Are You Making Each Shot Better Than the Last?

There are many different ways to grow as a photographer, but one of the most effective ways is to work the same scene or subject multiple times, evaluate what went well and what did not, and try again. This excellent video follows an experienced photographer as he does that and shows how he aims for the best shot at the end of the day.

Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this interesting video follows him as he works the same landscape scene as the day progresses and the light changes, evaluating each shot and working to make the subsequent images better. It can be easy to fall into the habit of following the workflow you are comfortable with, and while there is nothing wrong with working the way you enjoy, that does not necessarily lead to the most growth or evolution as a creative. This is why an exercise like this can be so beneficial. Taking the time to work the same scene or subject multiple times makes it much easier to compare your work across multiple shots. You can even return to the same location across different days, months, or years; this will make your growth as a photographer all the more obvious. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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"Are You Making Each Shot Better Than the Last"
Wow, how could anyone possibly gauge that? Just think of all the shots you've taken over the years. Unless you're new to all this, good luck. Even if you ARE new to this.....good luck.