Technique 24 Shooting tips and ideas F/8 and
Photography News Issue 23 absolutephoto.com
be there? Well, sure there’s more to it than that, but for great pictures you also need great opportunities. The good news is that they’re all around, so this month pick an event and give it your all. First though, see how the PN team handled a variety of photo days out…
Words & pictures by Kingsley Singleton, Will Cheung & Daisy Dickinson
Are good photos just a mix of technical skill and creative ideas? No; opportunity is the other vital ingredient, or to put it anotherway, being in the right place at the right time. And brilliant photo opportunities are something we’d all love to happenmore often, right?Well here are the facts; the only way you’ll find yourself in the right place at the right time is by getting out and shooting. You’ve surely heard the phrase ‘the more you practise, the luckier you get’, and that’s never been truer than when applied to picture taking. So how do you increase your exposure to great subjects? Well, specialist events can be a simple and fruitful way of doing it, where you’re assured of plentiful shooting. Whether they’re specifically organised for photographers or open to the general public, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities, and be right in the heart of the action to record them. An event could be anything from a day at the
races to a zombie walk through your local town. You might visit a museum or a parade. It could be an air show, or a boat show, or a flower show… just get yourself into the mix and put your own spin on the proceedings. Before you go Grasping your opportunity with both hands takes a little planning as well as skill in your shooting. Naturally you’ll want to watch the weather, and the timing of your visit will make a big difference to the light (and may also affect the size of the crowds you’ll have to deal with). Taking the right gear is also important, especially if you’re dealing with specialist subjects. Most importantly though, have an idea of what you want to achieve and how you’re going to do it before you arrive. This month, see how the PN team tackled three events – and find out how you can get the best results from your own days out.
Above Organised event days are a great opportunity to shoot enthusiasts engaging in their hobby, here adding scale, context and human interest to the vintage railway scene.
Above If you’re looking to focus on detail, car shows are a great place to find it, with polished specimens aplenty.
Above Star attractions like the Battle of Britain-themed RAF Typhoon are fleeting, so catch themwhile you can.
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