Photography, to me, is more than just fidgeting with a camera, trying to ‘snap the best shot’; it’s each of the ‘shots’ I take that capture memories. Based on each photo, you can imagine what was going on; for me as a photographer, I can remember taking the photo. I imagine the laughter before counting to three, or the spontaneous questions people ask before the camera shutters; “What do I do with my arms!?”
When I have my camera ready, my attention shifts to the person diagonal to the lens. I give them a countdown from three and they flash some of the biggest smiles. Like curious birds to feed, they hover over my camera to see my result.
As I continue to improve, I’ve noticed almost everyone holds themselves to their own ‘list of standards’. I can’t tell what exactly they don’t like about a photo, but I can tell when they want a “do-over”. This has taught me the amount of patience photography requires. I am most understanding with friends but it has to be the same with strangers. At the end of the day, we all want to capture something worthy of remembrance.
From personal experience, I’ve had a couple headaches with my own ‘list of standards’. In the past, I’ve found myself frustrated when I can’t get the “perfect shot”. There are professional technicalities photographers look out for, including: lighting, angles, lines, symmetry, and framing. When it gets tricky, I simply ask myself, “what does the photo say?”, “is it worth saying”. I don’t expect my photos to literally jump out and scream at me but I do aspire for them to portray something impactful.
If pictures could talk, I would expect to hear those seconds they were shot. If it were on the beach, you would hear the waves crashing, kids shrieking, and a chopper flying in the distance. In a different scenario, a picture on Broadway echoes car horns, Elphaba singing, and “the other FIFTY-ONE” productions taking place in the area.
I think these heavy expectations photographers hold themselves to, allows them to flourish, but also sets them back from trying new things. It is an endless rabbit hole of narrowing down opinions on the perfect picture.
That’s why I still make the effort to improve; If the shot isn’t exactly what I wanted I can always try again. Photography to me is an elective, hobby, an interest, but also an evolving art form.
From last year alone I’ve improved based on my critiques from fall FSPA competitions. There were some noticeable issues from my last submission and I’m trying my best this time around.
The person who motivates me to continue in this hobby is my Aunt. My earliest memory of her resides in her lugging of equipment, constantly taking pictures. Her camera was the bane of my experience as she found a way to make a production out of everything. She took pictures of food, presents, scenic locations, and I (before I developed a sense of style).
Today I find myself becoming more and more like her. I take pictures of my food, and every scenic location (even if I’ve seen it daily). Consequently, I’ve been bestowed the title of the “friend group photographer”.
Depending on who you ask, photography is different for everyone; a hobby, a job, an art, a form of journalism. The true beauty of photography is that there is always more to what meets the eye; or in this case, the lens.
