I’m Not the Photographer I Will Be

Perfection is unattainable. And yet, that’s what I strive for.

What is perfect photography? Is there such a thing? How can I recognize it? These are the sorts things I ask myself. I understand that photography, like all forms of art, is largely subjective. What I prefer aesthetically may not be what you prefer. This is no more evident than in the photos I pick as my favorites and the photos my clients choose. Sometimes we like the same images, but often I’m surprised at what people prefer. Of course, that’s because they see a personal significance in a photo where I only see its imperfections.

How can I be a better photographer, then, when the target is constantly moving?

It may seem simple and obvious, but the key to becoming a better photographer is to become a better observer. This is something I’ve been slowing coming to realize. In the past, I might attribute some of my favorite candid moments to luck, but luck really has little to do with good photography. A good photographer sees the moment before it occurs. They perceive the subtle in the obvious. They observe the fantastic in the mundane.

A good photographer does not simply hope to catch an interesting moment; they find it before it happens and visualize the best composition.

This, I believe, is what sets me (and other professional photographers) apart from the “Uncle Bobs” with their fancy SLR cameras. Camera gear, as I’ve written about before, does not make you a professional photographer.

Still, I know that I am not the photographer I will be. That’s because I’m constantly growing, learning, and developing my ability to observe. It never fails that when I edit a shoot I think of ways I would do it differently…I chastise myself for not seeing something that I should have noticed…for not composing a certain image differently. Yes, the truth is that I’m not perfect. The photos I took last year are nothing compared to what I produce now. And what I am creating now will seem as nothing to what I hope to one day make.

This gives me cause for optimism as I strive for the unreachable goal of perfection.

I’ll end with a photo from Saturday’s Indian wedding…more to follow soon.

Nicole - Mary,

I still love the photos you took of Eric and I … way so many years ago!

Nic

Leeann Marie - We are our own worst critics!

pamela marie - i know exactly what you mean!!! i get so critical of myself, i think it drives mark nuts. but i know that it just pushes me to do better and better and to see things from different angles/perspectives constantly. i stress myself out sometimes trying to get 750 perfect award-winning shots, until i realize that the client sees it all so very differently. and i should be less hard on myself, because i’m doing an amazing job already (pat on back haha). the stress keeps me on my toes and constantly improving, though.

and you’re right, it’s definitely about observing and understanding people, then anticipating. anybody can spend boatloads of money on the gear!

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