JUST PhotographIN'

I often run into situations where people tell me what photographs I should take.  One of the most popular suggestions is weddings.  I will admit, there is basically a guarantee to make money in wedding and portrait photography.  However, it almost drains the energy out of me to even discuss the subject of wedding photography.

My friend, Daniel, wrote a blog post about using talents and passion and how these equal strengths.  This motivated me to elaborate on my own tips and tricks to taking better photographs.  I find that I take better photographs of things that I am passionate about.  I subtly hinted at this point in my post where I discuss the subject of a photograph.

In a way, I try to play to my strengths.  I know that I am not passionate about photographing weddings, and I feel that it would show in the photographs I would take.  This does not mean I cannot be a wedding photographer.  The point is that it is harder for me to find motivation to be a wedding photographer.  Therefore, it becomes more of a weakness compared to a strength.

On the other side of the strength scale, I run to grab my camera when a bobcat walks into the yard.  It is a passion of mine to observe wildlife and hike in nature.  This is also what drives me to pick up the camera.  It is a challenge to capture just the right moment when an animal makes a certain gesture.  Being in the right place to capture a sunrise or sunset is also fun and exciting to me.  The photographs turn out better because I have a passion to take them.

It may sound odd, but my tip for this week is to ask: is there something that clicks and says, I should capture this moment?  Maybe this is a strength.  Does a bobcat walking through the yard encourage picking up the camera?  Is taking photographs of people invigorating?  I find that I take better photographs of subjects that I am passionate about.  Therefore, I play to my strength and politely shy away from my weakness.