I have been into photography for over 40 years. Starting out back in the days of film as a starving college student, I experimented with all kinds of photographic techniques, and took meticulous notes, learned what worked and what didn’t.
One thing I discovered was that sometimes my mistakes led to important realizations. They were learning opportunities, where the conclusion was either “wow, I won’t do THAT again” or “I think I just discovered something really cool.”
That perspective has stuck with me over the years, to always be willing to try new things and learn from the process. Most importantly, learn the photographic tools available and then use those tools to expand you artistic expression.
Most importantly:
- Learn the fundamentals of photography really well. That will make all of this more “intuitive” to you if you understand what is really happening inside your camera.
- Learn the specific features of your camera, special modes, unique focusing options, etc.
- Buy the right gear that will best serve your needs.
- Be a student of light. Be obsessed with this!! Seek to know how to best use light to enhance your images. Light is the essential ingredient in any photograph. Mastery of light will yield better or more creative images, whether it is portraiture or macro photography or landscapes, light must be considered to achieve great results.
- Know the software tools available to organize and edit your photographs. Become proficient with tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and other tools, and the various great plugins to enhance images such as tools offered by Topaz Labs or Alien Skin Software or Skylum.
Check out my currently offered classes
This combined knowledge on all of these topics opens the door to do anything you can imagine. This is what I LOVE about photography. I especially love taking on projects that allow me to be more creative. But even the standard images that pro photographers create are just going to be better if you master the equipment, light and the image editing software.
I create a lot of headshots in my studio. Business professional headshots are usually the most conservative when it comes to creative expression, but even with headshots, it is important to get the right mix of light and shadow for best results.
I also love shooting portraits. These examples are not doing anything “wild” regarding creativity. This still requires good posing and lighting techniques.
I love opportunities to use artistic expression and more dramatic lighting options. This is where your skills of lighting become even more demanding.
I have always found dramatic lighting particularly appealing.
Pushing the dramatic lighting techniques further, I love the interplay of light and shadow.
Or this example goes even further into the realm of “dramatic” to add a sense of mystery.
Don’t be afraid to try different unusual concepts. Try something unusual, just to make a statement that as an artist, you don’t have to be “normal.”
Try different software tools. For the image below, I used Topaz Glow to add a bit of “surreal” to the image.
In this image, shot in my studio, I added a bit of “fog” at the bottom using Adobe Photoshop. I use Photoshop all the time and am very proficient with it. I urge all photographers to really get to know Photoshop very well!
This image below is a “composite” image created from two different photographs, using Photoshop. I find projects like this to be so much fun!
And here are couple more examples of “composite” photo editing.
The image below was shot in my studio, with the specific intention to then use Photoshop to put in a different background.
Here’s the final result.
This image was also shot in studio with specific attention to light angles, highlights and shadows, with the intent to replace the background using Photoshop.
And here’s the final result.
SO, the bottom line in all of this is that you will benefit so much if you take the time to learn your camera, lighting, and photo editing skills.
The less you know, the more barriers you are going to encounter, where you just can’t get the shot you want.
I offer a wide range of classes throughout the year. Check out my currently offered classes but also note that on my web page where I list all my classes, if there is a class that is not currently offered, but you’d LIKE me to add it soon, just contact me. I am happy to add any class if I have at least 3 students interested! Plus I also offer private teaching options for an individual or a small group (you and a few of your photographer friends).
For the basics, I offer Photography 101 or the Photographers Weekend Boot Camp.
Especially take note that I am thinking about adding another Light & Photography class soon. I think every photographer would benefit from taking this class. If you are interested, go to that web page and let me know what works best for you (weekday daytime or evening) or weekend!
Happy Picture Taking and Never Stop Learning and Try New Things!
Kevin Gourley
P.S. Check out this FREE EVENT on January 9th:
Learn More About Our Rocky Mountain Photography Workshops
+ Drawings for FREE PRIZES and future class discounts! Must RSVP to attend!
