My strategy for consistently getting good photos - INTERVIEW Jacobs University Bremen Photography Club
Do you think that expensive equipment is necessary to take a good portrait picture?
No.
Expensive equipment is not equal to good photos.
Talent & skill > expensive equipment
But if you already have talent and skill.. expensive equipment does help to step up your game.
Buying expensive equipment too soon is a common mistake people tend to make. They want to start with photography and the first thing they do is go and buy expensive things when the truth is…not only you don’t need them, but you probably won’t even know how to use them properly.
My advice is to squeeze the juice out of your current equipment as much as you can before you buy something else.
This will help you really figure out what you really need, rather than what you think you want.
Because only when you´ve used your equipment enough, you´ll be able to know for sure what you need next.
What is your strategy for consistently getting good photos?
I wouldn´t say I have a strategy per se... I believe it has to do with a constant state of mind mixed along with personality traits and a very strong commitment to delivering quality work.
But I can sure tell you a few tips or things to keep in mind.
Do the best that you can (wherever you’re at). Having a good attitude is part of this as well. You probably won´t do perfect the first, second, or third time around, but doing your best to be better than the day before is what will eventually get you where you want to go.
Do each job (even the shitty ones) crazy passionately. People think when you´re a full-time photographer every single shoot is going to be fun, exciting, and cool. But that´s a lie. Sometimes you get shitty jobs, shitty clients, shitty paychecks, and that’s part of this journey as well. You have to learn to do your best every single time, despite how awful it might seem because at the end of the day; your work will speak for you, so it better have something nice to say.
Make yourself want to share each picture you take in your portfolio. (Yes, even those from shitty jobs). If you have this in mind, you´ll have a strong commitment to really try to love what you come out with and deliver quality work.
Always bring a little bit about yourself into your work. Don´t be afraid to bring your personality, passions, and personal interests into your work. This will help you create your personal style.
Discover yourself Any full-time career requires a full-time relationship with yourself. I will never say this enough: work on yourself. Make an effort to really discover who you are as a person, as a professional, as an artist, as a human being, as a spiritual self, etc.
Take care of yourself I´m the first to know how time-consuming this can be, and how easily you can neglect yourself. Don´t do it. Always remember you come first. Being in the right health and mindset is key for life and for your photography work.
Never settle. If you’re too comfortable… move.
Watch your flaws and fall in love with the process of constantly identifying them and trying to make them better. This could easily be one of my life mottos. I share it with you with love, hoping it will help you as much as it has helped me.
NEVER EEEEEVER think you or your work is perfect. Because it’s not. You can always be better, you can always do better. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Keep working.
Tough? Yes
Exhausting? Absolutely
Is this the absolute truth? probably not
But it sure is what has worked for me.
Love, Tania.
