Lots of adjustments and variations
I was just listening to the radio where they had a program that was all about bands in the fifties and sixties that came out with a hit record, then disappeared from the charts into oblivion without leaving a trace. They called the program “One and Done”.
As I was listening to the disc jockey talking about some of the bands, I couldn’t help thinking about all the times I critique photos submitted from my online class with the BPSOP, and in the daily discussions during my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct.
It seems to be a common thread that ties all my fellow photographers together. What I’m driving at is when I’m walking down the street either next to or behind one of my students and see them raise their camera up to take a photo, it’s one and done.
In other words, they take one shot then move on. Maybe it’s just me but I find it to be mindboggling to think that someone can take that quick a photo and expect it to be something worthwhile; something that can stand the test of time.
I can tell you that Vegas would give it at least twenty to one that it would be. For me, that’s just not good enough odds…why? Because I rarely like the first photo I take. It’s a series of adjustments and variations before I’m satisfied and would be proud to show it.
I also see these same people raise their camera up without considering where the sun is and how their subject will react to it; it’s still the mindset of one and done.
The first shot should be the one that gets the creative juices going. It should segue into a stronger image by looking at from a different POV, perhaps a lens change, including or eliminating people, increasing or decreasing your aperture., etc., etc.
This is how you come back with a photo that you’ll keep, instead of scratching your head while looking at your monitor wondering why in the hell you shot it in the first place.
FYI, I spent a lot of time working on the photo above. I would say maybe a dozen different variations.
Visit my website at www.joebaraban.com, and check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me some time.
JoeB
