editing procrastination. let me start this post off by saying that procrastination has never been in my vocabulary. ever. when i was a student and was given an assignment, i would complete it overnight…even when the due date was weeks away. i don’t procrastinate. i just don’t do it. it’s not in my personality. especially when it comes to editing. i shoot, then i edit. end of story. i love the feeling of always being caught up so i make it my mission to complete tasks accordingly.
cue motherhood. once my little girl was born, i found myself taking endless photos of her…only to import them into lightroom and leave them for months unedited. here i sit with an eight month old, finally getting some time to sit down and edit the photos taken of her in the hospital when she was born.
i found myself sitting down to a lightroom catalog that was eight months in the making, with over 10,000 photos in it. no i am not exaggerating, there were 10,000 unedited photos starring me in the face. for a moment, i wanted to cry. where would i even begin!? how was i ever going to edit all of these photos before her first birthday? would i ever feel caught up on editing again? as i took a deep breath and began culling my images, i started to realize that waiting to edit was the biggest blessing i’d been given. yes, my editing procrastination was the best thing i could have done for myself.
do you have a daunting amount of photos that you need to cull? check out my 5 tips for choosing good photos to edit.
Editing Procrastination : Why Waiting To Edit Is A Good Idea
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as creatives, we are are biggest critic. while others can praise our work, we are sitting there pinpointing everything we did wrong. i am constantly critical of my photography. i am always pinpointing my use of compositions, limb chops, white balance, and focusing. sometimes, i find the importing my photos into lightroom is both equally exciting and stressful. it’s exciting, as i can see what i captured with my camera, but it is equally stressful as i begin to pinpoint my mistakes. just as soon as i fall in love with my images, it seems like i fall out of love with them.
that is, until i began the act of editing procrastiation.
there is something so refreshing about taking time away from your images. it is like that old saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” well, it’s true. especially when it comes to looking at our photography with fresh eyes. for me, this is something i did by accident. once being one that always edited immediately after shooting, the busyness of motherhood took over and i found that i only had time to import my images, not edit.
fast forward a few months and it’s like christmas morning as i open up my lightroom catalog. and instead of instantly critiquing my images and pinpointing my mistakes, i am pulled into my images emotionally and cherishing the memories that i captured for what they are. i am looking past all the technical mistakes, and relishing in the fact that i photographed my daughter’s smile perfectly. i am looking past the imperfect white balance and seeing one of the many baby milestones that i photographed. instead of looking at the technical aspect of my photos, i was looking at the moments those images held.
had i looked at those images right after importing them, i would have deleted more than half of them. i would have said, “i can try again, i can do better.” i would have only seen technical flaws and, in turn, considered those images not worthy of keeping. but because i was given the grace of time, and chose to shoot now and edit later (months later), i was able to look past the flaws and look at the photographs for what they are…memories.
and hear me when i say, your memories don’t have to be technically perfect. they just have to exist.
we all get caught up in the stress of editing and feel that constant pull to always “keep up.” well, let me tell you, it’s okay to procrastinate this time. it’s okay to let those images sit for a bit, allowing you the time to fall in love with them all over again. editing procrastination is not always a bad thing. sometimes it’s a blessing. should you feel frustrated with your images, step away and come back later. later could mean in an hour, a week, or a month. it’s okay, your images will always be there waiting for you. and to be honest, your images deserve a fresh pair of eyes and a fighting chance.
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what is documentary photography? for some, this term has them scratching their head. but really documentary photography is quite simple, and just that. it is to document what surrounds you. as is. it is to simply pick up your camera to document what is happening in front of you. the trick is, doing it in a way that isn’t ordinary but is beautiful, rather than a simple snapshot. many photographers give documentary photography a try when they complete a photography project called “a day in the life” where they take a picture every hour, from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep, documenting their typical day in it’s entirety. documentary photography is a wonderful skill to build, as it is the daily happenings that surround us that we really should be photographing. allow me to simplify documentary photography by sharing a step by step guide.
do you have a lot of photography goals, but need help achieving them? check out what planner helps me organize my goal setting.
Documentary Photography : A Step By Step Guide
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Step 1 : Think Of An Everyday Occurrence
thinking of something that happens in your life, day after day. something that represents your current life. maybe it is doing laundry or running the carpool. whatever it may be, pick an activity that typically makes up your day. for the sake of example, i am choosing nap time. without fail, twice a day, we do nap time at my house. more importantly, it is an event that i know i will want to remember later on down the road, as she grows.
Step 2 : Identify Elements Of The Experience To Document
once you know the activity you want to document, think about the certain elements that you really want to capture with your camera. writing a list may be helpful. for me, i wanted to document how she lays on her belly to fall asleep and loves to play with her toes after she wakes up.
