Back to Basics

Panther Beach Sunset

I recently watched a live  lecture from one 
of the most prolific nature and landscape photographers of our times. It was a real shot in the arm on how to keep motivated and to keep making better images. There was also much discussion on the need to re-invent yourself every so many years to keep your style fresh as well as recognizable. One of the take aways from the lecture was you need to have the passion burning in your belly and have fun with your photography. If this stops it may be time to find another interest. This may be especially true for those among us that do this as artistic expression as opposed to making a living through photography. The other point that was very apparent to me was when we get in to the field and become acclimated to our surroundings, go back to the basics of great image making. Many times we get so caught up in the moment and beauty of our surroundings that we forget the basics.

• Simplify our compositions.
• Remember the rule of thirds
• Compose a strong foreground, middle and background.
• Use leading lines, patterns, and light.
• Remember that the lightest part of the image is what the eyes see first. 
• Have a very definite focal point to the image.
• Use light to dark and dark to light to keep our eyes moving through the image.
• Check your camera settings before staring to shoot. ( sometimes we forget to put our settings back after our last shoot )

Many of these things become second nature the more we practice our craft, but sometimes it's just a good mental review. I sometimes will be so excited to start shooting that remembering these basic rules will slow me down and better prepare me for the shoot. If the TOP pro's do it, it must be a valuable tool. If none of us ever stop learning then keeping the basic rules in mind will help us make better and more compelling images. Until next time I hope the best of light follows you.....