Don’t let your camera get in the way of your photography

My name is Nathan Presley and I’m a professional photographer. I started playing with film and photography when I was twelve years old and eventually, dropped out of high school(with good grades) at age fifteen. I’m not here to endorse quitting school by any means, but I can thankfully say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’m not writing this post to every photographer, but primarily to those who plan to to still be shooting in twenty, thirty, or fifty years from now, and are looking to make an intentional step toward developing their skill.

I receive email and Twitter messages everyday inquiring about gear I use, and although I have no problem answering those questions, I believe asking a photographer what type of camera he uses is equally as informative as asking a painter what type of brush he uses.

So, let me be the first to say: what you’re looking for is not a better camera.

Recently, I gave a photography workshop at a university and during the workshop had students put their cameras away and pull out their camera phones. Once one realizes they can’t rely on a camerato create something that looks “neat”, one is then forced to become a photographer.

In a world of great cameras, the idea is king. Begin by focusing on imperative creative elements that truly define you as a unique photographer.

For Example:
Concept /Story/Theme
Location
Model
Wardrobe
Props
Pose
Facial Expression
Color Palette(choose a few dominate colors for your work)
Feeling

If you can frame it with your hands and it looks good, then it can look good on camera.

One might think “I don’t have that type of time and I would go broke trying to get everything done perfectly”; however, minute details such as these elements are very carefully planned out on almost every large-scale shoot. Photographers are very busy and still find time to do pre-production work, as well as work with a team to solidify details; they’re also paid well.

It’s much better to have three amazing images that really catch the eye than to have a whole portfolio of simply “good” images. If time constraint is your only excuse, shoot less of whatever you’re shooting and shoot more of what pushes and excites you, while keeping essential elements in mind.

I’d also like to point out that bringing in assistance as far as production goes does not make the project less-yours. All of mankind’s greatest achievements, in one way or another, have had some form of help. A photographer who can direct and put together a creative team that is in sync, is more impressive to me than one, lone-wolf photographer.

Photographs are potentially the strongest form of advertising you will ever have. Consistently put out images you love, and your audience will begin to grow.

The customer doesn’t want to be right, they want to be happy.

I used to tell myself, “Well my client told me what they want me to do, so I guess I should do exactly that, because it’s what they’re paying me for”. If you do this, you are withholding your creativity from the people paying you. Sometimes, the best thing you can tell a client to win them over is “no”. The world is filled with “yes” men who do exactly what they are told.

If a client is worried you don’t fully know what you’re doing, they might try to take the lead. I’m not endorsing rudeness, on the contrary, make sure you listen to everything a client says, thoughtfully consider it, and then try to see if you can add your style to what they want; oftentimes when a relaxed, open, and honest dialogue flows between client and photographer, you will find a way to create something both parties will like.

The best way to say “no”, is to say “yes” to something more exciting. Get the client excited about your idea. Present some visual inspiration in a direction that you would like to take a project, and explain why it would work for them. The greatest thing you can give clients is your best work. So don’t get stuck in a cliché concept or idea that you know won’t end well.

Most of the time people will hire you because of an image they saw and liked. So, only exhibit work you personally like, and you will be able to take projects that are enjoyable while pleasing your clients. Not only is life too short to take photos you don’t like, but it’s bad for business too.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, engagement photos, editorials, music, nature, or really anything, the more effort that is put into your images, the more you’ll get back. I have a lot to learn myself, but these are some practical things that have really helped me avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to message me on Twitter anytime: http://twitter.com/NathanPresley (I try to respond every day)

-Nathan Presley

http://twitter.com/NathanPresley
http://NathanPresley.com/blog