A Source of Photography Inspiration

The path to a strong composition is not always clear in landscape photography, and at times can be the most challenging aspect of the craft. Since you can not physically alter the landscape to create your own vision, you as a photographer rely on your skills and creative techniques to control how the landscape appears through the lens.

Your camera’s aperture has the ability to control your depth of field – which is a powerful creative tool that many photographers use to evoke depth, mystery, and intrigue.

This article is the last in a 3-part series which examines what it takes to become a professional photographer in 2013. Read Part 1 and Part 2.

This post is part of a 3-part series on starting your own photography business. If you didn’t catch the beginning, you can find it here.

Just over 1 year ago I was working 50 hours per week in a cafe, dreaming of some day that I’d quit that job and work for myself. I remember the day I made the commitment to stop dreaming about this idea and put it into action. I came home from the cafe and began the long process of trying to translate all my thoughts into a something that could be remotely called a photography business.

The Internet is full of nonsensical photography gear reviews. Just type in any camera model plus the word review into Google and you’ll end up with pages of opinions, technical specifications, field tests and so on. I think the biggest problem with camera reviews of that kind is that they ultimately try to answer the following question…

A snow-covered scene is a favored subject for most photographers, not just those who focus on the landscape. Snow has the ability to add interest and texture to any environment, and the opportunities to expand your creative horizons are endless. In particular, falling snow or windblown scenes create a surreal environment that is not only visually attractive, but can evoke a deeper, emotional response to your photography.

Award-winning photographer Niki Aguirre is known for her outstanding conceptual portraits, and her fine art work is instantly recognizable. Niki’s ability to manifest a dream world into reality is evident in her portfolio, and her creative use of imagination takes us on a spectacular visual journey.

I think every new photographer goes through a number of stages. They’re milestones that an emerging pro must go through to mature both as an artist and a businessman. Each stage has its own challenges and lessons. And overcoming the challenges and learning the lessons becomes the key to becoming a successful photographer.

Humans like light. We like being able to see everything around us clearly. However, very often what makes a photograph is not what is there, but what we can’t see. To focus our attention within a single motionless flat image requires some serious magic. Restricted light is dramatic. It’s cinematic. It’s full of life. And it’s a natural way to bring your attention to things you want your viewers to focus on.