We live in a world where everybody is a photographer. We document our lives and share images like never before. But what if we had more creative control over the images we shot, not only documenting our lives but creating images we want to retain and display?
I aim to take my next step in photography, from point-and-shoot guesswork to creating more impactful, original images. Whether that's indulging my passion for travel photography, capturing more emotive portraits or simply documenting daily life more creatively.
First, I must understand the basics. A masterclass with pro photographer Greg Funnell introduces me to the three vital elements of any shot: aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
I'm using a Canon EOS 100D set to manual, AV or TV for creative control over my shots. I generally use an auto setting but I'm trying to push myself out of this comfort zone in the interest of progressing. I decide early on that trial and error is key to progress, but I also devise my own shorthand for Greg's instructions, as a mental checklist while shooting:
1. The higher the aperture (f number), the less light is allowed into the camera. Good for sunny days, not for night shooting.
2. Shutter speed: the higher the number, the faster the shutter, so less light is let in. To freeze the action, set a fast shutter. For that go-faster blur in movement shots, use a slow shutter.
3. ISO – Shooting outside during means not having to tweak this setting very often: a fast ISO (100 or 200) will work. But at night, playing with this setting along with the shutter speed means I can create unique effects.
With these thoughts in mind I set off to tackle Greg's first assignment: shooting something familiar, such as a local landmark.
Shooting famous landmarks is tricky. How to create a shot that doesn't look like the one everyone else takes? With Greg's tips on composition and framing in mind, I approach Big Ben from new angles – an abstract up-shot, and an experiment with focus through railings – and the results are a worthwhile lesson in depth of field.
Night shooting allows experimentation with flash and shutter speed. Using street lighting, moving light (trains and car headlights) and flash, I create a range of shots that feel atmospheric, almost eerie. My favourites are the deserted street with a train racing by, and the Gherkin shot with low shutter speed (30 seconds), regular aperture (f/20) and an ISO of 800. The result is that the light and colour appear to be melting, as though seeing this famous landmark through a rain-soaked window or tear-filled eyes.
Portraits are a big challenge: capturing that definitive moment of emotion or expression. My camera has a dedicated portrait setting that effectively covers the technicalities for me, and continuous shooting allows me to take a high volume of shots from which to edit.
I experiment with subjects both known to me and interesting strangers. Shots of friends make for more intimate images and I love the results of shooting in early evening light. Whereas shooting a stranger in their natural environment was fascinating to see what I could learn about them.
My favourite photograph is a movement shot – a cyclist following a bus. I love that she is in sharp focus but her surroundings are blurred in movement (1/20, f/16, ISO 2000). To me, it also tells a nice story about London commuter life, and how the large and smaller elements of the city coexist.
