Do you ever see a photographer’s final image and wonder how they got so lucky? How were they in the right place, at the right time, with just the right lighting and just the right moment to capture the perfect image?
It’s not luck. Well, maybe once in a while it is, but usually, it’s work. It takes being prepared and ready for that perfect image to happen in front of them. Whether it’s there to begin with or needs a little post-processing help. Here are a few tips to help you be lucky and get that final image you have in your head.
Be aware of everything
Itās impossible to be aware of every single thing. Keep your senses sharp when you are out with your camera. Watch, listen and feel whatās going on around you.
Many times there is so much going on during sports games, dance recitals and any event where there are groups of people. Scan the scene, and see who and what is interesting before you put the camera up to your eye.
Donāt wait for the final image to happen
The main event is always the focus for everyone. The big game, the last bit of great sunset light and clouds, that one moment on stage. Those are the things most people are going to focus on.
Donāt wait for that big moment. Watch what is going on before and after that, and photograph the kids getting ready to play or dance. Photograph the way the sunlight bounces off buildings or the sand at the beach during sunrise/sunset.
We miss so many moments just waiting for something to happen.
Imagine the possibilities
Not every shot we take is going to be a masterpiece right out of the camera. Sometimes a moment presents itself, and the final image manifests itself in our minds. Take those moments and run with them. Donāt have the post-processing skills required to create what you have in your head? Look at that as an opportunity to learn something new.
Hereās an example. I have taken photos for a ballet recital for a few years and learned to keep the camera at the ready always during the dress rehearsal. Not just for the dancers but also for the crew and staff as candid moments happen. Those behind-the-scenes shots are fun to have for a studio to have.
I watched this scene unfold as I sat out in the auditorium with the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L series lens and pictured it in my mind as black and white with the dancer isolated.
I have to admit, Iām not a big Photoshop user, but I had to get this image to be what I saw in my mind. I learned how and what I needed to do. I also asked for help and suggestions.
Itās a good lesson if you see something you want to make work but donāt know exactly how to go about it. Use it as a learning experience.
No limits to creating that final image
Remember, there are no limits in art. Your imagination can take you anywhere you want to go, and this applies to your photography. Take the final image you see in your mind and make it happen. Be creative.
That’s a wonderful article. I like seeing what you actually took and then what you had visualized at the time the shutter was clicked.
Thank you, Cathy, I hope to do more of this type of comparison to show people what is possible. (Which is anything of course!)
Laurie I just LOVE your Photofocus articles!! They are simply supreme. Thank you!!!
Thank you, Alan I’m trying to keep it simple and do what I can to help people out a bit. Appreciate you following along!
Thank you Lauri for this wonderful, easy to remember and learn tip!! It is perfect just like your articles!!
Happy to help Carmen! Thank you!
Yes – this is the real world challenge – not “image quality”.
Agreed. Yet, so many more photographers are concerned about image quality and the technicality of a shot instead.
Thanks for the reminder, Lauri – we photograph an a capella competition each year and some people ask why we are there all day and not just for the final performance. You just demonstrated the reason.
Sometimes we forget the surrounding and supporting activities.
Seems like I only see the interesting possibilities later, when looking at the shots at home. But sometimes that works. And I don’t do ‘events’ so I can usually go back and do it different.
Hind sight is 20/20? :)
I think this happens too, we see things after uploading them that we didn’t see or notice as we took the photo. I also think that not everyone can easily visualize things in advance. It takes practice.