Choosing Your Shot Vol 4.

Whenever I’m shooting digitally, there are times where I’ll take at least 2 or 3 photos that are similar. Not a “spray and pray” where you’d shoot many photos randomly in hopes of actually capturing something; but a more precise idea where I want to capture something specific, as well as the moment before and after. Those are the times where I’ll have to choose which photo works best for my eye.

In every instance where I shoot through the moment, the photos are almost exactly identical; maybe the step a person took had changed or they were a foot closer or farther in the frame and I’m examining which I like more. Today I did just that when I saw this man walking on the sidewalk. Right away I crossed to the other side of the street and started walking next to him, waiting for the moment. I took 3 shots that looked almost exactly the same and was I satisfied. I continued walking and then saw another possible shot with the same person (something I never do.) Again I ran to catch up, but this time I took only one photo. 

This time, I had the same subject in two different scenes and had to choose between them. In the first photo, I have him mid-step, almost dragging his bag and a bit dreariness as the clouds were overhead; yet it felt “off” to me. In the second photo, the clouds slightly parted giving a bit of a warmer tone; I’ve missed his step and his bag isn’t visible but this feels more real, making me pick the “imperfect” photo. It’s all down to you of course. Our eyes see different things, and the shots we choose, are the shots we choose. 

Don’t Force It.

When something works, it works. You know when it’s right and you know when it’s wrong. With art, it’s a feeling; you either have the spark at that moment, and you’re able to make something or you try and force it and never get that creative satisfaction. 

I really wanted this photo to work; I knew it felt off, I knew it wasn’t a strong photo and still, I forced it. I found myself going back and adjusting tones over and over trying to satisfy my eye, eventually admitting that it just didn’t work. I didn’t have that “feeling” you get when you’ve created something and you know it’s right. So, while not a photo that I’ll share from an artistic standpoint, it is a photo I can share as a lesson. If you don’t feel it, don’t force it.