Kris D'Amico Photography

February 22nd, 2010 by Kris

Last photo tip, we talked a little about composition, if you missed it, check it out here. Today, let’s talk just for a second about the opportunity for that great shot. We’ve all done it, the racer’s coming around the corner and we snap the shot… then they leave the ground and fly for a half second. And we’ve missed the shot, or more often than that, we take the shot as they’ve landed. Now, although “trigger” speed and instincts of when to take the shot are really developed by shooting in the field there are a few things we can do to increase our chances of success.

**In these examples I am going to use some images of my son, Holland, who is not yet 4, because he is the fastest target I’ve yet to encounter! Just know that all of these examples can be used in corporate photography (capturing that single real smile out of the CEO), advertising photos (esp. lifestyle work), wedding photos, just about any instance where there is something moving in front of your camera!

1. Look for patterns, for example my son has a tendency to hold hands with his friends. Something that he’s picked up from school. So, at the zoo on Saturday I just waited till he was walking close to his friend and sure enough he grabbed her hand. Now, I know that we can’t all have that type of relationship with all of our subjects. So, if you do have the time, take some time to get to know who and what you’re shooting before hand.
   
2. I know I say this all the time, but SHOOT A LOT! If you are still shooting film – process it online, it’s much cheaper. For the rest of you, so you burn thru 100 shots, 3 are useable – GREAT! You’ve got three great shots! When we went to Disney last year, I took 450 images, out of those 30 or 40 were usable. So, I trashed a few hundred images, big deal we got several awesome shots! This too about that series, if you shoot 5 shots of basically the same thing look at the details, sometimes it’s that sequence that makes the strongest images, sum of the parts and all that.
   
3. Be ready on the shutter. Keep your camera out, get a good strap and wear that mother around your neck! Sometimes you just need to be quick! Fire off 5 or 6 shots real quick as not to miss the moment.