Thanks so much for joining me at Click Away, y’all! I loved meeting each and every one of you and I LOVED all of your questions and enthusiasm. Y’all were amazing! Here is a quick recap of our class(es)!
Point One! Keep Your Eyes Open.
Y’all. There are SO many opportunities out there.
Everyone has favorite places to shoot. Maybe you have a favorite park with a favorite tree that looks like magic every single sunset of the entire year. Maybe you have a favorite urban street. Maybe, like me, you have a favorite section of the woods and you’ve shot there, like, five times in two weeks. I get it! We all have favorite places and it is so easy to go for those places every time. We trust them, they’re familiar, and we know we can make amazing images there. But! Next time you’re at a shoot, don’t be afraid to find a new perspective, even if your shift in perspective is simply shooting on a different side of your favorite tree. And if you’ve heard about an awesome location or seen a gorgeous spot off the side of the road on a morning drive? Don’t be afraid to try these spots! As we keep our eyes open for color and texture – two elements that add so much interest to our photographs – we’ll recognize new locations and new opportunities all around us. Keep those eyes peeled!
Side Note! Here’s a session I shot in my living room! Here’s another I shot in my office bathroom. And here’s three different sessions in the very same location. New perspectives works wonders, even if you’re in a familiar area.
Point Two! Embrace the Chaos.
To create happy photographs, I have learned to embrace the chaos. Photography is a balancing act and, if I am photographing a bride in a white dress, I can place her basically anywhere and it will look good. If, however, I am photographing someone in a purple sequined dress, it might not be the best idea to put her in front of a graffiti wall… unless it is. You are in charge of your sessions and your style is allowed to evolve. Frame your subjects in doors! Surround them in greenery! Draw attention to them by placing them in front of a neutral background! Keep your eyes open for colors and texture that will make your clients pop. Once you embrace the chaos – whether that be the chaos of your location, what your client is wearing, the props you are incorporating into your session, or even a messy timeline – things will work for you. No session is perfect and no location is perfect – embrace this and turn the imperfect into gorgeous photographs!
Point Three! Go With Your Gut.
Every photographer is different and every photographer is on a different part of their journey. No two photographers are going to set up the exact same photograph the exact same way. If I had to choose between shooting in water or shooting in an urban location for the rest of my life, I would shoot in water every single time. But! That’s me and my decision. Not every photographer is going to choose the same thing. Do not be afraid to push yourselves at a session. If you have a gut reaction to something – whether you’re drawn to flowers spilling from a windowsill or harsh light or crooked stairs – go with it. I have never once regretted following my gut at a session. Even if it seems weird or odd or even slightly embarassing, going with your gut will open up so many windows and doors and skies for you. Don’t be afraid! By taking risks and shooting what you want to shoot, you will attract your tribe of people. Go for it, y’all! You have it in you to create remarkable images.
Thanks again to everyone for joining me in this class! I could not have asked for a better group of students and I have LOVED your shares over the past two weeks. Y’all are awesome! I’d love to see your blog posts when they are up!
Using Color and Texture to Create Bright and Happy Photographs | Sponsored by Color INC.