My first post on photography was published on January 9th in “Writing, Scripts & Shooting Pics: How They Connect”. Now, a month on, I will try to update you on my progress, the challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned as I continue to explore this creative path.
Throughout the article I will post images i have taken since the last post and over the past four weeks so you can see what I am talking about throughout the article.
The Starting Point: Embracing What I Have Right now
I’m working with an iPhone 13 to capture my images. Although I haven’t yet invested in a “real” camera and as much as I would love to, I’m planning to upgrade my phone in April and eventually add a proper camera to my kit later on this year. Despite the limitations, using my iPhone does push me to be inventive and resourceful. I’ve come to appreciate that creativity isn’t solely about having the latest equipment—it’s about seeing the world in a unique way and making the most of what you have.
In tandem with shooting on my phone, I’ve been immersing myself in online courses, (see COURSE: iPhone X the Quick Guide to Great Photos and Video by Chase Jarvis (review) & COURSE: Capture The Little Things – A Street Photography Course by Steve Sweatpants (review) devouring books, and watching countless tutorials. Every lesson, every article, and every experiment has helped me understand that photography is a blend of technique and vision. I’ve learned that while tools like Lightroom are essential for editing, the heart of photography lies in the way you capture and interpret everyday moments.
Documenting Life’s Moments: Everyday Inspirations
My photography journey is deeply intertwined with my daily life. I try capture the beauty in the mundane: nature walks with my sons, peaceful moments on the beach, and even visits to art galleries (I recently visited one with one of my sons). These snapshots of everyday life provide not only a record of my experiences but also the raw material for my evolving aesthetic.
The Struggle for Style: A Process of Self-Discovery
One of the greatest challenges I face right now is defining a cohesive style and aesthetic. I have a natural inclination toward black-and-white imagery and a cinematic look—an influence of my deep love for film and scriptwriting. There is something incredibly powerful about the stark contrasts, deep shadows, and timeless quality that monochrome images evoke. Yet, despite my affinity for this aesthetic, I still find myself capturing a wide range of subjects and moods.
My current workflow is straightforward, I import my images into Lightroom, delete the ones that don’t meet my standards, and then adjust the remaining shots by straightening, cropping, and applying various LUT’s. While this process has helped me develop an eye for what works, it has also highlighted the need for a more intentional approach. I realize that simply filtering images is not enough to establish a personal signature; I need to delve deeper into experimentation and self-reflection to uncover what truly resonates with me.
Learning and Experimentation: Tools, Techniques, and New Approaches
Exploration is the cornerstone of any creative pursuit, and photography is no exception. I have been experimenting with different editing tools—primarily Lightroom—but I’m also considering branching out to apps like Hipstamatica and Snapseed on my iPhone and iPad. I’m curious to see how these additional tools might offer new ways to process images, especially when it comes to achieving that cinematic, high contrast look I so admire but then does that take away from the proffesionalism of doing “real” photography?
The process of experimenting with different techniques has taught me that each tool has its strengths. Lightroom remains my trusted companion for most edits, offering a wide range of features to fine-tune an image. However, Hipstamatica, with its retro filters and analogue vibe, intrigues me as a way to add a distinct character to my shots. Snapseed’s intuitive interface and detailed control over image elements are also worth exploring, especially as I look to create more nuanced edits that align with my creative vision.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Journey
Every journey comes with its challenges, and mine is no different. Working with the iPhone 13 means I sometimes have to overcome technical limitations—such as handling low light or achieving a shallow depth of field—that a dedicated camera might handle more easily and not being able to hardly zoom at all. Additionally, the sheer volume of tutorials, courses, and advice available can feel overwhelming. With so many opinions on what constitutes “good” photography, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s own creative instincts.
However, I have come to see these challenges as opportunities for growth. The limitations of my current equipment force me to think creatively about composition and lighting. The abundance of resources, while sometimes overwhelming, also provides a wealth of perspectives and techniques that I can adapt to suit my needs. Each obstacle is a chance to refine my approach and to better understand the intricate balance between technical proficiency and artistic expression.
Planning for Month Two: Reflective Questions and a Roadmap for Growth
As I look forward to my second month of serious photography, I’m setting clear goals and reflective questions to guide my progress. I believe that regularly revisiting these questions will not only help me hone my craft but will also provide a structured roadmap for developing a distinct aesthetic. Here are some of the questions I plan to explore and answer as I move forward:
What type of photography am I most interested in?
Am I more drawn to the raw energy of street photography, the serene beauty of nature, or the abstract narratives hidden in everyday details? Understanding my preferences will help me curate a body of work that truly reflects my interests.
What challenges am I facing in my photography journey right now?
Is it the technical limitations of my current gear, the difficulty in consistently capturing a certain mood, or perhaps the challenge of editing my images to match my vision? Identifying these obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them.
How can I experiment with different techniques or styles more effectively?
Should I try out long exposures, experiment with candid portraits, or delve into unconventional editing methods? Exploring new techniques will help me discover unexpected facets of my style.
Should I join additional photography communities or clubs beyond Flickr?
I’m considering branching out to other online platforms, local clubs, or social media groups where I can receive constructive feedback and exchange ideas with fellow photographers. Engaging with a broader community might offer fresh inspiration and diverse perspectives.
How can I better organize my posting process?
Would sharing one image a day on social media or curating a weekly “best of” collection on my blog help me track my progress and build a stronger connection with my audience? A consistent posting schedule may also serve as a creative motivator.
