Understanding the complexities of photography can be daunting, especially when you're just starting out. Whether you're dealing with frustrations or hitting a plateau in your creative journey, learning from the experiences of others can provide valuable insights.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video dives into the lessons he wishes he had known when he began his photography journey. Patino highlights the importance of reading the histogram early on. Initially, he shot in auto and semi-autp modes, resulting in overexposed highlights and underexposed shadows. By understanding the histogram and transitioning to manual mode, he gained creative control and improved his images significantly. This shift allowed him to protect highlights and reveal details in post-processing, ultimately reducing frustration and enhancing his ability to visualize final results.
Patino emphasizes the drawbacks of relying on Av mode for too long. While Av mode can be useful in certain scenarios, it often limits versatility. For instance, shooting handheld in Av mode can result in slow shutter speeds, leading to blurry images. Manual mode, on the other hand, allows for better control over shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, enabling more creative and diverse photography. Patino reflects on how learning manual mode earlier would have diversified his portfolio and improved his technical skills, particularly in dynamic and challenging shooting conditions.
Sharpness is another area where Patino admits to overthinking. Early on, he obsessed over sharpening techniques, spending excessive time in post-processing to achieve detailed images. However, he eventually realized that proper execution in the field and using good optics and appropriate settings was more critical than extensive post-processing. Patino now focuses on ensuring his images are in focus at the time of capture, minimizing the need for sharpening adjustments later. He advises investing in quality lenses and understanding depth of field to achieve sharp, detailed images without unnecessary post-processing.
Diversifying focal lengths is another key tip from Patino. Landscape photographers often default to wide angle lenses, but incorporating mid-range and telephoto lenses can create more impactful images. By experimenting with different focal lengths, you can explore new perspectives and compositions. Patino found that using a 24-70mm lens opened up creative possibilities, especially when capturing distant subjects or compressing scenes for a dramatic effect. This approach can enhance the visual diversity of your portfolio and challenge you to see the world through different lenses.
Patino also discusses the significance of making the most of your gear. Rather than constantly seeking the latest equipment, focus on mastering what you already have. Good photography hinges on key elements like composition, lighting, and processing, with gear playing a secondary role. By prioritizing these factors, you can create stunning images regardless of your equipment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
