The Key To Better Photography

Do you want to take better photographs? Would you like to know how some photographers achieve good photos regularly, while others rarely, if ever, manage pictures which rise above mediocrity?

Simply put, good photographers try harder. It sounds almost too banal to tell, but it's truly one of the most significant ways that most photographers can improve their pictures. Good photographers keep the search for possible photos more prominent in their minds when they go out and about, and they look more intently. When they find something they want to shoot, they consider the possibilities of the scene more fully. They think more deliberately about what they're trying to do, and set up their compositions more carefully. They try more variations, and "work the scene" thoroughly. They use tripods, cable releases, mirror-lock-up, or any advantages they can. They take note of promising scenes, and keep coming back until the conditions are right. They wait for the most opportune moment. They also get up early, hike far, stay out late, wade deep into cold water, climb high up trees, lay on their bellies in mud, and so forth, when necessary in order to perfect their shots. They do what it takes to get the job done, and to get it done right.

Of course, success must be predicated upon a foundation of technical mastery, but I'll make only passing mention of this prerequisite, because mastering the basics is relatively easy, and can be accomplished with a brief, concerted effort, once-and-for-all. Talent may also play a role, but that is a subject for another day. Practice is another part of the equation, but a more secondary part than many would guess. Practice doesn't make perfect, but effort may. Talent might be beyond one's control; practice can be a slow path to gradual betterment; but trying harder could dramatically improve one's photography immediately. The quality of your results will usually be directly related to the effort you put into the endeavor.

For most who already know the basic photographic principles, this is the simplest and most effective way to reach the next level. If you haven't already chosen to make your truly best effort when you take pictures, do so now.