1. Make more dynamic compositions

Cindy’s hands. Berkeley, 2016

Avoid symmetry. Avoid static photos. Make your subjects move. Integrate hand gestures. Shoot a lot of the same scene. Study contact sheets.

Contact sheet. Cindy’s hands. Berkeley, 2016

Take risks. Make blurry photos. Out of focus photos.

Let serendipity enter your photos, by clicking randomly. Then when you sit down, look at your best shots, and choose the photos that stir your heart-strings.

Unorthodox Photography Compositions >

2. Trace your photos

Trace of Cindy. Saigon, 2017

Henri Cartier-Bresson traced his photos to analyze his compositions after he shot them. I’ve taken the same liberty. But now, I use an iPad, and Procreate app.

Also, trace the photos and images of others, to better understand what makes a good composition and frame.

Howard Hughes

Irving Penn

Irving Penn.

Albert Watson portrait of STEVE JOBS

3. Tell convincing lies.

Istanbul, 2013

The best photographers are the best liars.

Contact sheet. Istanbul, 2015

Telling the “truth” in photography is boring, and overrated.

I only think photo journalists perhaps more of an ethical duty to try to tell the “truth” of war, poverty, and inequality in the world. But for us Street Photographers and casual photographers, TELL LIES.

4. Provoke a response

He noticed me and said, “You need to for permission before taking my photo!” I then asked him for permission, and he said no. I got the shot anyways. Shot in Program Mode on Ricoh GR II.

Don’t be a stealth ninja photographer. Interact with your subjects and the world. Avoid boring photos.