Hello, .
As photographers, if there's one thing we want, it's to produce photographs that are uniquely our own.
Imagine that whatever the subject matter, our work is immediately recognized as our photography.
It's possible.
However, we've gotta be willing to let go of some thoughts and habits that get in our way and adopt new habits, studies, and practices into our work.
Adhering to rules of composition is a sure way to suck the vitality and uniqueness out of our work.
If you've heard of some and use 'em, do yourself a favor, stop using them and forget them.
We homogenize our work with rules of
composition.
While homogenization is excellent for milk, it doesn't work well in our pictures.
Remember that cameras don't make pictures because the photographer uses a camera to make the pictures.
For photographers, the camera is just a tool for making photographs, just like a pen for writers makes words.
If we're working in an automatic exposure mode, stop it.
Instead, start working in aperture and shutter priority modes.
These modes allow more camera functionality to engage us in camera operation and composition.
And better yet, if we're feeling ambitious, fully manual exposure mode is the way to
go.
When we look for stuff to photograph, we put on blinders.
Because when we're actively looking for something specific to photograph, we overlook some excellent opportunities for a photograph right before our eyes.
Seeing allows a relaxed and open approach to our photography.
Instead of "finding" what we're looking for, we "discover" the visual fodder that feeds our one-of-a-kind way of
seeing.
Don't photograph what we see; instead, photograph how we think about what we see.
Photographing what we see is basic.
On the other hand, photographing how we
think about what we see is a unique process.
While we can see the same things, how we think about those things we see is unique.
Basing our compositions on our unique way of thinking about what we see automatically creates one-of-a-kind photographs.
Any of my group classes or one-on-one private lessons will help you become a recognized photographer.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography
with me.
Current ways to work with me, including group classes and private lessons, are below.
Smaller group classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
