Two Ways to Improve Your Photography Without a Camera

Most photography tutorials understandably focus on how you can improve your work while you have a camera in your hand. However, this video focuses on two exercises you can do anytime, anywhere, even if your camera isn't with you.

Coming to you from Pierre T. Lambert, this great video examines how you can continue to develop your eye no matter where you are, even when you're not shooting. I think learning to envision compositions without a camera is particularly important, as doing so will make you quicker at finding great shots and will allow you to scan an entire scene instead of using the camera viewfinder as your "eye" constantly. To take this a step further, I recommend trying to imagine shots at different focal lengths. A good way to do this is to spend a week or so walking around with a single prime lens on your camera, such as a 24mm. After you do this, you should have a good idea of what that perspective looks like and be better able to pre-visualize it, which will open up creative possibilities as you see more and more shots around you. The next time you're walking around somewhere without a camera, try thinking about the composition and light. 

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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1 Comment

Haha Bob totally agree! It's a real danger :)