Ask yourself this, "Do I shoot what I want? Or do I shoot what I get?" What's your answer? If you had just picked up a camera that you got for Christmas, you're most likely going to answer the latter.
Most people get excited when they first get a hold of a DSLR, or any other fancy new gadget. So did I. I was ecstatic. I didn't even look at the manual. Who does? I just want to shoot. I'm excited to see the "good" pictures this high-tech gadget will take. I go out, set it on auto and hear that mirror slap like there was no tomorrow. Now, think about that for just a minute. Yes, give it a minute.
We easily rely on the camera's capabilities to do all the hard work for us. We tend to shoot what we get. But, as beginners who know nothing about cameras, that's understandable. However, the urge to rely on an electronic device's magical tricks can carry on forever like herpes. It will never go away. What happens is that we hit a plateau and turn stale.
If you ask me, do I end up shooting what I want? Not always. Sometimes I shoot what I get. But if you ask me what attitude I have in my head as I pull my equipment from my truck and hook them onto my double camera straps it would be that "I will shoot what I want." There's a big difference.
If you're on your way to a shoot, say, one with models and props and lighting, do you get excited that you will end up with great photos? Or, do you picture in your mind the kind of photos you want and poise yourself to get those shots? You need to answer this honestly because for one, the first attitude makes you a sloppy photographer-wannabe "slash" piss-poor underachiever who's happy with whatever he gets. The other, makes you a driven artist with a solid vision who knows where he's going and will do whatever it takes to get there.
The general public's perception on cameras or photos in general is that you simply take what is given to you. It does not acknowledge the skill you have put in to achieve that photo. A perfect example is a photo I had of a bride tossing her veil. It's a great shot. I shared it on facebook. Then a friend of mine commented, "Lucky shot!" Hmm. I thought it was funny because first of all, the bride was originally on the other side of the room when I asked her to stand by the window. This window had great diffused soft lighting. I then asked her to turn a bit sideways so that the light would define her face and create dimension instead of flat lighting. While this is happening, I've taken two test shots, adjusting after each image review. And then (this is step four if you're following) I asked her to start tossing her veil around like it was the funniest thing she's ever seen. Only then did I get the vision I had in mind. And then, click.
Taking four active steps does not result in a "lucky" shot. I had a vision, and that's exactly what I got.
No matter what stage you are into this wonderful hobby or career, always have a vision. Even if you know that shot probably won't end up the way you want it to, and it may not work every time. But it's important to constantly keep your creative juices flowing. Don't rely on technology or what the environment is giving you. Don't take it as it is. Don't shoot what you get. Use it, direct it, control it. Shoot what you want.
Angel is a dabawenyo and a wedding photographer based out of Houston, Texas in the United States. Visit his website here: www.angel-cruz.com
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