Photography is nothing more than capturing light, simple as that. There is no magic happening. But there are so many ways that it can be done, and the fact that the light is always changing makes this subject a complex thing to talk about.
A good image tells a story! How that story gets told is up to you. And in the end you might be the only person who likes the story told the way you captured it - but that is OK. You are in it for yourself and no one else (or at least that is the way it should be).
Any camera on the market today is capable of taking a quality picture (technically speaking) the rest is up to you. This includes mobile devices. Who is a photographer, technically it’s anyone with a camera. There are the Tourists, you see them everywhere. Typical shooting EVERYTHING using an iPad or a camera. Their images will be nothing more than snap shots - no creativity. Then there is the Amateur, serious about what they are doing, striving to the best they can. All consumed by the desire to be better. Perhaps starting to invest in quality gear. At the top is the pro, typically in it for the money - not so concerned about the quality but yet has to perform to hold the status.
So where do you fit into all this? The answer does not really matter but the self realization does. If you want your images to improve you must have a passion for it or nothing is going to happen. You need to get creative. Just like the guy with the fancy off road 4X4 that sits home all weekend, their driving will not improve. And having that fancy 4X4 does not make them a good off road driver - right? Same with photography.
I have been taking photos for 18 years now and love it very much. Most years I will take 40,000+ images, this year it looks like that number will be down - too much time driving! My favourite type of photography is Glamour, it brings me the most joy. If you are interested in seeing some of my work please go to www.bigdayfoto.com.
1 - Just as we are coached to read the dunes/sand to be a better driver, you must pay attention to the light to become a better photographer - it’s all about the light. This one thing alone will greatly improve your images. Shooting in the desert at mid day when the sun is high in the sky is likely not the best option (same goes for driving). The high sun means no shadows (no contrast) making it difficult to see for both driving and photos. Best times to be out are when the sun is lower in the sky, early morning and late afternoon. The low angle of the light creates shadows giving contrast that allows you to see depth. The shadows create interest, use that to your advantage. Yes you can shoot at noon but just like driving it’s much more difficult and requires much more skill and patience.
2 - A good image tell a story.
3 - Dunes can be so beautiful but if there is nothing in the image to give it scale no one but you will appreciate the story you are trying to tell. I like using a model, many will use their vehicle. Adding these (a tree, plant, lizard - anything) will give your images a sense of scale and help tell your story.
4 - Without the ability to edit your images afterwards you are likely going to be somewhat disappointed. Some cameras do this on their own (in camera), do not be afraid to use these features. The results will be far better.
5 - The human eye is capable of seeing light much better than any camera on the market today. Your eye/brain can see all, it’s dynamic ranges is almost twice that of the camera. This means that we can see detail at much darker and brighter values - at the same time! Think of a gorgeous sunset at the beach, looking at it we can see detail in the sand, water and the sky, the camera simply does not have this ability. Referred to as dynamic range the human eye is almost twice as good as any camera on the market today. So you take the sunset picture and one of two things is going to happen; one you sky is perfect you can see all the details of the clouds sky and sun but the beach is very dark (almost black) and you cannot see the details like rocks people etc. Or the opposite might happen depending on where you point your camera, the beach you can see every detail but the shy clouds and sun are blown out (too bright) and there is no detail. Understanding that the camera is not a s good as your eyes is one of the first things most photographers learn to deal with (compensate for).
6 - Do not shoot everything at eye level. Get low or high or try different angles. If you have multiple lenses use them all. If you have a zoom lens change the power. Get in close and also far away.
7 - In viewing an image your eyes will be drawn to the area in the image that is both the brightest and sharpest. If taking a picture of your 4X4 and it’s in the shadow of a dune on a sunny day your image will not have much impact. Position the vehicle in the sun and shoot into the shadow of a dune for example and you will like the results much better. The vehicle must be in focus while the dune could be out of focus (not sharp), assuming the story is of the vehicle. If it’s the dune then great - the vehicle can be out of focus.
8 - As in driving the dunes, in order to get better you need to be engaged. Consider joining a club. Best bet would be to find a mentor.
Bonus tip…some of my best images have been taken in foul weather conditions!
Happy Shooting…Cheers!
by Beaver Smith