Skip to main content

The value of preparation

Photography is instant. You press the shutter and capture a split second of light reflecting off your subject and registering on the camera's film or sensor. I've found that the most satisfying captures are often those special moments when the action unfolds in front of you and, just as everything comes together, you push the shutter. Magic.

So it's no wonder that so many photographers go off half-cocked. After all photography appears to be one of the most spontaneous 'art forms' there is.

In fact to create magic takes a lot of preparation. Before you do anything you should be considering what you want to shoot, the lenses you will need, the set up of your camera, background information on the location, know who you want to photograph or what. It's dedication and attention to detail that separates the photographer with a professional attitude from a happy snapper.

Even papparrazi take the time to learn locations, habits of their prey, build up vital contacts and most of them memorise loads of license plate numbers and phone numbers. Wedding photographers may do pre-wedding photo-shoots, scout locations and certainly take a detailed brief from the couple. Landscape photographers need to know what to expect from the weather, should have an idea of the angle of the sun, the tides if they're on the coast, the history of the place and what to expect generally from the location.

At the center and heart of every bit of preparation is the photographer thinking about and pre-visualising what he or she wants to shoot and how. This will inform all sorts of decisions such as equipment to take (why carry loads of stuff you won't need or use) and how to set up cameras to optimise the results.

No matter what you do when it comes to photography, by the time you pick up your camera to take the first shot you should have done stacks of preparation - if you're serious about getting the best possible results.

Please let me know if you found this useful by sending me an email. Could you also tell me if you would like to be added to my new mailing list. I plan to send out irregular emails about particular events, with tips and news that I don't include in my blog (my blog is more about personal opinion than photographic news).

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Paul Indigo

Comments

Anonymous said…
Excellent blog. I have enjoyed reading several of your interesting articles.

Will send you an email to join your mailing list.

Thank you.

Jo Armstrong
Anonymous said…
Just found you blog. Recommended by a friend. Intelligent and interesting. I've got a lot to learn :-)
Regards, David Griffith
PS will send you an email

Popular posts from this blog

Approach to taking a portrait

Portrait of Amitabh Bachchan. Click on the image to see larger version. Every portrait is different but there are also elements which are the same, whether you’re shooting the famous or the locally famous. Fame is of course all relative. It depends on profession, accomplishments or media celebrity status. Whoever the ‘famous’ individual is there are millions of people in the world who will never have heard them. For example I photographed the legendary Indian Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, who amongst his many accolades was awarded the Legion d'Honneur, the highest civilian award of France. But I’m positive that many people in North America will not have heard of him – although he has more fans than Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro put together. I find that however well known a person is cracking through egos and insecurities is really important when it comes to getting authentic strong portraits. However I hasten to add that when it came to photographing Amitabh th

The portrait photographer's motivation

Easy access to the Internet and digital photography has resulted in an ever growing number of photographers uploading their images for comments and ratings from peers. Online communities evolve and these mini-societies each have their pecking order, internal groups and communal preferences. Photographers learn from each other. On sites that have a rating system there is often pressure to conform to certain styles, techniques and even subject matter. Although I participate in numerous sites (it's great fun), I recognise the danger of becoming a herd animal and losing the edge of individual creativity. There will always be the creatives that lead the way and the imitators that can only try to follow in their footsteps. This lead me to think about classifying photographers according their inner motivation. So as a bit of fun here are a few different types: The innovator Driven to always find something new, different and creative. Wants to be leading edge. Motivated by creative satisfa

Capturing the truth: The power of documentary photography to shape public opinion

Photographer, writer and artist, Paul Indigo (Photo by Magda Indigo ) Documentary photography is more important than ever because it plays a critical role in informing and shaping public opinion, particularly in today's fast-paced, information-saturated world. With the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, we are bombarded with images and information daily. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. From a trusted source, documentary photography counterbalances the often sensationalised and biased coverage of social and political issues. Documentary photography can challenge dominant narratives and foster greater understanding and empathy by presenting a nuanced, humanistic perspective on complex issues. It can highlight underreported and marginalised issues, giving voice to those who are often ignored or silenced. In a world where many people feel disenfranchised and marginalised, documentary photography can help to create a sense of community and solidarity by