MINI PHOTO LESSONS, PART II: Six steps to creating better photographs

Do you find yourself getting frustrated with your photographs?

Do you look at others’ work and wonder why your images fall flat?

Do you wish you could refresh and reimagine your photographs?

Here are six short lessons that have helped me create better images.

1. The only things that really matter

No matter who you’re photographing, what camera you’re using or where you are… look for the right light and the right moment.

2. It starts with intention

Who decides what the right light is? Or the right moment? You do.

Ask yourself… What emotion are you trying to capture? How does this person, this place, or this moment make you feel? What would you like to communicate? Who is this image for?

Understanding intention will help guide you towards what is “right” in each moment. Everything — your composition, lighting decisions, interaction with your subject, gear, etc. — should all be informed by your answers to these questions.

3. Every great photographer has one thing in common — a unique vision

Their perspective on the world is fresh, unexpected, or interesting.

How can you develop your own vision?

Go out into the world. Seek new inputs. Adopt a curious attitude. Make new friends. Be a sponge.

With your camera in hand, explore halfway across the world or halfway across town — it doesn’t matter.

Intentionally seek new roads, new relationships, new foods and new cultures. Absorb it all and let it inform your work.

4. Gear is only a tool

At its worst, gear is a distraction.

Go find the necessary equipment you need to fulfill your vision, learn how to use it, and then get to work.

Spending $3,000 on a road trip will have a greater impact on improving your vision compared to buying that brand new camera you’ve been lusting over.

5. Show us a glimpse into your world

You have access to a life that most of us will never experience.

You’re a mom or a social worker. Your father might be struggling with a terminal disease. Or you work so hard to provide for your family that the most beautiful moment you see is the sunrise every morning on your way into work.

Show us what stirs your soul. Share what makes you happy, sad, mad, joyful, depressed or hopeful. Your photographs give us the opportunity to stand next to you through that captured moment and feel what you feel.

6. Build community

Seek out the work of other photographers.

Ask them what they see, what they feel and what they want to convey. Get inside their skull and find out what they think is interesting, beautiful and worth photographing.

Go make new friends, support one another, and continue to document the interesting and meaningful experiences of your life.

No matter what your intention is with a camera — the people you meet and the moments you experience are super awesome bonuses to making photographs.

If you incorporate the above ideas, your images — and your life — will become better… and even a little more interesting.

OFFER A MAP

As I was entering a favorite establishment of mine recently, I noticed a mother and her adult son standing just inside the doorway with a puzzled look on their face.

I sensed that this was their first time here.

And when I asked them if this was true, they said yes.

I introduced myself and told them that I would take care of them — that I would lead them to where they needed to be so they could have a great experience.

Our mini-tour only lasted a minute.

As our micro friendship concluded, I could tell they were relieved. Instead of confusion and fear on their face, they both warmly smiled and said, “thank you.”

To those who appear lost, offer a map with a friendly smile.

TODAY, I WANTED TO QUIT

I was tired, my head was pounding and I just wanted more sleep.

And I almost threw in the towel. Not quitting forever, but on the remaining hours of my day.

I wanted to literally quit today.

To make matters worse, my to-do list was long. Now I was doubly frustrated — not only would I be wasting a day, I would need to readjust my schedule for the upcoming week to make up for my lack of productivity.

Instead of quitting, I convinced myself to do two things:

First, I acknowledged that I didn’t feel great; that things aren’t always going to be amazing or even alright. Some days will feel blah. And that’s fine.

Second, I decided to not let blah ruin my day and I gave myself permission to operate at half speed. There were four things on my morning to-do list and I was content if I only completed two of those items.

I took a deep breath, acknowledged my pain and got to work.

Over the course of my blah morning, I finished all four items on my to-do list! I couldn’t believe it — despite my headache, lack of energy and a piss-poor attitude, I was able to stay focused and achieve my goals for the morning.

And I can’t wait to try it again soon to see how to improve the process.

THE GIFT OF FRUSTRATION

What is frustrating you right now? What do you wish would change?

What really hurts?

Frustration is often a reminder that where we are isn’t where we want to be; that we long for a better future for ourselves, our family, our organization, etc.

People often experience frustration about their weight, lack of energy, failed relationships, boring job, lack of knowledge about a topic, etc.

“Never forget: this very moment, we can change our lives.” — Steven Pressfield, The War of Art

No one loves change, but if you are frustrated enough and have had enough, change (or: doing something different) is the only way to move forward.

If you decide to change today for a better future, you are giving FutureYou a gift:

  • The gift of better health
  • The gift of less debt
  • The gift of a better attitude
  • The gift of a deeper friendship
  • The gift of new wisdom

What a beautiful opportunity for self-love: taking care of your future self.

