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.