Unleash Your Inner Artist

When we think of outdoor photography, we often envision grand vistas and places we’d love to one day visit to get that perfect shot. But what is the perfect shot? What does it look like? Does the subject have to be an iconic location? Do we have to use top of the line, brand name equipment? While most of us know better, I fear too often many photographers allow themselves to be intimidated, albeit subconsciously, by what they see from the big guns in the business. Assuming you already have a good feel for your camera and have begun to develop an artistic eye for composition, you have what it takes right now to start making your own perfect shots. Don’t be intimidated by the great work of others, get out there and make your own!

The Perfect Shot

The ideal of the perfect shot is most useful as the holy grail for photographers of all skill levels in perfecting their craft. But as any of us who have finally captured that shot know, it won’t be enough. We’ll always need to find another…and then another. We’re greedy that way.

So what will your perfect shot look like? You are the only one who can answer that question, but I can give you some tips to get you started. First, look at the great work of other photographers. But don’t just look at it casually, study each image. Ask yourself why it is that particular photo appeals to you. Study compositional elements, lighting, colors, textures, shadows, reflections, angles, and perspectives. These are tools all good photographers use. One element done well can produce a good picture; combine two, three, or more, and most likely the shot will have achieved something truly special. But technical mastery alone, while vital, doesn’t make the true magic of a great photograph. Chances are there will be something deeper that draws you—something that you connect with on an emotional or even a spiritual level. Herein lies the real secret. Find that connection, and you will be on the fast track to discovering your own perfect shot.

Iconic Locations

I know the feeling: you’re looking through a photography or adventure magazine, wishing you lived closer to some of the fantastic vistas and destinations presented on the pages before you. Why did you have to end up living someplace so ordinary? Considering that great photography is first and foremost an attitude, location is actually your biggest asset, no matter where you live.

Locations are a lot like people. They only yield their secrets as you spend time looking, listening and learning. Travel back roads. Get out and walk. Look down. Look up. Get on your stomach. Lie on your back. Get curious, ask questions. Pay attention to details. Spend time just being. Visit places and explore them over and over again; return at different times of day, and different times of year. Challenge yourself. Experiment. If you have a favorite location or two, you’re ahead of the game. Chances are you’ve already given them plenty of attention with your camera; take that relationship to the next level. Photography is a creative journey. Rid your mind of distracting thoughts; free yourself to focus completely on discovery and creation. Find the shots that make your viewers wish that they lived where you live!

Once you have learned how to unlock the secrets of your favorite local spots, you can use the same principles to find and capture the more unusual and overlooked aspects of famous locations. Iconic travel destinations can prove disappointingly ordinary for the photographer without a well trained eye. If you haven’t disciplined yourself in the art of observation, you’ll finally take that dream photo trip, and come home with pictures that look like the vacation photos of millions of tourists who have gone before. When you first arrive in that photo hot spot, by all means indulge your inner tourist. Take all the first impression shots that say, “I was there.” Once you’ve calmed your first date jitters, if you’ve prepared ahead of time, you’ll be ready to capture the magic of the place that the average photographer misses. David Bailey said, “It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer… In photography everything is so ordinary. It takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary.” Learn that and you’ll create magic every time you trip the shutter.

Equipment

When I was shooting film, I shot with a variety of cameras. It took me longer than most to finally make the jump to digital. Right now, I am shooting with a Nikon Coolpix S560, a tiny camera that slips nicely into my pocket and is easy to have at all times whenever that special photographic moment may arise. Oh—and I’m darn proud of the pictures I take. If you’re beating yourself up over not having the “right” equipment, or if you’re letting that stand in the way of getting out there and making artistic magic, stop it. Right now. To this point, we’ve established that great photography is about attitude, imagination, observation, and connection with your subject. If these things motivate you, you will create great photographs no matter what hardware is in your hand. You are the photographer, not the camera. Don’t let your lack of pro gear stop you from getting out there and making your own award worthy images right now. Shoot your best every time, and greatness will follow.

Pursuing the perfect shot is really about finding your own artistic vision. Self conscious attempts at being unique will only serve to hinder your creativity. As your perfect shots begin to accumulate, you’ll notice your vision and perspective deepening. As you perfect the mechanics of your craft and study the world around you, your own singular style will emerge. It’s a highly rewarding journey. Just get out of your own way and let the magic begin!

extended photo credits:

Eiffel Tower by Ben Monshor