By Elizabeth Hodges, ACN Regional Workshop Chair
It can be easy to get caught up in going through the motions during a photo shoot. However, by attending ACN regional workshops like the most recent one in Lexington, Kentucky, engaging speakers can push you to refine your craft even further.
That’s exactly what Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jon Cherry did. He left attendees with an urgency to see their subjects rather than simply look at them. Cherry shares that by seeing the subject, you allow the world to develop around you and let your visuals complement the story.
Finding the decisive moment of each shot creates a photo that stands out. What’s key to these moments is being present, because decisive moments don’t repeat.
Once a decisive moment has been captured, it creates the baseline for the entire story sequence. Instead of telling a story in chronological order, consider other approaches: Could you tell the story through color or movement?
While a mindset and decisive eye can be crafted over time, here are the top tips every photographer can implement to be prepared, because the prepared photographer sees more:
- Think about your file platform. How will you transfer the files to the client?
- Build habits and create fluidity to set yourself apart from others.
- Get to know your camera well.
- How do you decide what gear to bring?
- How clear is your assignment? Are there details you could gain more clarity on?
- How early can you get there? Especially in remote areas, giving yourself enough time to set up and be prepared can make a difference.
By running through this checklist before every photo shoot, you’re one step closer to becoming a more prepared photographer.
Cherry also shared helpful apps that can prepare you for photo shoots:
- Shademap.app: This platform can help you visualize where your lighting is coming from.
- TPE: This similar platform can let you know where the sun and moon are when doing outdoor shots.
To gain more insight into Cherry’s photography process, check out the recorded webinar on the ACN YouTube channel.
– Hodges writes for Nebraska Farmer