• Cart
  • Checkout
  • My Account

Infrared Conversions, IR Modifications & Photography Tutorials | Life Pixel IR

The world leader in infrared conversions, modifications & DIY IR conversion tutorials. Scratched sensor replacement, UV & Full spectrum conversions.

The world leader in infrared camera conversions

866.610.1710
  • Home
  • → Start Here ←
    • 1 – Introduction
    • 2 – Filter Choices
    • 3 – Focus Calibration
    • 4 – Lens Considerations
    • 5 – Camera Considerations
    • 6 – Start Shopping
  • Galleries
    • Infrared Photography
    • Infrared Time Lapse
    • Infrared Cinematography
    • Infrared Stop Motion
    • Ultraviolet Photography
    • Forensic Photography
  • Education
    • Training Sessions
    • How To Shoot Infrared
    • AR Coated Infrared Filters
    • Lens Hot Spot Database
    • Photoshop Video Tutorials
    • Infrared Issues & Solutions
    • IR Basics in Photoshop
    • Camera Quick Start Guide
    • DIY Conversion Tutorials
    • IR Photography Primer
    • Secondhand Cameras
    • Wall Of Shame
  • Workshops
  • FAQ
  • Blog
    • Tutorials
    • Inspiration
    • Locations
    • Gear
    • News
    • Other
  • Why Choose LifePixel?
    • Submit Your Review
  • Contact
  • Shop

Remembering Why You Shoot

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
31 Shares

There are times when the most simple of explanations eludes us. When it comes to photography, or more specifically to the point of making strong photographs, we must be fully aware. Not just aware of our settings and camera placement but also our intent. Oddly enough, it’s frightfully easy to lose this awareness during the very process of doing the thing which we love. What I’m so gently hinting at here is this: do you know why you make photographs? Are you aware on an internal level why you you shoot what you shoot?

In this article we’re going to take a look at why we can so easily lose sight of our purpose while making photos. This artistic straying can happen gradually or on a picture by picture basis. Perhaps more importantly we will also examine how you can regain your a creative awareness and become a more deliberate, purposeful photographer.

Obsessing with the Technical

When you think about it there are arguably very few absolutes when it comes to photography. So, why does the pursuit of technical perfection occupy such a large corner of our creative minds? Never place more emphasis on the technical aspects of photography than you do on expressing the feeling of a scene.

How many incredible photographs have you seen that are underexposed? Over exposed? Maybe they are slightly out of focus. The worth of those photographs or any other image doesn’t lie in the balance of a histogram or tack focus. They move us because they were made with intent and show the truth and beauty of a moment. Don’t put so much attention into the way you capture a photograph that forget why you wanted to shoot it in the first place.

Burnout

If you make photographs long enough there will come a dark and wretched day when you simply become tired of it all. It might happen sooner than later or it might take years but to some degree or another you will have to face burnout. When you become tired of shooting there just doesn’t seem to be anything out there to make pictures of that interests you. You just don’t get the joy from the process as you once did.

Don’t worry…this literally happens to us all and it isn’t limited to one event. There are highs and lows throughout a photographer’s journey. The key remedy is somewhat paradoxical, however. To beat burnout you take a break but not altogether stop shooting. Try to take a rest from your camera(and it from you) and breathe for a while without making photographs. When you begin to say “Man, I wish I had my camera with me” you will know you are cured. Do this as needed or as directed by a photo writer….

Self-Doubt

The best way to forget why you make photographs is by trying to make them them exactly the way someone else does. Be mindful that there is an incredibly fine line between inspiration and emulation. Never allow yourself to sacrifice how you want to capture a photograph based on the idea that it’s not the “right way” or just because it might not look like someone else’s version.

There could be an entire book written on this point but I’ll do you the favor of brevity. It’s perfectly alright to absolutely love the way other photographers images might look; that’s great, learn how to make yours in a similar way. But only do this if it fits with your own vision. Don’t do it for ‘likes’, shares, or any other reason that would otherwise cause you to shoot with anything but your own photograph in mind.

Final Thoughts….

