What is the difference between a formula and a strategy? In photography, it can be hard to tell. Here are my thoughts on how to differentiate the two.
Category - Beginning Photography
There Can Be No Formula
Where photography is concerned, there can be no tried and true formula that we can rely on for photograph after photograph. We must keep innovating.
No One Cares How You Got There
Does the artistic process matter? Of course—but only to the artist. For the audience, it’s the result that matters most.
When the Need for Validation Goes Too Far
We all have the need to be validated—but what happens when that need goes too far? It can only lead to bad things, I think. Here are my thoughts.
What Do You Need from Photography?
What is it that we need from photography? It’s an important question to ask because the answers can help direct us down the right path.
How to Become More Curious
Curiosity is essential to photography—and there are ways to become more inquisitive. It all comes from exploring and the thrill of discovery.
Unrestricted Passion
We don’t have to limit ourselves to photography. It’s possible to have multiple artistic passions—and pursuing all of them helps us hone skills across...
Find Your People
Finding your people doesn’t mean building a community of admirers on social media. It’s about building a community where there is kinship, learning and...
Owning Mistakes and Learning From Them
We can blame many things for failed photographs, but the problem usually isn’t outside circumstances. Read more of my thoughts on this here.
Merciless
Part of being artistic is the ability to be merciless during the act of creation. Self-critique without being unkind, and know when to cut what isn’t...
The Best Laid Plans
We all make plans to do photography, but life has a habit of changing those plans. Adaptability is key—and it takes a variety of forms.
Extreme Familiarity
While some may say that returning to the same places is boring, building greater levels of familiarity enables us to tell richer, deeper photographic...
Seize the Day
Sometimes creativity is all about having a positive mindset—which can be challenging! Here are my thoughts on maintaining that mindset.
Music, Meditation and Motivation
Music, meditation, art, and all the myriad forms of media are all things we can use to fuel our creative lives. They motivate us, inspire us, and give...
Good Habits are the Enemy of Silly Mistakes
Good habits will safeguard you against silly mistakes or even larger photographic disasters. Here are a couple of key habits every photographer should...
Branching Projects and Spinoffs
Free flowing creativity is a wonderful thing. It’ll lead you to exploring creative branches you never would have imagined. Here’s how to keep it all...
Feeling What You Photograph
Is it possible that we can apply the lessons of musicians to photography? Here’s a quick thought to help you add emotion to your photographs.
Making Photography a Daily Habit
It’s tough to take photos every day, but there are lots of little ways you can work photography into a busy life. Here are a few ideas to get you...
Just Reacting
Preconceived notions can get in our way when what we’re expecting fails to materialize. It’s on us to overcome it when expectations don’t match reality.
What Does It Mean to Focus to Infinity?
Are you wondering what it means to focus to infinity, or how to do it? I'll show you the ins and outs of infinity focus with manual and autofocus...
Does Empathy Make Us Better Photographers?
Empathy may just be one of the largest factors that makes one into a better photographer. Here are my thoughts on how you can channel this into your...
Aging Photographs
It’s tempting to share exciting new images as soon as we can after taking them. But letting them age a little bit can truly bring out the beauty.
What You Can Learn from Other Art Forms
Art forms beyond photography can teach us so much about how to create images. Here are a few examples and some things you can learn from them.
Teaching Children the Wonders of Photography #4: Learning to be Comfortable as a Photographer
Photography is not something that sets kids apart from their peers, but rather something they can take pride in. Read on to learn about this vital...
Teaching Children the Wonders of Photography #3: Learning to Create Art
If you're teaching photography to children, then here are the advanced composition techniques and camera tricks that you'll want to teach them!
Teaching Children the Wonders of Photography #2: Lighting and Intermediate Camera Controls
Teaching children about photography is fun for both you and the kids. Here are the intermediate lessons that you'll need to teach to young...
Teaching Children the Wonders of Photography #1: The Basics
Are you wondering how to go about teaching photography to a child? I'll make it easy for you to teach children all about the art of photography!
Paying Attention in the Age of Distractions
Distractions can be a drain on creativity, and they’re all around us. Here are some ways to minimize distractions so that you can focus on photography!
Self-Examination as a Photographer
If we, as photographers, aren't introspective, we may not see how our thoughts change over time. Take a moment to think back and refresh yourself.
Getting Children Engaged in Photography
What are some ways to get a child interested in photography? There are lots of things you can try to build a kid's interest. Here are my favorite...