UPDATE: A groundbreaking video just released by professional photographer Shannon reveals the top 11 mistakes that could be flattening your photos, urging viewers to rethink their shooting habits immediately. This eye-opening content emphasizes that common shooting errors often disguised as routine practices can diminish the storytelling power in photography.
The video highlights a striking example from Denali, where photographers fixated on their long lenses—specifically 400mm and 600mm—missed crucial environmental context. By switching to a shorter focal length, photographers captured the broader scene, allowing animals to coexist within the frame. This vital shift is a reminder that “closer is better” can lead to a narrow perspective, ultimately cropping out the essence of the moment.
Shannon stresses that the editing process should focus on refining, not reconstructing, images. Key decisions made prior to pressing the shutter can save hours in post-production. Important tips include protecting highlights and selecting cleaner backgrounds to avoid frantic cropping later on.
In a parallel critique, fellow photographer Nick Page discusses the mental barriers photographers face, often arriving with a single planned shot in mind. This fixation can lead to missed opportunities, as photographers may ignore the changing light and weather conditions that could yield stunning shots. The video serves as a wake-up call to take risks and adapt creatively, rather than clinging to preconceived ideas.
The video introduces two pivotal concepts that can transform how photographers plan their trips. First, light can hold more significance than the location itself, challenging the notion that iconic spots guarantee successful photographs. Second, Shannon cautions against forcing images in unfavorable conditions, as stubbornness can lead to unremarkable results.
One particularly daring example shows a camera sealed in underwater housing, left in a challenging environment for days to achieve a unique shot. This illustrates that the most rewarding images often come from stepping outside conventional comfort zones.
As the video moves into technical aspects, viewers might realize they are overcomplicating their processes. Techniques like stacking, bracketing, and creating panoramas are discussed without the necessity of a tripod, provided the shooter acts quickly to maintain alignment. Focus stacking is suggested as a superior alternative to stopping down to f/22, which can degrade image sharpness due to diffraction. The video also promotes handheld exposure bracketing for those high-speed moments, making it applicable to wildlife photography, not just landscapes.
Shannon reinforces the importance of deliberate focus modes, advocating for manual settings in chaotic environments to avoid losing focus on the subject.
This video is a must-watch for photographers looking to elevate their craft while avoiding common pitfalls. For those interested, check out the full video above, featuring insights from Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist, who teaches music and enjoys spending time with his rescue dogs.
Stay tuned for more updates as this topic continues to develop in the photography community.
