How to become a better photographer !

Dear friends, I want to give you some practical tips on how to be a good photographer, in agreement with yourself. Of course, just like art and its feelings, these tips are personal and engage only me and my vision of photography, even if they are, by certain values, applicable to life.

1. Is it "good" ?

I like the idea of being a "good" photographer. You do not have to aspire to be a "wonderful" photographer. Because if you want to become a "big" photographer, you put your esteem in the hands of others.You must be "awesome", but you do not need to get tons of followers on social networks, and applause from strangers. You can become "good" by your own self-assessment of yourself.So start by looking at your own photos, self-criticize yourself.Are these photos good?

©Copyright Ludovic Lavogez

2. Do not aim for perfection.

Perfectionism is death. Nothing is perfect. Nothing in nature is perfect because everything follows a constant flow of change, evolution, death, rebirth and growth. Could you call a "perfect" tree? No ! But it still grows, gains nutrients from the earth and air, and continues to grow until it reaches the sky. For you, seek to improve every day. Progress. If you are a tree, you gain nutrients from the soil and air. As a photographer, you feed by studying the work of the master photographers (and artists) of the past. You also become taller as a photographer by taking more photos, taking more risks, and making more personal photos. Also, to make photos as a child, have fun. And to make all the photos you want, see this as art, because it's simply a self-expression. Do more art.

3. Be your most severe critic.

The most important person to impress with your photographs is yourself. Be your most severe critic. Which means, make photos that make you proud. Before asking anyone to have an opinion on your photo, again, look and judge yourself. Do I like my own photo?

4.Take your time

With a medium format film camera, you were entitled to 12 shots. Our memory cards can store thousands of photos! When you go on a photographic expedition, slow down the pace. Take the time to choose your subjects, the situations in which they evolve. Take the time to properly frame, to heal your composition. No need to strafe on all sides. Quality has more value in quantity.

5. Create dynamic compositions.

If you want to make good pictures, you want to make better compositions. To create better compositions, try to subtract (do not add) to the frame. To make your photos stronger, make them more dynamic, add more diagonals to your photos, tilt your camera as a "Dutch angle". Do not just follow the rule of thirds. Try to incorporate more curves and diagonals into your photos.

"fishing" technic ©Copyright Ludovic Lavogez

To make better compositions, I recommend you to try the technique of "fishing" (at least in street photography). Find an interesting background, launch your hook and wait for your subject to bait, that is to say it comes into the frame. Take as many photos as you want but no need to shoot continuously, I'm not a fan of this practice, preferring to think instead, immerse myself in people and the environment, and go with my instinct. It's up to you to gauge yourself as soon as you see an interesting scene. Do not be easily satisfied. Learn!

5. Grow on everything !

Have fangs! To learn more about all the artists in history. I draw my inspiration from artists of all kinds. From the genius Leonard de Vinci to the director Stanley Kubrick, through all sorts of literary works, I devour the culture with delight and more. A landmark film scene with an incredible light show or direction of photography, a master painting, a book with a story or a devastating twist, inspiration is everywhere.

The world is so filled. We just have to keep an open mind to let it in.

6. Your photos, your sensitivity, your rules.

Do not let anyone else measure your progress as a photographer. Your judgment! Follow your own "internal dashboard". Are your photos better today than yesterday?

7.Share your work

One of the great joys of photography is to share your images with others. Nowadays, it's easier than ever to share your images, with websites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Do not leave your photos on your hard drives. We all do it unfortunately, we are too busy doing a thousand other things. Take the time to print some of your photos every month. Choose a specific day and print a dozen photos for example. They are worth it.

8. Practice.

Never stop doing photography, taking more photos, expanding your creative horizons and satisfying yourself. You must practice. You must photograph. You can not really improve unless you have the time! So, pick up your camera and go out !

I hope that these personal advices will speak to you, I admit having made my mantra a little more every day, a kind of philosophy of life. Henri Cartier Bresson said that the first ten thousand photos of a photographer are his worst. I can only agree with the words of this great man, because, do not forget friends, all the theories of the world will never be worth the practice !

Ludovic

#tips #photography