UPDATE: Photographers are urged to reassess their habits to elevate their images, as new insights from a recent video reveal critical mistakes and techniques. This urgent guide highlights 11 common pitfalls that often go unnoticed, jeopardizing the quality of photographs taken in the field.
The advice comes from renowned professionals, including Shannon and Nick Page, who emphasize the importance of adapting to the environment rather than sticking to preconceived notions. One compelling example shared occurs in Denali, where photographers fixated on their 400mm and 600mm lenses missed broader narratives. By switching to a shorter focal length, they captured the animals in their environmental context, creating memorable images that tell a richer story.
Shannon stresses the necessity of shooting with editing in mind. He bluntly states that “software is for finishing, not for manufacturing the photo from scratch.” Key decisions made before pressing the shutter, such as protecting highlights and selecting clean backgrounds, can significantly ease the editing process later.
Nick Page calls attention to a mental trap he terms “tunnel vision,” warning against arriving at a location with a single planned shot. This mindset can lead photographers to overlook better opportunities presented by changing light and weather. Instead, he advises embracing flexibility, which could mean letting go of a predetermined shot in favor of capturing more compelling images.
The video also challenges the notion that iconic locations guarantee stunning photos. It emphasizes that sometimes, light trumps location. Photographers are cautioned against forcing images when conditions are unfavorable, as stubbornness often results in dull photos and wasted effort.
An intriguing suggestion is to commit to risky shots over safe ones. Page illustrates this with an extreme example of a camera sealed in an underwater housing, capturing a single frame over several days—a shot few would dare to attempt.
The video dives into technical aspects of photography, exposing common misconceptions that complicate the process. Techniques such as stacking, bracketing, and panoramas are discussed without mandating the use of a tripod, provided photographers can shoot quickly enough to maintain alignment. Focus stacking is presented as a better alternative to stopping down to f/22, which can lead to softness due to diffraction.
Moreover, Page encourages photographers to selectively choose focus modes, arguing that manual focus peaking can be advantageous in chaotic situations where automatic settings fall short.
For anyone in the photography realm, this video serves as an urgent reminder to reevaluate existing practices. With the right adjustments, photographers can not only enhance their skills but also produce images that resonate more deeply with their audience.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from industry experts like Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist, who continues to share his knowledge and experiences in the field. Check out the full video for an in-depth look at transforming your photography techniques today.
