We offer a lot of different types of photo workshops, a reflection of the varied assignments we shoot. Landscapes, wildlife, portraits, travel…we cover it all for tourism shoots. One thing we often talk about during image critiques on our workshop is shooting ‘editorially’. In other words, thinking about the narrative instead of the singular ‘wall hanger’. Both photographic approaches are valid, but by far the majority of our participants are looking for the singular image that sums up their experience. Who doesn’t want a new metal print hanging on the wall at home? But is there an advantage to shooting editorially?
Here are some ideas to consider on your next shoot. As an editorial assignment photographer for decades, much of my photography revolved around shooting a picture story. The reader needed to go on a visual journey to coincide with the writer’s words. To be effective, you have to shoot and move. When I was in journalism school at college I remember one professor saying ‘lead feet don’t win pulitzers’. Try new perspectives, angles, subject matter, lenses, lighting…really apply your craft to bring the story to life.
So how does this help your photography? I would encourage you to get your ‘wall hanger’, and then move on to a new location or idea. Varying your coverage will force you to look for new things, try different techniques, and possibly get totally unexpected images that turn out to be your best shot of the trip. It is easy to stay in one location the whole time, but consider what else might be out there. Even landscape shooters can benefit. I find myself getting stuck behind my tripod for an entire morning shoot…I’ll get one nice image, but what else did I miss?
Last week we had a workshop focused on photographing the Iditarod sled dog race. This is an incredible event, hundreds of sled dogs in downtown Anchorage racing down the city streets on their way to Nome more than a thousand miles away. During the race start I found myself shooting the same tight shot of the dogs over and over. This was the eye candy image, it just looked incredible in the falling snow. But I decided to keep moving, and found many different images I liked including the tight dog running shot. One of my favorites from the race was an image taken from the 5th floor of the parking garage in town.
So the next time you find yourself at a location, get your ‘keeper’ shots, shoot and move. Experiment with different angles and techniques, you might just get your best shot, and it may not be what you envisioned.
Anchorage, AK. Mushing Iditarod