Friday, November 19, 2010

Dear Cindy,

The next time you discourage one of my students or tell them that they aren't good enough to be a photographer or they don't realize that they just don't "have an eye" for it, we are going to personally meet.

I'll have to nicely explain to you that you have no idea about composition, no understanding of lighting, have a hard time keeping your subject in focus, and basically should sell your camera gear and maybe start selling Avon or Mary Kay. I'll explain to you that the reason you try to discourage others from taking up photography is that you are so insecure in your own work that you know if anyone with a modicum of talent comes into the area that the tiny dribble of business that you now have will dry up completely.

A good photographer would welcome more good photographers into the community, because believe me, there aren't that many of them. A good photographer would want to help a young artist become better by sharing your experience and offering advice and encouragement.

I would like you to become a better photographer. Here are a couple quick tips that would help you immediately.

1. Look in the back of your camera manual and look for the "White Balance" setting. Use it. When your subject is sitting in shade and wearing all blue, and her skin looks blue, you need to set the white balance properly.

2. Do a quick Google search for "Photographic Composition". Read a couple articles. Try to apply it. At least attempt to stop cutting off peoples hands with your camera. It's disturbing to look at.

3. If you are having trouble with the facial recognition on your camera, learn how to manually focus. That way, you can focus on the subject instead of the wall behind them.

Hopefully, this is enough to get you started. Once you think that you have mastered these techniques, let me know, and I'll give you some more tips. I have a long list for you.

Oh yeah, one more thing, the next time you run into a young photographer, be encouraging and helpful or keep your yap shut. I'm watching you.

2 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

I am all here with you Scott. Well said.

Olesku.pl said...

Giiirls.

Always talk too much ;)