'll be having a lot of fun and learning a TON of new photo techniques.
Eventually, you WILL achieve the result you were after. It won't take long. Insert YOUR photo in your notebook, with all the technical details. Now, you'll forever be able to re-create that technique! Just by looking at your notes! You've now learned the secret to being creative!
Every time you do this, it gets easier.
Now, repeat the process with another photo you like. Each time you do this experiment, you will add a new technique to your photo arsenal. And, it gets simpler to do because you're increasing what you've discovered before.
So, there's the formula for creative digital photography. Give it a shot, you'll like it. Before you know it, you'll be creative digital photography any time you want.
About the Author
To learn more about <a href="http://www.OnTargetPhotoTraining.com">creative digital photography</a>, and get a FREE copy of my e-book: "7 Secrets To Creating Stunning Photos!" Check out my website at:
<a href="http://www.OnTargetPhotoTraining.com">http://www.OnTargetPhotoTraining.com</a>
Walter Cronkite Presents Life Magazine Photos
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