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3. Prepare Your Gear Ahead of Time
when the moment presents itself, you don’t want to be scrambling to prepare your gear. instead, have your gear ready ahead of time so that you are ready to photograph as the moment unfolds. for me, i prepared my gear before my daughter went down for a nap and had it ready, as i wanted to photograph the moment as she woke. for this project, i photographed with my nikon d750 with a camera strap (always use a camera strap when photographing young children, to both ensure safety and allow you to be hands free when needed) and sigma art 24mm f/1.4 lens.
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4. Prepare the Space
please resist the urge to go crazy cleaning or feel the need to have a pottery barn home. the purpose of documentary photography is to capture your life and surroundings as is, mess and all. however, do take a moment to slightly simplify the space you will be photographing. remove any unnecessary clutter that may draw the viewer’s eye away from your intended subject or story. while you want to photograph life as is, you also want to make the purpose of your photo clear.
5. Consider A Wide Angle Lens
documentary photography generally includes documenting one within their surroundings. because the surroundings tell just as much of a story as the subject does, its a good idea to include the surroundings within the frame. a wide angle lens does just that. my favorite wide angle lens is the sigma art 24mm f/1.4 lens, as it works well in small spaces, allows me to photograph the entire scene, yet has a low aperture of f/1.4 to allow me to capture detail paired with blurred backgrounds.
if you don’t own a wide angle lens, that’s okay! consider renting one or using a 50mm from more of a distance to allow more surroundings within the frame.
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6. Allow the Moment To Unfold
once your moment arrives, allow it to unfold as is. that is the art of true documentary photography. try to allow your subjects to interact as they would without the camera present, while you stand back and simply document. if you have human subjects within the frame, document them as they are. don’t stress about having them face the camera, as faceless can be a true part of documentary style as the subjects interact with someone other than you.
7. Don’t Overthink It With Posing
in fact, don’t even think of the word posing. posing has no importance here. the less posed, the more honest. remember, documentary photography is to document as is. resist all urge to pose and instruct, and instead simply photograph.
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8. Be Aware of Your Composition Constantly
because documentary photograph often means photographing ordinary occurrences, some people often think they will be limited because it is boring or uninteresting. quite the contrary. i would rather photograph an ordinary day at home than a live event elsewhere. one of the best ways to create interest with a photograph that contains ordinary things is through creative compositions. remember the rule of thirds, try to shoot through things to create depth, and have fun with angles.
need some inspiration on composition? check out the 8 creative photography compositions you should be using.
.jpg "Documentary Photography : A Step By Step Guide | Bethadilly Photography")
9. Photograph From A Variety of Angles
documenting things or people means telling a story. the best way to tell a full story is by showing the viewer the situation from a variety of angles, as each angle can pull the viewer deeper into the story and give them a further understanding of the scene. try photographing from behind, from above, close up and then far away. be sure to photograph from a low angle and from the side, giving a variety of perspectives.
10. Hop Into The Frame, Too
if being within the frame helps to tell your story, do it! set up a tripod and interact within your surroundings to document the moment to the best of your ability. if you need some tips on creating a self portrait, be sure to check out my step by step guide for taking a self portrait with your dslr.
documentary photography is not only very powerful and honest, but can serve as a beautiful document for you to cherish in the years ahead as these are the photos that tell your truest of stories.
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having taken clients since 2013, i can pack my camera bag in my sleep. when i used to stress about forgetting something i would need, i can now pack my camera bag in seconds and be confidently on my way to a session. not only do i pack my favorite go-to lenses and cameras, but i also pack my camera bag with items that will ensure that i have a successful and creative session with my clients. if you are struggling with what to bring and what to leave when it comes to getting ready for a session, here are 10 things to pack in your camera bag to get you started.
need help organizing your sessions schedule? check out the must-have planner for busy photographers that i love to use.
Packing For Sessions : 10 Things To Pack in Your Camera Bag
.jpg "Packing For Sessions : 10 Things To Pack in Your Camera Bag | Bethadilly Photography")
1. Your Camera
yes, it’s an obvious item to pack, but for the sake of a packing list…you will need to pack your camera. i carry my nikon d750 and my nikon d610 in my camera bag to every session so i can have a lens on each camera and not waste time switching out lenses. i like to spend my entire time photographing.
2. A 50mm Lens
a 50mm is a wonderful portrait lens and i carry my sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens to every session. i love that i can capture the entire family within the frame, as well as individual portraits. and the low aperture capability allows me to create beautiful crisp images with soft backgrounds.
3. A Wide Angle Lens
i always carry my sigma 24mm f/1.4 art lens for the moments when i want to capture more than my subjects, but the scene that surrounds them as well. i use my 24mm a lot during my lifestyle newborn sessions to capture my client’s home within the frame and it works really well in small spaces, making it a wonderful choice for photography sessions that are held indoors. my 24mm lens also works really well in low light situations.
