We all want to be better photographers, of course. However, how do you actually go about it? If you find yourself wondering how to set about improving your work, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer sharing loads of wisdom both on how to be better and how to enjoy the craft more.
Coming to you from Alister Benn of Expressive Photography, this insightful video tutorial offers a range of helpful advice on how to overcome creative slumps and plateaus as a photographer. I think one of the most important things to do is to simply understand and become comfortable with the fact that creativity does not flow constantly. Creativity naturally waxes and wanes, and in times when it is not strong, it can quickly become a frustrating experience. If you are a hobbyist, it is easy enough to just ride out the troughs without pushing the issue. If you are a professional, of course, you need to be able to continue creating, which is why it is important to keep your technique sharp and have a portfolio of personal projects you can draw from when you are lacking inspiration. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.
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Thank you!
Yes to all things you say! Many waste four to five hours a night watching the boobtube not even remembering what they watched! A photographer not only remembers what they see but look foreword to the next. I also had an awakening but to the unseen night sky with the A7S. After purchasing and even after capturing a Lunar eclipse with an old FD lens I read that it was the best at capturing the Milky Way that I had no idea about. The first time I went out and captured it and saw it on the camera screen and looked at the area and saw nothing but stars I was hooked. But it was not about the MW so much but the time out alone and enjoying the moment of quiet listening to nature. I live mostly on the coast of Florida and go camping on the coast of Georgia but also travel to Mississippi - dark cattle country area.
The hard thing about the MW is the times, early season Feb is an hour or two before sunrise and May, June and July starts a little after midnight to mostly all nighter then August to November when it goes vertical is from sunset to about 1am. The great part is five days before and after the new moon that allows for good weather nights. I am a day person but my wife is a night owl and for years while I worked she would wake me for work BUT when I started MW's I always woke up an hour before needed already to go with gear ready and charged, figure that. I would go to places no other would think of like a beach lit buy hotels but with dark skies over the ocean meaning alone time with nature and at night when beach goers are asleep. Newer cameras did better night low light and software has gotten way better that new photographers will ever know making post processing faster of old and new images for a noon nap with the wife. I have been retired now 26 years having a VA award for disabilities form 24 years of service in the military where photography has calmed my soul a lot with something to do positively. I recommend it for anyone as a hobby and if possible as a pro to gain a new way of life. I got my A7S using points on by credit card and all cameras and lens since just to keep as a calming hobby without the stress of a money making chore and to maintain a budget like limits.
My first capture of milky way, first image at a dark area, west coast of florida, learning ponos for the MW ARC even in a lit area.