So, you snap a pic, feeling satisfied – it's okay, but it's lacking that extra oomph.
Amateur Shot | Amateur vs. Pro Shootout
No clear focus, eyes wandering like tourists without a map, and that pole on the right? It's stealing the show. Shadows are doing a mysterious dance, sky's dressed in fluffy clouds – a typical mid-eye-level scene.
Now, let's talk about the Pro – that's me, by the way. I don't just click buttons; I create an experience. I become a scene detective, studying it from every angle. Multiple visits? Absolutely. Finding the sweet spot? You bet. I understand the weather and light game – no awkward green screen or AI sky replacements, just good old observation. Attention to detail is my middle name, making sure every element is visually appealing, pulling those eyes right in.
I'm not a one-and-done kind of person. I revisit the scene, especially when the late-day clouds stick around. Why? Because I sense a killer sunset in the making. It's like predicting the plot twist in a movie but with the weather.
Photos by Kial James - Amateur vs Pro Shootout
Shoot at sunset for nice even lighting.
Use the light to your advantage.
Wait for blue hour to capture the warmth.
The pro will thank the Creator for bringing to light something so beautiful in front of their eyes that with each passing minute, it manifests itself into an entirely different scene. Colors become my playground. I don't just snap; I paint with my camera. The vibrancy I saw with my own eyes? I bring this into Adobe Lightroom. The camera sensor might try, but it can't quite capture the magic I've witnessed with my own God-given eyes.
And here's the surprise – both those photos (amateur and "pro")? Yep, shot by yours truly. For me, when I’m on assignment, I know the first 2-5 shots will most likely be sh!t, so I get them out of the way quickly, making room for reacquainting myself with the scene, camera settings, mental focus, framing, and, most of all, using light to my advantage.
The biggest takeaway is to not rush the shot. Look, see, compose, shoot. Look for light. See your scene through your eyes as a creator. Compose with interest while drawing the eye in. Shoot steady and know your settings.
