At some point photographers come against a few questions regarding skill, craft, vision, and art. One question that emerges, and a relatively easy one to answer is: what does it take for me to do this not just well but with excellence? It is natural that an initial concern is with how we can become good at this activity. We recognize that there is a great deal of technical matter to master, and if we are motivated, we set about learning as much as we can about such aspects of photography. Invariably however, we come to the realization that in order to “do this” with excellence we need to see photography as much more than just pushing a button, changing a lens, using a tripod, “reading the light,” and so forth.
When we get enough technical expertise under our belt, we say, how do I move to the next step? What can I do to make my images be stunning? That is a whole different concern than the ubiquitous query in online forums regarding how to make an image “pop.” What we ask at this later stage is truly how do we become more than just good technicians. A friend of mine would say that at such a point, a person is asking “how do I further my artistic development, how do I nurture artistic vision and imagination?”
I agree. But I also think folks that really delve into photography have another question often not articulated, and perhaps it is the same question about vision but phrased differently:
how do I not just take images that represent what was there, and instead capture the moment and vision that I experienced? Aha! Asking that question really opens us up to a whole new world of photography, of the creative process. It doesn’t matter if what you photograph are landscapes, wildlife, portraits, photojournalism, etc. That moment brings us back to the original question about excellence, now infused with greater depth. How do we do this photography thing not just well but with excellence is a constant practice. It requires that we be present, that we not just see photography as a hobby, or as something we do from time to time, but as a practice that allows us to connect deeply with what we encounter in our lives. Technical and artistic expertise can help us convey this, but it also requires being mindful.
My answer to the question is that capturing what we experienced, the moment, requires mindful integration of technical expertise, artistic vision, photographic imagination, and presence or a feeling of connectedness with what surrounds us. In my experience feeling separate from the moment does not help me make the best images. We can practice being “excellent” in many ways. Sometimes that is taking snapshots at the birthday party of your niece, at other times it means being present with that gorgeous sunset, and at others still it means treating your customers with kindness, compassion, and a heart full of passion for what you do and the joy you can bring others. The key for me is that in being truly present we inhabit the moment with vastly more at our disposal than just the technical aspects of what we are about to do.