Every decision you make, every behavior you encourage, every thought you cultivate has the opportunity to be a gift to FutureYou. That’s pretty awesome.

If your frustration is overflowing and it’s time to do something different… ask yourself these few questions:

  • What am I frustrated about?
  • Where am I right now?
  • Where do I want to be?
  • Why does pursuing this change matter to me?
  • What factors are within my control?
  • What should I do first?

altMBA: HALFTIME REFLECTION

Eric Moeller, my altMBA coach, asked me to reflect on what I’ve learned so far in the altMBA process. Because time is precious, I will be brief.

Here are my three keys to success in the altMBA.

Read and Re-Read

I read every project at least 10 times and take lots of notes. Why? To understand what is being asked and how the process is supposed to challenge and change me.

I paid for the opportunity to be pushed beyond my limits — real or perceived — and digging into the project description and reading materials is where I focus my time and energy.

Additionally, if I fail to understand how the project is supposed to change me, I won’t be able to ask my classmates the right questions about their own work.

Kill the Obvious

I’ve personally challenged myself to ignore obvious solutions.

altMBA was not created so I could lean on previous knowledge, experience and skills. I’m intentionally here to challenge myself with new concepts and new ways of looking at the world.

I’m searching for the unexpected answer that stretches me and is interesting to the reader. I love brainstorming the crazy, backwards and, sometimes, most obvious, simple solutions.

I don’t get a thrill out of the predictable answer.

Don’t Be Afraid

If I’ve read the project prompt, created an interesting solution to the project (by killing the obvious) and used my observations to ship my best work… I’m not afraid.

I can take the critique, questions or feedback knowing that I shipped my best work.

I can rest easy at night.

And if my work didn’t accomplish its’ intended goal, then I missed something and need to reconsider my assumptions, communication or the worldview of the audience.

It’s been a wild ride and the second half is already here. Let’s go!

A WILD AND WONDERFUL 365 DAYS: DIVORCE, LOVE, AND A LAYOFF

Today begins a new career chapter and just recently I realized how full of a year it has been:

My divorce was finalized (and I got a tattoo the same day to remember what I learned in the process).

Established a new home and tried to regain a sense of normalcy.

My grandmother passed away.

Oscar, my son, turned 6 years old.

Photographed Night Beds during a studio visit.

Took a weekend adventure to see my friend Liz in Atlanta.

Saw WELD open and Nashville’s strong community continue to grow.

Started navigating the dating world.

Attended so many Nashville Sounds baseball games with Oscar.

Witnessed two friends successfully adopt their first child.

Drank Soylent for 3 months.

Vacationed with family in Michigan and Iowa.

Gave up navigating the dating world.

Heavily played Tame Impala’s album ‘Currents.’

Oscar started 1st grade.

Read a great interview with Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat/Fugazi/Dischord Records.

Attended my first Plywood Presents conference in Atlanta.

Intentionally began taking more risks, being vulnerable and generous, and staying true to myself.

Started writing.

Adopted an awesome puppy.

Attended a great Men’s Retreat with my church.

Applied to the altMBA program.

Unexpectedly met an amazing woman.

Saw C H R I S O L U X speak at Nashville Creative Mornings.

Was accepted into the altMBA program, January 2016 session.

Saw Sufjan Stevens live in concert for the first time.

Fell in love.

Had a weekend adventure to Atlanta with my love and her kids.

Was laid off from my job of 8 years.

Interviewed for a new job.

Decompressed with family over the holidays.

Introduced Oscar to Star Wars IV, V, and VI.

Started a Moment Calendar, chronicling at least one memory from each day.

Picked up my camera again.

Started altMBA.

Was offered — and accepted — a new job.

And yesterday, January 20, 2016, was my last day at my former employer.

I have been so blessed by the people of Nashville. This city has truly become my home.

To the friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances and strangers who have come alongside me during such a wild and wonderful year — thank you. You have truly given me an endless supply of hope, encouragement and support to see the beauty in each day.

In 2016 I will be stretched and challenged like never before — yet also more intentional, purposeful and fulfilled.

I am both excited and scared, which is giving me an undeniable energy to dance with my fear and tackle the challenges I want to face.

“I have been bent and broken, but — I hope — into a better shape.” ― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Let’s go.

THE HARD REALITY

The reality is that work is long, hard and can consume you.

So make sure it’s the kind of work you want to do, work that changes you into a better person, and work that makes an impact in the world that you wholeheartedly believe will make it a better place.