National Geographic Masters of Photography

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standing above them from a human viewpoint. When you’re down on the
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the symbiotic relationship they have with insects. You’ll be amazed at the
incredibly colorful landscape and the intricate details you can see from
the ground.


A famous saying about photography is this: If you want to be a better
photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff. Anyone is a better
photographer at the Grand Canyon than at the local car wash. Do research
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capture interesting images.


Becoming a Better Photographer
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skills one at a time, just like everyone else. Decide on a new skill you’d like
to add to your repertoire. Practice that skill until you internalize it, then start
on another one. Figuring out what you can do with a new skill is part of the
process of learning, and it’s a great deal of fun.


For example, spend an evening with the same subject, experimenting with
exposure and lighting. See what happens if you use a 30-second exposure
and shake the camera on its tripod. Practice moving the light source as you
shoot. Keep working the scene until you get good at whatever technique
you’re trying and get some interesting results. Then, try the new skill you’ve
developed in other photographs.


One other reason to practice your skills is that you don’t always have a great
deal of time to get your shot. If you’re in a hurry or the action in front of
you is moving quickly, you want to have knowledge you can fall back on
and a trained eye. If you’ve practiced looking for multiple ways to frame an
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quickly when you need them.


If you have to choose between being dogged and being talented, dogged is
the right choice. Don’t stop; work every scene as long as you can. Try staying
in one spot for two or three hours and watching the light as it changes, or
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Free download pdf