Think First

Think first... well obviously we should all think before we do something; but in the sense of photography I think it's important to think or plan before you go and shoot something specifically. This may be on the opposite side of the spectrum from my last post but this deals with shooting something professionally. Let me explain!

If you are being paid for a shoot you'd want to make sure you cover the best ground possible; it isn't like running and gunning, which I absolutely love. But before you go to the shoot you'd want to have a prepared shot-list. This list consist of shots that you "have" to secure. This is part of the planning of the shoot. It becomes much easier to develop a shot-list when you ask the client what specific shots they want. This way you are properly prepared for what is coming in the shoot.

In fact you can come up with different creative shots to shoot. While talking with the client you both can come up with creative shots. While planning a shoot with a client, I came up with a creative shot to get based on the outfit and idea. We used props that we got before hand and that added to the aesthetic of the photos. Once you nail down where in location matches the idea "BANG" you got yourself a great photo and off to Instagram!

Doing some extra planning and creative thinking is what sets photographers apart from people just taking pictures. Yes, photographers must be able to understand the equipment but being creative with photography will give it that extra "oomph" that will make improve your clientele. This will, in fact, make you stand out from just any other photographer. Your chances of wowing your client will grow exponentially by planning out and brainstorming. Remember, if those pictures are great others will seek you out and want to work with you; this will benefit you in the long run.

Looking up different photography ideas help you develop yours. You can match it to your specific situation and style. You can blend your style with another to create something epic.

So many different style are born due to different photographers employing different ideas and styles into their work.

In this photo I blended a military-esk style to a church ROTC event and it improve the feel of the photo. This was during a conference retreat in which I planned to adapt this style a day before. When I sent the pictures over it set me apart from the other photographers that were there because of careful planning and creative thinking.

Now this isn't to say you can't take absolutely banger shots "on the fly" shooting. A lot of my great shots came from just that. But taking an extra step allows you to explore ideas you may not have thought of on the spot...