Simple tips:

What do we really mean to say when we say “better”?

First of all, let’s talk about the notion of shooting a “better” photograph.

You don’t know whether a photograph you shoot is good or not until after you’ve shot it.

Which means,

You don’t have 100% control on whether your photo will be good or not.

But the practical thing we can do is this:

Increase the likelihood of making a good photograph.

What is “better”?

Use your older photos as a benchmark whether your photos are getting “better” or not. Don’t compare yourself to any other photographer, except yourself from a month ago.

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How to increase the likelihood of making a strong photograph:

1. Work the scene:

Shoot 30+ photos of the same scene. Don’t be easily satisfied. Shoot the scene a lot, and work it from different angles and perspectives. The more you work the scene, the more likely you are to make a good photograph.

2. Don’t hesitate; just shoot it

The worst thing that happens in photography is when you hesitate. Don’t censor yourself. If you see something that you even think has a 1% chance of being interesting, just shoot it.

3. Take risks

Photograph what scares you. This is what I’ve discovered for myself:

The more afraid I am to photograph something or someone, the more likely it will be a good photograph.

This is a good tip in street photography: shoot what scares you.

4. Shoot first, and start talking to your subjects

When I photograph people or children this is what I often do:

I start talking to my subjects while I’m photographing them.

Specifically,

1. I see a person I want to photograph.
2. I start photographing them.
3. While I’m photographing them, I start chatting with them and making small talk with them.

An alternative: you can compliment a stranger then ask to make their portrait.

5. Shoot with a flash

Flash is fun, because it makes surreal photos. You don’t know what a flash photo looks like until after you shoot it. Thus, the randomness, chance that happens when you’re shooting with a flash is really fun!

6. Shoot through clear plastic

A tip:

When it is raining, shoot through a clear plastic umbrella, with a flash.

Often the results look very cool, like the picture above with RICOH GR II in P mode and flash.

The nice thing about shooting through clear plastic (or other obscured surfaces) is that it makes your photos more abstract and surreal. And the more abstract and surreal your photos, the more interesting they will be to look at!

7. Experiment shooting from high angles

Another idea:

Shoot your camera from a high perspective, by using your LCD screen, holding your camera high in the air, then point it downwards while you’re shooting.

When you shoot with novel or uncommon perspectives, you’re more likely to make a more interesting composition.

8. Extreme simplicity

Extreme minimalist and simple photos look good.

Try shooting high contrast black and white, and seek to make the simplest photo possible.

Generally speaking, the simpler your photos, the stronger your photos.

9. Shoot in crappy weather

When it is cold, rainy, wet, snowing, etc; this is a good chance to make good photos!

With bad weather, you’re more likely to make more interesting photos!

Tip: To shoot more in bad weather, buy some good waterproof boots and a nice waterproof jacket.

Or just shoot with an umbrella, and use autofocus on your camera.

10. Photograph what is symbolic or meaningful to you

As an American I am always drawn to the American flag and notions of being “American”.

If you photograph what is personal to you, the more authentic and unique your photos will be.

Conclusion

You have a long life to live. If you knew you would live to be 120 years old in excellent health, how would you lead your photographic and artistic life in a way in which you never run out of inspiration? Basic ideas:

1. No genres in photography: Shoot anything and everything. Be genre-agnostic.
2. Never lose your childlike spirit of play, experimentation, and fun in photography.
3. Shoot everyday. Just use your phone or whatever is convenient. The smaller and simpler the camera, the better.

And don’t forget our motto:

JUST SHOOT IT.

ERIC

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