Improving your photography isn't just about mastering the technical aspects; it involves insights gathered from real experiences. Understanding the subtle lessons beyond the basics can dramatically shape your photographic journey.
Coming to you from Peter Forsgård, this insightful video covers key lessons learned from many years of photography. Forsgård emphasizes the significance of patience and adaptability, illustrating how waiting for the right moment can transform an ordinary scene into something special. He candidly describes photographing a colorful can on a pole, initially dissatisfied with his results until waiting produced a more compelling scene with vibrant elements. This experience reinforces that patience isn’t passive—it's about actively working the shot until the elements align favorably. Adaptability is just as vital, allowing you to pivot quickly when unpredictable elements appear, particularly relevant in street photography where control over the environment is limited.
Another significant takeaway Forsgård highlights is that manual exposure isn't necessarily essential to capturing great photographs. He challenges the widespread notion that professional photography requires strict manual control, advocating instead for modes like Program (P) combined with exposure compensation. This approach streamlines decision-making during rapidly changing lighting conditions, prevalent in street photography. By using exposure compensation quickly via camera controls, you free your attention from constant adjustments, allowing more focus on composition and timing. Forsgård stresses, however, that fully understanding manual exposure is still important, especially in controlled environments like studios.
Forsgård further encourages embracing imperfections rather than pursuing technical perfection relentlessly. Small flaws, he argues, can inject character and uniqueness into your images. He cites examples where slight blurriness or grain transformed images from sterile perfection into compelling stories. He also suggests experimenting intentionally with imperfections, such as photographing through glass to create intriguing reflections, or deliberately cropping images in unconventional ways to introduce tension and depth.
Beyond technical advice, Forsgård underscores the value of continuous learning and experimentation across various photography genres. He points out that exploring different types of photography—such as wildlife or portraiture—can significantly broaden your understanding and creativity. Each genre offers distinct challenges and teaches unique skills, enhancing your adaptability and perspective regardless of your primary focus. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Forsgård.
