Lucy And The Lens

Category: Opinions

  • Unpopular opinions

    Here are some unpopular opinions I have as a photographer.

    1. Black and white doesn’t automatically make a photo more artistic
      If the photograph is bad in the first place it’s not gonna make it better it’s just gonna make it moody and bland. There are occasions where it does work but that’s usually an architectural marvel or a portrait that needs some mood.
    2. Free shoots “for exposure” are rarely worth it
      I did a lot of free shoots when I first started and not a single one of them resulted in a paid client later on. The only ones that have, were shoots I did as part of my masters that I wasn’t allowed to charge for.
    3. Editing isn’t lying
      Retouching an image is part of the art form it doesn’t change the truth of it.
    4. Street photography isn’t automatically ethical or deep
      Candid shots of strangers don’t always mean something and they often raise consent issues. There are times when you shouldn’t take that image for ethical reasons but there are other times when the results are fabulous.
    5. Over-posing kills authenticity
      Posing too much can make the image look fake and robotic and not like a human.
    6. Not everyone should shoot weddings
      Just because it’s pays well doesn’t mean your personality type or style fits in with the pressure and emotional stakes.
    7. The “rule of thirds” is optional
      Following compositional rules too strictly leads to predictable and boring work, it’s far more interesting to know the rules and how to break them.

    What are some unpopular opinions you have share in the comments?

    mibmarathonday13

  • My Superpower

    My Super Power is Making people feel seen and confident in who they are.
    When it comes to finding clients all I care about is that you’re a nice person and, that we have the same or aligning values when it comes to work.

    My top 3 are creativity, connection and motivation.

    Photography doesn’t start with a camera it starts with a conversation. Graphic by: @emiliaclarecreates

    mibmarathonday4

  • What is the best way to capture special moments at events?

    What is the best way to approach capturing special moments at events ?

    Some argue that the best way to approach capturing special moments when photographing events is to be as unobtrusive as possible. Others say that it’s best to be upfront and proactive, seeking out those special moments. There is no wrong answer, but there are some things to keep in mind when making your decision.

    If you choose to be unobtrusive, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time. Learn about the event you’ll be photographing and what moments are most important to capture. Then, position yourself in a spot where you’ll be able to get the best angle without being in the way. This may mean arriving early and staking out a spot, or it may mean moving around during the event to get different angles. The key is to be prepared and to know your gear so that you can be as unobtrusive as possible.

    If you choose to be upfront and proactive, you’ll need to be comfortable approaching people and asking them to pose for a photo. This approach works best if you’re already familiar with the people at the event, but it can also work if you’re quick on your feet and good at reading people. The key is to be respectful and to know when to back off. Again, research is important so that you know what moments you should be capturing.

    There is no wrong answer when it comes to capturing special moments at events. It’s all about knowing your gear, being prepared, and being respectful. But whatever you do, make sure you enjoy yourself – because that’s the most important part of any event.

    If you are simply aware of the key moments that are happening, be ready to photograph them. If you talk to people ahead of time, you can find out their expectations for the event and what moments they would like captured. You can also set up a specific photo area at the event.

    Here are a few examples of moments I have captured at events:

  • Collaboration

    Let’s Talk About Collaboration

    Why would anyone want to collaborate.

    To start with you need to find those collaborations that you feel will benefit you. Don’t collaborate with someone who appears on the surface to just be looking for a freebie. As one point of collaboration is that you hope to get some future work out of this person.

    I also like to do collaboration when I want to learn a new style of photography that I’ve never done before. This is offering a free shoot or a couple of free shoots to learn about and understand that photography style.

    Collaboration can be a chance for creativity you can collaborate with makeup artists and stylists to make something extraordinary.

    Additionally, it can lead to new and innovative ideas, as each person brings their own perspective to the table.
    -Furthermore, it can build relationships and foster a sense of community.

    Sometimes it helps to get a fresh perspective on the projects you’re working on so somebody can help you out.

    In short, collaborating can be very beneficial. It can make projects run more smoothly, lead to new and innovative ideas, and build relationships. So next time you’re working on something, consider collaborating with someone else.

    Here are a few of my photos from collaborations I’ve done with muas, models and actresses.

  • Is Ai Taking Over The Photography Industry?

    It hasn’t quite got there yet but there are a few warning signs like the fact that smart phones cameras are now more AI focused.

    Smartphone cameras are getting better and better each year, and a large part of that is thanks to the AI algorithms that power them. These algorithms are able to automatically adjust settings like exposure and white balance, and can even identify subjects and track them as they move. This is all well and good for the average consumer, but for professional photographers, this spells trouble.