I will document my answers to these questions regularly, turning this blog into a living record of my creative evolution. Whether these updates come monthly or even weekly, I’m committed to sharing both my breakthroughs and setbacks, as each contributes to the overall journey of finding my photographic voice.
Embracing the Cinematic and the Minimalist
My creative influences run deep, particularly in film and scriptwriting, which naturally guide me toward a cinematic aesthetic. I’m fascinated by the way classic films use light, shadow, and composition to tell stories without words. This influence is evident in my preference for black-and-white imagery, which strips away the distraction of colour and distils an image to its essential emotional core.
Cinematic photography, to me, is about capturing moments that resonate on a deeper level. It’s the quiet drama of a sunlit alley, the fleeting glimpse of a smile on a crowded street, or the interplay of light and shadow that transforms a mundane scene into a work of art. Alongside this, I’m also drawn to minimalism—a style that values simplicity and clarity over clutter. Minimalism in photography is not about having less; it’s about letting each element of the image breathe and speak for itself. Finding the right balance between cinematic depth and minimalist clarity is a goal I’m steadily working toward.
A New Chapter with Gear Upgrades and Expanded Horizons
While my journey has been rich with learning using the iPhone 13, I eagerly anticipate the enhancements that new gear will bring. Upgrading my phone in April is just the first step. I’m also exploring options for a dedicated camera that will allow me to experiment with advanced techniques—such as manual focus adjustments, varied lenses, and more precise control over exposure settings. These upgrades aren’t about abandoning my current style; rather, they’re tools that will help me capture the nuances of light, shadow, and texture more effectively.
I believe that the evolution of my equipment will work in tandem with the evolution of my style. As I add new tools to my kit, I remain committed to my core aesthetic—a blend of cinematic storytelling and minimalist design. With every new piece of gear, I’ll continue to experiment, learn, and refine my approach, ensuring that my work remains authentic to the vision I’m cultivating.
The Role of Post-Processing: Beyond Filters
In my current process, I rely heavily on Lightroom to bring my images to life. Importing, culling, straightening, cropping, and then experimenting with various presets has been an invaluable learning experience. Yet, I’ve come to understand that the true power of post-processing lies in its ability to enhance the narrative of a photograph. It’s not merely about making an image look “good”—it’s about infusing it with the mood and emotion I wish to convey.
While presets and filters offer a quick way to achieve a certain look, I’m learning that fine-tuning each image on an individual basis is key to developing a consistent style. I’m experimenting with adjusting contrast, desaturation, and grain to create that signature cinematic feel. This deliberate process of editing is evolving into a form of visual storytelling that complements my approach to shooting. I’m beginning to see that every tweak is a step closer to discovering what truly makes my images “mine.”
Community and the Creative Exchange
No creative journey is complete without the exchange of ideas and feedback from a supportive community. While I’ve enjoyed my time on Flickr, I’m considering joining other photography communities, clubs, and online forums. Whether it’s participating in Reddit’s photography subreddits, engaging with groups on Facebook, or attending local meet ups, I believe that interacting with fellow photographers will offer fresh insights and inspire new directions for my work.
I’m particularly interested in communities that focus on black-and-white and cinematic photography, as these areas align closely with my interests. By sharing my work and receiving constructive criticism, I hope to refine my techniques and gain confidence in my creative decisions. This exchange of ideas is not only motivating but also a reminder that the journey of finding one’s style is a collaborative, ongoing process.
A Personal Roadmap for Growth
Reflecting on this past month, I recognize that my creative journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about mastering technical skills. Every image I capture, every lesson I learn, and every piece of feedback I receive contributes to a deeper understanding of my own artistic voice. As I move forward, I’m committed to a structured approach that includes both experimentation and reflection.
Here’s what I’m focusing on in the coming months:
Intentional Projects: I plan to embark on themed projects that challenge me to capture a consistent narrative. Whether it’s a series of images that explore Aberdeen’s natural landscapes or a collection that tells a story inspired by the cinematic language of some sort, each project will be an opportunity to experiment with style and technique.
Regular Reflection: I will set aside time each week to review my work, identify recurring patterns, and determine what aspects of my editing and composition resonate with me most. This process of self-reflection is critical in helping me fine-tune my creative vision.
Exploration of Tools: While Lightroom remains a key part of my workflow, I intend to compare it with other editing apps like Hipstamatica and Snapseed. This exploration will allow me to discover which tools best help me achieve the high-contrast, cinematic look that I’m striving for.
Community Engagement: I’m committed to expanding my network by joining additional photography groups and clubs. Sharing my progress, asking for feedback, and learning from others will be central to my growth as a photographer.
Organized Posting Process: To track my progress and engage with a wider audience, I plan to experiment with different posting schedules. Whether it’s sharing one image a day on social media or curating a weekly “best of” collection on my blog, I’m keen to find a rhythm that keeps me accountable and connected.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
At its core, photography is an ever-evolving form of self-expression. My journey from that first post on January 9th to where I stand now is marked by experimentation, learning, and the constant pursuit of a visual language that feels truly personal. While I still grapple with the challenge of defining a cohesive style, every day brings me closer to understanding what sets my work apart.
Thank you for reading and for being part of my journey. I look forward to sharing more of my progress in the coming weeks and months, and I welcome your thoughts and suggestions along the way. Together, we can explore the boundless world of photography and uncover the unique stories that each image has to tell.
IT IS SO HARD TO JUDGE YOUR OWN IMAGES!!!
Anyways, thanks for reading if anyone has.
Regards
Alex