Pro Photo Show

By Gavin Seim: (updated 12/09)

I often get email from photographers asking me to look at their work and give my thoughts. In ten seconds I can usually tell them how to improve it. There’s nearly always something we can make better, no matter how much photography experience we have.

Most rules are universal to photographers of any style, or any experience level. Of course rules are made to be broken, but general concepts help us stay on track. These are some favorites I keep in mind with my own work. Share yours in the comments and post some of your work in the forums to get some personal feedback. OK let’s roll.

1. Omit needless objects:
2. Simplicity is usually at the heart of a great image:
3. Bold colors make bold photographs:
4. If a background doesn’t add to the scene, change it:
5. If a background is cluttered, blurring can make it perfect:
6. Light. Where’s it coming from, how can you use it?:
7. Don’t center everything. Use the rule of thirds. It works:
8. Eyes! Watch em close, keep em sharp. They are emotion:
9. Use the “Magic Hour”. Around sunrise and sunset magical light happens:
   
10. Blur when used correctly, can be very powerful:
11. Keep it vivid. Watch your shutter speed, and object movement:
12. Space is valuable, but keep the scene clutter free:
13. Harsh sun can be bad. Learn to manipulate it & use shade:
14. Shadows are dramatic. Use them to add drama:
15. Clouds are your friend, they add mood & filter light:
16. Go with your gut. Have an idea? Then go for it:
17. Use the new idea, but also grab those old reliable shots.
    
18. If the weather is foul, it doesn’t mean the photos will be:
19. Lines lead eyes. Pay attention to where they go / intersect:
20. Change hours. Different times of day will transform a scene:
21. Don’t underestimate the power of Burn and Dodge.
    
22. Did I mention… Simplicity, Simplicity, Simplicity:

This award winning HDR image has a lot going for it. Notice the balanced intersecting lines, bold colors, and simplicity of the scene. It leads the eyes and tells a story.

Blurring was an effective tool here. The light at the ceremony was great but I wanted the focus on the couple. I used a Lensbaby to give me the soft edges and then some work in post production to make the viewers eye go right where I wanted. The blue could have also been done in post, but I enjoy the Lensbaby.

Simplicity and editing gave this simple Dandelion boldness. There's little to detract from the texture of the the flower and the infrared processing effect done with one of my presets in Lightroom gave it a unique look.

Look To the Wind, is one of my early (and most recognized) HDR portraits. The space gives it a wide cinematic feel and the simplicity of the deserted beach adds strength to the scene. Looking back however I should have watched my lines more. The way the horizon cuts at the shoulder is not ideal. I love the image, but if I was here again I would be up higher with the camera for an even more powerful comp.

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