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Have you ever walked past something beautiful without even noticing it?

If you have, you’re not alone, and this is a skill that separates great photographers from the people who take snapshots.

Great photographers really look and see what is there. And it goes beyond simply seeing something. They take it further and apply the important elements that make up a great photograph:

They’re looking at the light, perhaps how it changes, where it is coming from, lines, emotions and which compositions would bring out the most impactful image.

So does it really matter? In my opinion, it does. Because the more we can get into the habit of really seeing what is there, the more we will see when it matters, those once-in-a-lifetime experiences where the photographs are the only lasting record.

So, to build your observation muscles, I suggest you try the following exercise:

• Firstly, slow down.
• Look for the light; notice where it falls and how it changes.
• Take a deep breath and let go of distractions. Allow yourself to be fully in the environment and then look around.

One exercise you can do right now is to simply take a look around. Notice:

• One source of light
• One colour contrast
• One emotion on a person’s face.

Another exercise is to challenge yourself to notice “5 things today” and keep working those muscles!

And you can share your photographs on my Facebook page: Graham Elliott Photography.

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Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

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I often recommend that you practice as often as possible to improve your photography. But what do you do when you hit a mental blank?

One idea I suggest in this podcast is to shoot a series of photos, or a collection. And, to make them more coherent, and to challenge yourself, I suggest you use a Creative Constraint.

So what is a Creative Constraint? Here are some examples:

Technical:

• Shoot only in black and white
• Use only one lens
• Limit yourself to manual focus (or full manual operation)
• Limit yourself to 36 exposures

Time-based:

• Shoot the same scene at the same time each day
• Only shoot for 15 minutes in one location.

Subject or theme:

• Only photograph shadows
• Only photograph one colour
• Only hands or feet

Locations:

• Inside your home
• Within 1km of your home
• Only through windows

If you would like to challenge yourself further, take the 14-day challenge.

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

Or, if you've been inspired to improve your photography, download my FREE guide to 10 ways to improve your photography today.
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.

Send us a text

If you’re listening to this podcast, it’s probably safe for me to assume that you want to take great wildlife photographs. So what are the things you need to think about?

I’ve tried to run through an almost step-by-step guide based on my own recent experience of photographing wildlife in Zimbabwe, Australia and Finland.

Camera: Take the body and lens (possibly plural) that most suits your needs. And think about ancillary items; storage, battery charger, mains adaptors, USB chargers, cleaning kit, tripod and tripod head. A spray cover, if you have one, can be useful where there is a lot of fine dust and in wet environments.

Clothing: Where layers where appropriate, and think about other items such as sleeping bags if you’ll be spending time outside at night.

And finally… Inspiration!

Look at other photographers' work to get new ideas, and remember to look at what’s around you while you’re there. Is there anything you can use to make the background more interesting, or can you use the light to enhance your subject in some way?

For a more detailed guide, check out my book “A Brief Guide to Wildlife Photography” for more ideas.

It's time for another podcast...

Support the show

Go from "Auto" to Awesome photos in just one week (click here)!

Or, if you've been inspired to improve your photography, download my FREE guide to 10 ways to improve your photography today.
10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography

Support the show
Thank you for listening to my podcast. If you would like to subscribe you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support

Website
Please check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips and challenges, and more!

Contact Me
You can contact me directly at: graham@ge.photography

Coffee?

If you've had value from this podcast, please help me to continue with them. Most people don't, but if you would like to make a small contribution, how about a coffee? You can buy me a coffee here.

Please don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.

Thank you for listening.