Making Photos

This is in reply to Just a girl who posted:

"The pink Katydid, very nice photo! I am still learning how to make great photos! Mainly outdoor scenery. Any suggestions?"

Thank you for the compliment. I really appreciate it!

I would say to first find a photographer whose work inspires you. For me, it is Art Wolfe, Bob Krist, and the late Galen Rowell. Don't try to copy a photographer's work, but try to figure out what speaks to you and how you can translate that into your photography. All three of these photographers have very different styles and missions in their work, but all three have influenced me in some way. Find someone who can influence you.

Lots of research on your subject is a must, whether it is a landscape or wildlife. Scour the Internet for ideas on the best time of year to photograph "x" or the best habitat to find "y". When you find a subject that interests you, try to spend some time with it working different angles and light qualities if you can. Don't just jump out of the car, snap a pic, and be on your way and expect to consistently make really good photos. That can be challenging but if you can dedicate more time photographing a subject, chances are you will end up with better photos.

Don't get too hung up on gear. I personally know lots of photographers who are total gearheads (not that it is such a bad thing). The problem is, they let it get in the way of their shooting. They eat and breathe camera gear and gadgets: what new camera body is coming out, the MTF charts on a particular lenses dating back 25 years, the newest gizmo that will cure all of your imaging problems for only three easy payments of $99.99, etc. They get so involved with gear that they quit making photos. Make sure you have a good camera for you (not necessarily the best or most expensive), for the kind of shooting you want to do. It's about the eyes behind the lens, so that is where all the research and inspiration comes into play.

Hope that helps a little. Most of all, shoot lots.

D.