Photographic artist and the student

The photographic artist and the student and I don’t mean the photographic artist is teaching a student, rather the photographic artist as a student. For me, when I took up photography and even more so when I began to designate myself as a photographic artist I became a continouse student.

I read articles, blogs, and books on photography virtually every day. I listen to photography podcasts. I study photographs, techniques, and light. I can’t even watch a movie or television show without wondering about the lighting techniques and color grading that was used to give us the final version of the movie or show. Some may believe this mindset is obsessive, execssive, or extravagant. Others may just understand it.

I wasn’t always this way. I don’t know what the turning point was nor do I remember when this came about. I’m not sure it really matters as it doesn’t interfer with my daily life other than I often see things many others ignore. I see how light and shadows vary, I see how some lighting conditions enhance subjects or give a different mood or emotions. As an example, I often hear people say, “what a gloomy day” when it is slightly overcast, light rain, and perhaps a bit on the cool side. To me, colors and reflections are enhanced, soft shadows, and perhaps a great time for dramatic street or on location portraits. In other words, I see those so-called “gloomy days” as something that is photographicly wonderful.

If you want to take your photography, or more appropriatly (in my head) your photographic artistry to the next level, expand your vision by studying all the photography you can and pay especial attention to light and how it plays in the world around you.