    If anyone can point and shoot and get a decent photo, what is there to set them apart?

    Another reason Ai is changing the photography industry is because it offers a number of advantages over traditional photography methods.

    First, it is relatively affordable. Second, it is easy to use and offers a wide range of features. Third, it is becoming increasingly popular with both professional and amateur photographers. fourth, it allows for the creation of more realistic and lifelike images. fifth, it is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings.

    For now, I can rest easy knowing that my job is safe- but I should still be on the lookout for any advancements in AI that could threaten this industry.

    At the end of the post are a few photos of me and some that remini created based on the images I sent:

    What do you think- will AI eventually spell the end of professional photography? Like and comment to let us know!

  • When Is Not Okay To Take A Photograph?

    I’ve heard this question so many times and I think its mostly to do with your own moral code.

    There are a few things you shouldn’t take photographs of. Here are some of them:

    • People in private property without permission is illegal so don’t do this unless you have that permission.
    • If you are in a public place no one can stop, you from taking photos just don’t take anything thats vulgar or degrading as in that case you should be stopped.
    • You are allowed to take photos of people in a public place especially if they are unidentifiable. If someone asks you to delete an image you have taken you do not have to do it. But taking your own safety into regard if the person asking you is in the photo and only them, I would delete it as chances are you will find a better image just around the corner.
    • Morally unless I’m photographing an event, I would not take photos of children without parental consent. I just feel that you shouldn’t do that because it comes across as creepy.
    • Homeless people are up for massive debate when you see this question some photographers will and some won’t. Just think about how would you feel if you were homeless and someone took a picture of you.
    • I also think you shouldn’t take photos of someone who has some deteriorating condition without permission as its not really fair or ethical on the person.
    • Also, if I see someone in an emotionally unstable state, I won’t take a picture. How would you feel if you were crying on the street and you later saw a picture of yourself in that state? Photographing someone who’s emotional is okay in a play, at a wedding or a christening but in a public place you really shouldn’t photograph them.

    What are your thoughts on this?

  • 8 Tips To Get You Out Of A Creative Rut

    Today I’m going to be dispelling the myth that if you’re in a creative rut you need to go to an exotic location.

    Here are eight things you can do to get out of a creative rut.

    Create an Assignment

    You may find that if you give yourself an assignment. for example, a photo a day for a month or a year it instils some newfound creativity within you. I personally set myself a new photo challenge every Friday which I have a full week to do and this helps me think out of the box.

    Here is a link to my latest Friday Challenge Post and some other related posts:

    Create A Theme for A Photo walk

    Another way to get out of this rut is to create a theme for a photo walk and then it becomes more like a treasure hunt and helps to provide you with ideas.

    Do Something Different

    Have a day where you go out and do something other than photography or whatever your profession is as sometimes you need to get away from it to end the rut. You can also try and learn something new that’s completely unrelated to your niche. (unique area of expertise)

    Humans of Your City

    How about creating your own humans of New York style project in your city looking for interesting characters wherever you go?

    Take Inspiration from The Everyday

    Another great way of getting out of a creative rut is to take inspiration from the everyday. How about picking up a book from your shelf and recreating the cover in one photo, a painting, drawing or anything else it inspires you to do. Find some other objects you have in your house and use them as your inspiration.

    See What Other People Are Doing in Your Niche

    How about browsing on your computer looking at what other people are doing in your niche.

    Create A Mood Board

    One of my favourite things to do when I’m stuck in a rut is to go on Pinterest. See what I can find and design my own mood board based on that.

    Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

    Try doing something you wouldn’t normally do, something as simple as changing the way you take your morning coffee.

    Just simply take your mind away from work.

    I hope you enjoyed this post if so, stay tuned for more.

  • 5 Photography Blogs Every Photographer Must Read

    DIY Photography shows you have to do a variety of photography related projects. At the moment its highlighting people who are finding clever ways to photograph in Isolation.

    Digital Photography School

    This is the blog where you can guarantee to find anything you need. There’s Camera and photography product reviews, tutorials and tips for a variety of things, challenges that you can take part in. Just be sure to read this blog for any kind of Advice.

    Picture Correct is my go-to blog for lighting and editing tips and tricks. My favourite posts are related to lighting tutorials. I’ve learned so much more about lighting from watching people try it over video.

    Here is the home of the Sunday Shutter which highlights the best photos there have seen that week which I think is really cool and good to see what other people have photographed in the last week.

    For me this is another one like digital photography school that has been around for so many years, it’s hard not to find a variety of useful things on here.

