Start Creating With The Photographers Playbook

You have a creative block. Everything has been shot. Probably. You have two options, give up or find some inspiration to create. Which one do you choose? 

There are many, many ways you can get inspired and by watching this video you have already made a great first step! 

I do love reading and during past times you might find me perusing in a bookstore looking for a new source of inspiration. ‘The Photographer's Playbook’ is certainly one of the best photography books you will ever have on your bookshelf. 

You may already be aware that photography by default is quite a lonely hobby. For most part it may just be circumstance. You work full time and on the occasions you have a chance to get out it's a challenge getting someone with similar interests to get together. This book is like having a a photography feast with some of the most recognized photographers in the world from Henri-Cartier Bresson to Alec Soth. You can find out more about the pros and cons of this book in the video. 

You will find 307 ideas and assignments you can pick from! These range from what to shoot, how to shoot, starting new projects, playing games with your photographic work and process. 

Something to The Photographer’s Playbook So why not get inspired by some of the most creative photographers out there. Some amazing photographers have contributed to this book from Henri Cartier-Bresson to Alec Soth [a couple of my favourites!] So why not take inspiration from them and start creating in your own unique way! 

This one book can keep you going for years and years. Definitely one to keep on the shelf, for a time when you are feeling a bit down, out of ideas and need a little inspiration to get up. It’s a fascinating find and one to keep the fun alive in your photographic journey. Grab yourself a copy and get shooting! 

Have you read the Photographer’s Playbook or any other photography books recently? Let me know, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! 

Get your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/3kUlXRu

How You Can Frame Better Photos

Symmetry is critically important in design - and by default in photographic composition as well. How we achieve it is open to interpretation and debate! 

For some symmetry is all about a peaceful balance of all the elements in frame, while others find it restricting, insisting instead on a touch of off-balance tensity in their compositions. 

You cannot deny it though, regardless of how you view it, symmetry is powerful its something we are attracted to. 

Here is a shot I took in Central London, it was the taken the morning after a stabbing had taken place outside Urban Outfitters.The arrangement of the elements of the picture, controlled of course by the cameras viewpoint, has a strong hint of symmetrical balance; yet the picture is just 'off centre' to prevent that hint becoming featureless as to conceal what else is going on in the frame.  

And that is important. For a picture should of course be good to look at from the point of view of design - but if it is nothing more than a sterile juxtaposition of shapes then it may well end up being merely a pretty pattern, with nothing else to stimulate the viewer's interest. 

Here’s a simple recipe to help create something moving. First, figure out what your main subject is and here it is the man walking across the central reservation. Then, when you are certain about the shot, move yourself to a position where you can capture the image which will communicate some mystery or story element to it. Ultimately, you want to be in a place which maintains the importance of the subject in frame. 

In this circumstance, I had been walking on the other side of the road when the man caught my eye and instinctively I decided to walk across to the centre and capture him walking across. 

Did you get the formula down? 

Now that sounds like a lot of work and faffing around but it should be pretty straightforward. Regardless of you shooting with the latest Mirrorless Camera, iPhone or Analog Camera by practicing deliberately you should be able to naturally recognise opportunities to get into the right spot for the perfect shot. Have you ever been shooting, whether out in the countryside or in a portrait shoot, you have stopped and thought, no I need to try that in a different way, that’s it. Just learn to consciously be aware of it and you’ll be well on your way! 

You can grab a copy of the book here!