There are many reasons that contribute to Photographer A consistently producing better pictures than Photographer B, who turns out more dramatic images than Photographer C, D, E, etc. One reason may be a given photographer has a better eye for composition. Another may possess better technical skills. Another may be out in the field six days of the week which adds to the odds to capture a special moment. An additional reason may be he or she has an uncanny ability to read the light. In a perfect world, every photographer would have all the above working in his or her favor. While most of the above reasons obviously contribute to excellent picture making, I offer you a more obscure one. One that I support and feel makes a tremendous impact on the final image: Learn To Connect With Your Subject.

Revisit Often: As a leader of nature photo tours to many of the most scenic locations in the US, I often have the following conversation with my participants. Whether it’s them asking me if I ever get bored seeing the same places or them telling me they have no reason to go back to (fill in the blank) because they’ve already been there, I ask the following: What’s your favorite flavor ice cream? Regardless of the answer, I ask them if they’ve purchased it multiple times. Of course they say, Yes, and I simply smile waiting for them to make the connection. We then discuss purchasing varied brands and I bring up the concept of different lighting conditions. We go on to talk about how the level of hunger may enhance the flavor.  The point to revisiting a location often is each time it will “taste” a bit different - sometimes better sometimes worse but never bad. The better the taste, the better the photographs. The more often you revisit, the more you can connect with you subject.

©Russ Burden

Study It: The bottom line reason for making a photograph is something compels the photographer to lift the camera to his or her eye to record the moment, event, expression, etc. It’s frozen in time in a fraction of a second and more often than not, the photographer walks away. The stolen moment is captured, but the potential for so much more awaits the photographer willing to further study the subject, invest the time, and make that connection. If all you make is one photo of the subject, in that you have no others, it’s your best. But if you continue to further connect with the subject and make more, odds are the best one is somewhere after that first shot. Walk around the subject and study the light. Watch for compelling compositions that “call your name.” Get down low to change your perspective. If possible, get up high and look down for unique angles. Every additional minute you spend with the subject allows you to make a deeper connection. Every step you make to your left or right provides the same. The next time you make that first shot of whatever the subject is, devote a few extra minutes to connect more deeply and you’ll be amazed at the repercussion.

©Russ Burden

Get To Know It: The first time you picked up your camera, did you know about all its features? The first time you got behind the wheel of an automobile, did you fell relaxed and comfortable? More than likely, the first click of the shutter of a new subject will not produce the best image. When it comes to photographing people, I try to learn as much about them in as short amount of time as possible. This way, I can bring up trigger words during the shoot that will create a smile or other look I want to capture. Music, girl or boyfriends, sports, foods, job, etc. are the topics I target. Based on the look I want, I bring up the topic that hopefully evokes the desired expression. While I can’t guarantee it will work all the time, it’s gotten me what I want most of the time.

©Russ Burden

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Nature Photo Tours. Visit russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, email me to be placed on my Tip of the Week list and to receive announcements about upcoming tours specials or to pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.