Catching The Essence.

Photography is a unique opportunity to capture a sense of depth and character within a frozen frame. It's no use working with a subject if you're not even sure of what you want to bring out of them, or what you want to be seen.

So I find it's always useful to find your own relationship with your subject. Whether this be a model, a candid member of the public, or even a wheelie bin in an alley way. It's important to ask yourself what your 'vision' is, and what's urged you to take this particular shot. This, firstly, means experimenting.

Try things out. Go low, go high, go unusual, go plain and go boring. You'll quickly find out what works for you and what doesn't. Hopefully, amongst your attempts, you take a few shots that make you go "huh... interesting, let's explore this perspective more."

Typically, this is the birth of an original idea. Follow your nose like a curious dog on a walk... you never know where it may lead you. The more challenging, the more you know that you're on the right path.

Working with models are always fun. Because like with any human, you're given an opportunity to get to know this person on a deeper, more artistic level. It doesn't matter if they're a professional, or just your friend helping you with a few shoots, the pursuit of art is the exploration of the people you create it with as well as yourself.

Therefore, do your duty and get to know them. Asking them deep and meaningful questions can throw them off, but send them down a train of thought that takes their awareness away from the camera... as if they're in a headspace more true to themselves. Alternatively, getting them to explore physical positions that allow them to feel more comfortable (or uncomfortable), or encouraging them to actively move about are also fun ways that strip back the formality and pressures of photography.

Editing is a relatively crucial tool when it comes to the finishing touches of your work. My personal preference is always Lightroom, as I get so much control with my shadings, colour tones and the freedom to eliminate any unwanted interferences with new AI tools. Beginner photographers can often feel intimidated by editing software, I urge them not to be. There's plenty of easy to follow guides available on YouTube, as well as built in tutorials on their software. Failing this, feel free to pop me a message and I'd be happy to talk you through it.

Above all else, it's important to have fun and trust your creative instincts. There is no right or wrong. But capturing 'essence' is what encourages admirers of your work to dig deeper and enjoy your creations more thoroughly. Not that it's entirely for the others, your vision should always come first.