Motion Exposed

The following article is one I posted in my column for examiner.com

The tools needed for effective event photography can range from cameras, lenses, tripods, studio lights, computers, and software; the list can be endless. The simple truth is, you can be very effective with a limited number of tools but one tool is absolutely essential. That tool is vision.

Vision means the ability to understand the type of photo or photos you want to take and includes the ability to manipulate your equipment to capture the image you have as your vision. As an artist, you need to spend some time determining the type of photograph you want and the steps you may need t take to achieve that photograph. Some equipment can certainly make your job easier but it really starts with a concept in your head and the knowledge to make it a reality.

The knowledge does not necessarily come easily but there are many ways to help yourself gain the knowledge and confidence to shoot what you want, the way you picture it in your minds eye. Books are an excellent choice as you can read them and re-read them, referring to them as often as needed. Several books that are highly recommended would include: The Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally. This book covers editorial style photography using small flash units to light your subject. This book is an excellent way to learn lighting techniques. Another source for lighting tips is the incredibly popular blog called The Strobist blogspot. The blog has dozens of tutorials and assignments designed to help photographers learn to light with small flashes. Finally David DuChemin is a Canadian Photographer who has gained quite a following and has begun publishing his own books including as series of inexpensive e-books designed to inspire photographers to attain their vision.

Read these books, check out blogs, look at as many photographs as you possibly can and above all else, get out and shoot photos as often as you can. The more you walk around with camera in hand shooting subjects that inspire you, the better you will be able to achieve your own personal vision.