The Art of Getting it Right in Camera: A Time-Saving Approach to Photography
In their office, Brodie shot for SJB Architects, one light and many good vibes.
My photography career started in the land of film and transparency film, which meant we had to get EVERYTHING right in camera. Every strand of hair, every piece of clothing, every hand position was perfect because retouching wasn’t a thing at the time. When retouching came around, photographers still shot on film and tried to get every desired effect on camera. Then, they would scan the image and send it to the retouchers, making the model’s cameras look like dolls; it was a time. This was the early 2000s.
Another portrait shot in SJB’s Office
During the past year, I have had so many people reach out to me about how they feel in front of the camera. It’s sad to hear other people's stories like mine. And why do they never go in front of the camera? Because of low self-esteem! Unfortunately, in today's world, it has become more critical than ever to have healthy self-esteem when having your portrait taken. I want to examine how self-esteem can affect your feelings in front of the camera.
1: The Beauty of Authenticity in Photography
There's a certain magic in capturing the essence of a moment without relying on the crutch of post-processing. When prioritising getting it right in-camera, we preserve the scene's authenticity, letting our subjects' natural beauty shine through. Whether it's the play of light on a landscape or the genuine emotions captured in a portrait, authenticity is the hallmark of a photograph that resonates with viewers. By embracing this philosophy, we not only elevate the artistic integrity of our work but also lay the groundwork for a streamlined post-production process.
2: Time is of the Essence: Efficiency in Photography Workflow
In the fast-paced world of photography, time is a precious commodity. Every minute spent perfecting an image in post-processing is a minute that could be invested in capturing more moments or refining your craft. By honing your skills to get it right in-camera, you minimise the need for extensive edits later. This efficiency allows for a quicker turnaround in delivering the final product to clients and affords you more time to focus on the creative aspects of your work. It's a win-win situation where the quality of your photography aligns seamlessly with the efficiency of your workflow. For example, a few weeks ago, I was shooting for my regular client SJB; I made sure every image was lit to perfection, so when it came to delivering the high-resolution images, there was no extra work for me to do.
3: Technical Mastery and Creative Freedom
Striving for excellence in camera is a testament to your technical prowess as a photographer. Understanding your equipment, mastering exposure settings, and cultivating an eye for composition empower you to take control of the creative process. When you have a strong foundation in the technical aspects of photography, you gain the confidence to experiment and push the boundaries of your art. This technical mastery results in better images straight out of the camera and opens the door to a world of creative possibilities, unburdened by the constraints of excessive post-processing.
In conclusion, the timeless principle of getting it right on camera will make you look like a pro and save time in front of the computer. The pursuit of authenticity and the efficiency gained in the photography workflow transform image-making into a seamless and rewarding endeavour. By embracing this philosophy, I seek to capture moments and encapsulate the true spirit of each frame while respecting the invaluable currency of time in visual storytelling.
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Katie xo