4. A Book
this is more for you, than for your clients. for me, i like to arrive to my sessions about 20 minutes before my clients do. this allows time for unexpected traffic, as well as time for me to double check the location for light. i always carry a book with me for any extra time before my session starts. and, if you need a recommendation for a really good book, elizabeth gilbert’s “big magic” is a must read for creatives.
5. A Lens Pen
i don’t know about your clients, but when my young clients first see my camera…they reach right for it! and most of the time, their sweet little fingers go right for the lens. for those unexpected moments when your camera gets smudges or fingerprints on it, be sure to carry a lens pen for a quick clean.
6. Extra Batteries + Memory Cards
extras are always a must and one of the most important things to pack in your camera bag. you never know when you will either run out of battery or fill up a memory card. for moments like this, it’s always professional to have backups ready and waiting in your camera bag.
7. Your Contract + Pen
just in case your client forgets to bring their signed copy of your contract, be sure to bring yours on a clipboard with a pen for them to sign. trust me, as a mom it is hard enough to get everyone dressed and on time to a session without stressing about paperwork.
8. A Shutter Hugger
a shutter hugger is such a wonderful little backup that you should always include in your things to pack in your camera bag. a shutter hugger is something that you can quickly slip around the lens of your camera, should you either need to help a shy child or bribe them into cooperating with you. works like a charm.
9. A Step Stool
okay, so this doesn’t fit inside of my camera bag, but i always bring a step stool with me to my sessions, particularly my lifestyle newborn sessions. having a step stool allows me to get higher off of the ground when i want to photograph from above, such as above a sleeping baby in a crib. if you don’t want to drag a step stool with you, a 24mm lens allows you to photograph from above fairly effortlessly with your feet are flat on the ground.
10. A Blanket
i love sitting my families on blankets during the session for a family portrait and it’s one of the most important things to pack in your camera bag. be sure to choose a blanket that is neutral so it is guaranteed to match your client’s color palette of clothing choice. i prefer using cream or gray blankets.
as you are preparing for a successful session, don’t forget to these 10 things to pack in your camera bag so you will have all, and even more, than you will need. when you feel confident and prepared, it shows to your clients and sets you up in a great mood to have a really wonderful session.
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some of my main mama goals this christmas was to (1) not stress about the holiday and (2) get some amazing photos of our first christmas as a family of three. i knew i didn’t want traditional photos in front of the christmas tree and i wanted them to be natural and reflect our everyday happiness as a new family. so when i stumbled across a family set of burts bees christmas pajamas, i whipped out my credit card faster than you could say “fa la la la la.” this was happening. lifestyle family photos in our christmas pajamas was right up my alley and i am blessed with a hubby that is super chill and lets me live out these moments. if you are wanting to do the same with your family this year, check out what 4 tips i recommend for taking family photos in christmas pajamas.
christmas is the perfect time to grab that camera! be sure to be inspired by the 25 christmas pictures you must take.
4 Tips For Taking Family Photos In Christmas Pajamas
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What Gear To Use
before i share the tips, let’s chat about gear. for this family collection, i knew i wanted it to be a theme of “at home with the deschamps” and take on a strong lifestyle feel. when i think of lifestyle images, i think of incorporating the home within the frame as well, making a wide angle lens an easy choice. all of the photos in our family christmas collection were photographed with my nikon d750 and sigma 24mm art f/1.4 lens and a tripod.
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1. Set the Tone
before you take out the camera and drag all your family members into the room, take a moment to set the tone of the room in which you will be photographing. i am essentially clutter free, so this didn’t take much effort on my part. but setting the tone could mean simplifying your space by removing any distractions on nightstands or around the room. by doing this, you will make sure your subject (your family) remains the focal point.
because i wanted my collection to take on a wintery and bright feel, i removed our pale grey comforter cover and only used our bright white down comforter. this not only helped to brighten my photos and act as a natural reflector, but it allowed our red pajamas to pop within the frame.
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2. Make A Photo List
before you start, make a quick list of the photos you hope to achieve during the session. this helps immensely! trust me, once you get your gear out and your family is all ready to go, you will want to make the most of your time in front of the camera without worrying about thinking up photos to take. for me, i wanted a whole family photo, lots of the three of us together, individuals of our daughter, me with our daughter, my husband with our daughter, and candids of her playing on the comforter. once i had my list, we started taking photos and checking them off! and we had fun and made up some photos along the way, which turned out to be my favorite.
