How to overcome photography’s hardest challenge

3 weeks ago 9

Ever had a bright idea pop up in your head for a photography project and the result just didn’t match up? When it’s no good, it’s tempting to just give up. This is often one of the most difficult and frustrating photography challenges even for the most creative minds. It’s important to acknowledge that no one is alone in this, and it happens even to the best of us. If you currently find yourself stuck in a rut or clueless about how to finally bring those ideas to life, here are some insights that can help.

In the video above, Alex Kilbee of The Photographic Eye shares his own experience on this photography challenge. This disconnect between the image in your head and the final image that you end up with is what he calls the frustration gap. Early in his photography practice, he often wondered why despite his technical knowledge, he couldn’t seem to create the image he envisioned in his head. The quick answer? He hasn’t learned yet how to “see” as the camera does.

For Alex, everything boils down to thinking as a photographer, observing the world as a photographer, and becoming a curious photographer. All three solutions will take practice — lots of it, especially if you’re just starting out. So, go ahead and face this challenge head-on with these inspiring insights, and see where it takes you!

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Posted on October 27, 2024

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Joy is a film photographer, writer, and visual storyteller based in Manila, Philippines. She is drawn to conceptual portraits and surreal imagery, which she also strives to flesh out in her own work. Her photos have been featured on Flickr and several independent film photography blogs and magazines.

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