    Please be sure to check these out and if you enjoyed this posted stay tuned for more.

  • Photocrafty by Sue Venables : A Review

    Last Week I spent lots of time reading Photocrafty: 75 Challenges for you and your DSLR. The reason I chose this book to read at this point was because most of the population are self-isolating at home due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. I was hoping to find some challenges that you can do at home and luckily there are some exciting ones.

    Sue Venables is a Lecturer in video and photography at city of Westminster college. Sue says “we should look for magic moments everyday” which is an analogy I really resonate with because I feel as a photographer you should always be looking for an image and these moments will jump out at you when you don’t expect it. Take your camera everywhere and just snap what you see and capture those moments. Remember “The best camera is always the one you have with you” don’t think you need to have all the expensive kit.

    Hope you’re ready as Sue has set 75 challenges for us to do in Photocrafty. I will be doing these challenges on Fridays on my Photo Challenge Friday posts and ticking them off when I’ve done them. You can also join in if you’re interested as I post the next challenge on my blog the week before.

    The book starts off with the very simple techniques in the challenges and as you go through the book the challenges get more and more complex. In fact, some might require me to rope in a glamourous assistant like they do in magic shows.

    I thought I’d discuss the top 5 challenges that intrigue me most in this book rather than listing all 75. So, here are my top 5:

    • Photo Message

    I chose this challenge because I feel that this is one most of us need right now to keep each other in a creative mindset and to encourage each other in this difficult time. For me this one will work best for Instagram and should be next week’s challenge to start on Saturday using a whiteboard or pieces of white card.

    • Shoot 50 Shots

    I absolutely love the idea of this challenge in that you simply pick one subject and photograph it in 50 ways. I’d hope this one helps me think more creatively and out of the box.

    • Photojourno

    Taking photos and capturing a story through image and text is something I love, and I can’t wait to do this on the street again when I’m able to spend time doing street photography. Id love to photograph and make notes on the story.

    • Your Bubble

    In my opinion this is the coolest one, you go out photographing with a glass dome or Crystal Ball. The idea is about how we all exist in our own little world (Our Bubble). I’ve done this before here’s a link to my related post: Crystal Ball Photography

    • Bring History Alive

    The Idea is to take an old photo you already have or from the internet and go back to the same place and photograph what’s there now or recreate an old photo. During My MA I did this for my how do we use public space project as I was showing how the space had changed over time. What we used to use it for and what it used for now.

    To conclude my review, I found this book to be extremely informative on each challenge and I’m so excited to try them out. Sue mentions what some challenges mean in their original languages., she gives us a deep insight into what settings you should use for some of their challenges and gives a list of kit you might need.

    I hope you enjoyed this review stay tuned for more blog posts and reviews.

  • What Should You Photograph With A Wide-Angle Lens?

    As you may know from my previous posts or my FAQ page, I have seven lenses. Today I am going to write about the wide-angle lens and after this post throughout a long period of time, I am hoping to do a series of these for each of my lenses.

    There is no right or wrong answer as to what to use a lens for its all about your own self-expression but here I am going to tell you what I use it for.

    When I thought about buying the Sigma 10-20mm I wanted to have a better landscape lens as before this I only had the 18-55mm kit lens and the 55-200mm telephoto zoom lens which didn’t provide me with the depth of field I wanted for my landscapes.

    So, what is a wide-angle lens? A wide-angle lens is any lens that can view more than the human eye sees. Wide-angle lenses distort the subject and enhance perspective. This means whatever is in front of the frame will appear larger than anything that is further away.

    I soon realised that you can also create creative portraits with a wide-angle lens. In my opinion, by positioning yourself at a lower angle than your subject you open up your surroundings to a whole new point of view.

    In architectural shots, you want to use this lens to capture the entirety of a building so you can see all the detail and not just glimpses of it.

    In one of my university projects during my master’s I used the wide-angle lens to take images I wanted to create a perspective where I had the full person and aspects of a building behind to convey the way in which we use public spaces to this day.

    A great use I’d say is these lenses are great for events as they allow you to photograph much larger groups of people.

    The final thing I have used this lens for is when I photograph fencing charity events. The reason is that I want to get every one of the participants in the frame which I can’t do with a zoom lens maybe I’d need a zoom lens in a larger venue where I need to be further away from the action.

    I feel the wide-angle lens provides you with new perspectives that you didn’t even consider before. You can see a lot more with a wide-angle lens than a fixed perspective. Below is a gallery of some of my work using this lens:

    If you liked this post and want to read more please go through my previous posts, subscribe or check out my best of page here: Best Of .