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3. Start With The Whole Family
let’s be honest, that’s the photo you really want. the photo of your entire family together. i mean, the whole purpose of splurging on the outfits is for taking family photos in christmas pajamas. at least, that’s what was on the top of my list. start with the most important photo so you can accomplish that before everyone gets grumpy or sleepy. if need be, take breaks throughout the session to make sure everyone stays happy and fresh. thank goodness, we didn’t have to do that…however i made sure to plan our pictures around our nap schedule.
need some help figuring out how to photograph the big day? check out my 4 ways to prepare to photograph christmas day.
.jpg "4 Tips For Taking Family Photos In Christmas Pajamas | Bethadilly Photography")
4. Be Authentic
forget everything you once knew about taking pictures. don’t look towards the camera, but instead interact with the ones who surround you. this creates portraits that are authentic instead of forced and posed as you stare at the camera. gently instruct your family on what to do, by telling them were to look or by giving them an activity to do. fun activities could include lifting your children in the air, tickling your kids, looking at your family, reading a favorite christmas story etc.
above anything else, make this a fun experience for your family. taking family photos in christmas pajamas will prove to be really fun for the whole family. your kids will think it is fun to be dressed in their pajamas, so keep the mood light and fun. and as always with little ones, bribing them with hot cocoa after the photos is always a wonderful trick. heck, that bribe may work for the hubby too!
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throughout my journey with photography, i have learned so much along the way. to look back and see where i started, i can’t help but be proud of how far i have come to being the photographer that i am today. i have read so many books, put in hours of practice, completed photography projects, and continue my own beautiful journey of learning, trial and error. but one of the most powerful things i have done for my photography is have a photographer mentor. someone who can look at my images and help me grow. of all the things i have done for my photography over the years, taking the time to investing in photography mentoring has been the most beneficial to me and has given me to most takeaway. of all the goals you make for your photography, you should consider investing in photography mentoring as one of them.
need some help on goal-setting? check out how goal setting can make you a better photographer.
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Photography Mentoring : 4 Tips For Finding Your Ideal Mentor
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photography mentoring is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and for your photography. by allowing another to look at your images and tell you the honest truth, you are allowing yourself to step away from your photography and grow. you are allowing yourself to take a step back and really dig dip into your images and look at what you are doing successfully, and identify your struggles. and it’s your struggles that really help shape your growth as a photographer because you can only succeed with photography if you know what areas you need to improve.
so how do you find that photographer mentor that is ideal for you?
1. Choose Someone That Has A Portfolio That Inspires You
it seems fairly obvious, but look to the photographers that truly inspire you with their images. whether it is their camera technique, editing style, the type of photography they offer or simply their perspective, your photography mentor should be someone who has a portfolio that is one you aspire to have.
2. Choose Someone Who Has A Consistent Style
when you are investing in photography mentoring, finding a mentor that is consistent in their work is extremely important. consistency shows you that they have mastered their skill and that they are confident in their photography style. look at their personal work as well as their professional work to ensure that their style is consistent across the board. this will tell you that they are capable of creating harmonious images that truly represent them each and every time they pick up their camera, whether it is for a client or for themselves. and photographers who are confident and consistent with their style are photographers that can teach you how to do the same.
are you struggling with finding your photography style and need help creating a portfolio that is consistent? take control of your portfolio and read my eBook the styled photographer : a guide to finding your unique photography style.
3. Choose Someone With A Similar Photography Style As You
it is important to note that this is not mandatory, but can prove to be helpful. if you are investing in photography mentoring to help perfect your style, choosing a photographer who has a similar style may be a wise choice. it is helpful to learn from someone who confidently creates the same types of images that you are striving for, as you will get the most out of your photography mentoring experience. if you like soft and airy photos, having a photographer that has a portfolio full of colorful and high contrast images may not be your best fit. just like if you are a newborn photographer, having a photograph mentor who specializes in wedding photography may not give you as much takeaway as a newborn photography mentor.
4. Choose Someone Who Is Good With Business, Too
if you own a photography business or are looking to start one, having a photography mentor that has a photography business and runs it successfully is a great option for you. it’s important to note that photography mentoring is not just for professional photographers, but for hobbyists as well. however, if you are wanting to photograph for income, having a photography mentor that is in business can help you get a grasp on the art of professional photography and how to structure your images to create cohesive and complete collections for your clients.
photographing mentoring is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your photography. sometimes it is hard to hear the things that we can improve upon, but that is where we truly grow the most. if you really want to take your photography to the next step, having a photography mentor who can point out your weaknesses can help you decide where you want to focus your efforts. knowing where we need to grow is half of the battle, and learning more about our weaknesses is extremely important if we want to get better.
for more information about my photography mentoring packages, be sure to visit my mentoring page. let’s chat, i would love to mentor you!
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Cherry Blossom Photography : A Series Of Lost Images Found - bethadilly - […] to read more about putting off editing, be sure to read why editing procrastination can actually be a good thing. […]