Have you ever been in a great location, camera in hand, only to find your shots feel flat? Sometimes, it seems like others can take the same scene and make magic while you’re left wondering what you missed. If this sounds familiar, you might be making a few common mistakes that limit your creativity.
Coming to you from Pierre T. Lambert, this insightful video explores key mistakes and how fixing them can transform your work. The first mistake is failing to change your perspective. Lambert shares examples from his time in New York City, like spotting a traffic officer in a bright yellow vest. He initially took a straightforward shot but quickly realized it lacked depth. By looking up, he discovered a red light and the geometric lines of two buildings framing the scene. Changing his perspective allowed him to craft a composition that felt dynamic. He suggests training yourself to look up and around in every situation, revealing details you might otherwise miss.
Another mistake is ignoring passive elements in your surroundings, like reflections or textures. Lambert illustrates this with an example of using a reflective window to create a layered, almost surreal image in a busy urban setting. He explains how small adjustments in angle and framing can add depth and intrigue. These passive elements, when used well, can make an image feel alive and immersive. Lambert also touches on the creative potential of focusing on the background instead of the subject, which can dramatically change the story a photo tells. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Lambert.
