Use this 1-hour photo shoot exercise to build up your creative muscles! I take you behind the scenes of a short photo shoot and discuss what I was thinking about throughout the shoot and how I composed images on the fly, plus the editing strategy for choosing the final images for a photo essay.
A quick exercise to build your visual storytelling skills fast
A big challenge nature photographers face is feeling overwhelmed by the thought of photographing people.
It’s intimidating to capture a moment with someone if you don’t have much experience in portrait photography or shooting for a story.
Yet, people are often a crucial element of effective, compelling conservation photo stories. After all, many conservation stories are about volunteers, activists, scientists, community members…
Luckily, there’s an easy 1-hour exercise that helps to build confidence and overcome this fear so you can create beautiful stories with your images.
Simply photograph someone you already know doing something. That’s it!
I know it sounds too easy, but trust me when I tell you that this exercise will work wonders for you.
In this article I take you behind the scenes of a short photo shoot of my partner, Nick, doing a craft.
🎧 Recommended: 3 Types of Conservation Photo Stories You Can Photograph Near Home
A New Camera and a Burst of Inspiration
Recently, I got myself a shiny new Canon R3. Yes, the excitement was real! The anticipation of waiting for it to arrive was almost as thrilling as the camera itself. The day it finally got delivered, I might have scared the delivery guy with my enthusiasm. But hey, a new tool like this can really kickstart your creativity!
The Joy of New Gear
Upgrading to this camera was a big decision. I’m not usually one to get caught up in gear acquisition syndrome (or GAS for short). For a long time, I believed in making the best of what I had. But after hearing a fellow photographer rave about the creative boost he got from his new R5, I decided it was time for an upgrade. And let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. The joy of silent shooting, especially when photographing wildlife like bush tits or night herons, is unmatched.
Flexing Those Creative Muscles
Now, onto the main event—building your photo story skills. Often, we psych ourselves out when thinking about creating a photo story. We start to think it needs to be epic, important, and filled with perfect images. This can be especially daunting when it involves photographing people, which is a common struggle among wildlife photographers stepping into the realm of photo stories.
To break this down, I decided to photograph my partner, Nick, who is passionate about shaping surfboards. In our basement, he has set up a shaping and glassing room, complete with dramatic lighting and a chaotic but fascinating environment filled with foam dust and tools.
Understanding Photo Essays vs. Photo Stories
Before diving into the shoot, let’s clarify the difference between a photo essay and a photo story. A photo story has characters, a narrative arc, and is akin to reading a novel with photos illustrating the tale. On the other hand, a photo essay is more artistic, a collection of images based around a theme without needing a narrative arc.
For this exercise, I aimed to create a photo essay about Nick’s craft. I wasn’t looking for a story but rather documenting the vibe and personality of a surfboard shaper at work.
The Photo Shoot: An Hour of Pure Fun
The best part about this kind of exercise is that it can be done in a short time. I spent about an hour photographing Nick in his element. Here’s a breakdown of how I approached it:
- Assessing the Scene: I started by taking a wide shot of the entire room using a 24mm lens. This gave me a sense of the space and how Nick was positioned in it.
- Focusing on the Subject: Next, I took the same shot but focused on Nick, then another focusing on the surfboard. This created two distinct images from one composition.
- Detail Shots: I captured the tools, the foam dust, and Nick’s notebook with surfboard dimensions. These details added depth to the photo essay.
- Capturing Personality: I looked for moments that showed Nick’s personality, like his little notes to himself on the surfboard or the way he worked with intense concentration.
Practicing Creative Flexibility
Throughout the shoot, I kept asking myself, “What else can I capture?” This mindset helped me explore different angles, compositions, and even techniques like motion blur when Nick was spraying off the foam dust.
Editing: From 1800 Photos to a Cohesive Photo Essay
After the shoot, it was time to edit. I ended up with 1,800 photos, which I narrowed down to about 300 using a quick visual scan for compositions that stood out. From there, I further refined it to 60 photos that I wanted to edit in detail.
- First Pass: Look at thumbnails and give one star to potential keepers.
- Second Pass: Evaluate the one-star photos, give two stars to the best compositions.
- Final Selection: Post-process the two-star photos, looking for a cohesive theme and variety.
The Result: A Tight, Impactful Photo Essay
I ended up with 26 photos that I felt truly captured the essence of Nick’s surfboard shaping process. This exercise not only helped me hone my skills but also boosted my confidence. And the best part? You can do this too!
Your Turn: Try It Out
I encourage you to try this exercise. Look for small, everyday moments or hobbies around you. Whether it’s your partner making breakfast, your dog playing in the yard, or a friend’s craft, spend an hour capturing it. Then, go through the editing process and see how your skills grow.
Conclusion: The Power of Practice
This exercise was a powerful reminder that practice, even in small doses, can significantly enhance your skills. So, grab your camera, find a subject, and start shooting. You might be surprised at how much you learn and how confident you become.
I hope this inspires you to get out there and create. Happy shooting!
And to help spark your inspiration, here’s a peek at a small handful of images from the shoot:
- How To Make A Polished Conservation Photography Portfolio In 5 Steps (includes a downloadable worksheet!)