Today, it’s easier than ever to allow yourself to forget why you make your photographs. We are constantly bombarded by new and better equipment that make us lose sight of what makes a good photo. Sometimes we simply become tired of shooting and this causes us to forget why we love making images at all. And what maybe be the most common danger, sometimes we doubt our own instincts as photographers. All these reason, and no doubt others, can make us forget our own intent. Luckily, they can all be overcome and if you find yourself in any of the circumstances I’ve mentioned then I hope this article gives you a helping hand. Have fun with what you do and always remember why you do it!

 

  • Latest Articles
  • Author Bio
Adam Welch

Latest articles by Adam Welch (see all articles)

  • Bare Bones Photography: What Gear Do You Really Need? - May 13, 2018
  • A Simple Explanation of Aperture - May 13, 2018
  • The Case for Black and White Photography - May 13, 2018
Adam Welch

Adam Welch

Photo maker, author, and adventurer currently based in the western portion of his home state of Tennessee. You can usually find him on some distant trail making photographs or at his computer writing about all the elegant madness that is photography. Follow his sometimes controversial Blog on everything related to photography and then check out his cozy home on Instagram.

Adam has also authored one of the most comprehensive guide books on using Adobe Lightroom Classic CC.  You can get your copy of Lightroom Mastery:
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO WORKING IN LIGHTROOM CLASSIC CC HERE!


See All Articles by Adam Welch
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
31 Shares

Related Posts

  • 10 Tips to Help You Get Started in Photography
    10 Tips to Help You Get Started in Photography
  • Using the “3 Picture Story” Technique to Improve Your Story Telling Images
    Using the “3 Picture Story” Technique to Improve Your Story Telling Images
  • The Dynamic Range In Landscape Photography
    The Dynamic Range In Landscape Photography
  • Profiled Photographers – Lennart Bader
    Profiled Photographers – Lennart Bader

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: black & white, camera, Canon, composition, create, Getting started, inspiration, inspire, Lifepixel, perspective, Photographer, photographers, photography tips

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You have to agree to the comment policy.

Blog Topics

  • Tutorials
  • Inspiration
  • Locations
  • Gear
  • News
  • Other/Misc

What our customers say:

Life Pixel has been a life-changer for me. Continue reading
Eric GConnecticut
Read more reviews
I am more than satisfied with the service I received Continue reading
Christopher JCanada
Read more reviews
I am more than pleased with the conversion job that you did Continue reading
LOUIS MWaco, Texas
Read more reviews
I am VERY impressed with his knowledge of your products and his patience in explaining it to a novice like me. Continue reading
Lynn FEssex, Maryland
Read more reviews
Things will only get better from here thanks to all of you. Continue reading
Phillip FRedding, California
Read more reviews
The Lifepixel newsletter reminds me of not having expressed my gratitude for the excellent job you made. Continue reading
Michael GGermany
Read more reviews
Your staff went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything was handled in an excellent manner. Continue reading
Paige RPearland, Texas
Read more reviews
It has given my old camera a new life, I will enjoy using it again. Continue reading
William PAustralia
Read more reviews
Excellent service and the camera works just great Continue reading
Hans FairhurstAustralia
Read more reviews
I just got my converted camera back from you guys. THANK YOU!!!! Continue reading
Anne CutlerForest Knolls, CA
Read more reviews
infrared_filter_choices_sidebar
ir_conversions_explained_sidebar
----------- Watch More Videos -----------
infrared_quick_start_guide

Ready to start shooting Infrared?

Convert My Camera

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Receive updates, tips, cool tutorials, free stuff and special discounts.

Learn the Basics

  • Video
  • Start Here
  • Filter Choices
  • Focus Calibration
  • Lens Considerations
  • Camera Considerations
  • Place Your Conversion Order

Resources

  • Galleries
  • Lens Hot Spot Database
  • IR Tutorials
  • FAQ
  • Infrared Filter Choices
  • Infrared Photography Guide
  • Infrared DIY Tutorials

Company

  • Why Choose Us
  • Get In Contact
  • Job Openings
  • Write For Us
  • Affiliate Program
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Galleries
  • Tutorials
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Why Choose LifePixel?
  • Shop
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Life Pixel Infrared - All rights reserved - LifePixel Infrared Photography IR Conversion, Modification & Scratched Sensor Repair