In my quest to elevate my photography from mere snapshots to artful and story-rich images, I decided to take inspiration from the valuable suggestions outlined in David duChemin’s ebook, “Twenty Ways to Make Better Photographs.” For this blog post, I focused on three key techniques: Get Pickier , Change My Perspective , and Look to the Light . Here’s how I applied these principles to various visual assignments and some practice sessions, along with the results.

1. Get Pickier

I often found myself clicking the shutter multiple times rapidly without thinking too much about composition. This time, I challenged myself to be more deliberate. Before pressing the shutter, I pre-composed the image in my mind, asking myself whether each potential shot had a strong enough story or visual interest.

Example Photo: I visited a local park where a family was playing. Instead of snapping dozens of photos of their fun, I selected a moment where a child was mid-jump, joyfully splashing in a puddle. I framed the shot to include the child’s expression while cutting out distracting elements like other playground equipment.

Result: The single shot proved to be vibrant and emotionally resonant, capturing raw enjoyment rather than a mere documentation of playtime.

2. Change My Perspective

To shake things up, I actively sought unique points of view. Instead of the standard eye-level shots, I crouched down for a ground-level perspective when photographing nature, as well as tried out overhead angles for street photography.

Example Photo: While wandering through a botanical garden, I decided to lay flat on the grass and shoot upwards at the flowering trees. The spring blossoms framed against a bright blue sky offered a fresh, striking composition that would have been missed from standing height.

Result: This photo presented a depth to the scene that was not only visually engaging but also transformed the viewer’s perspective on everyday flora.

3. Look to the Light

Light can fundamentally change the mood and quality of a photograph. I paid close attention to natural light conditions, choosing to shoot during the “golden hour,” right after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is warm and soft.

Example Photo: On my evening walk, I captured an urban landscape bathed in sunset light, casting long shadows. I intentionally focused on an older brick building set against the fiery sky, using the side lighting to accentuate texture and contrast.

Result: The combination of interesting light and perspective gave the image a rich and dramatic feel that was truly captivating.

Conclusion

Engaging in these three practices significantly improved not only the quality of my photographs but also my mindset towards shooting. Rather than thinking of photography as merely a technical endeavor, I began to approach it as a way to express ideas and emotions.

As I continue to explore and experiment with photography, I’m motivated to integrate more of duChemin’s suggestions into my routine. Embracing the art of being deliberate and attentive in capturing moments has become a rewarding process in itself.

Now, I invite you to pick a few of these techniques, attempt them in your photography, and share your results. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but growth and understanding in the art form!