Take Better Photographs

There is always a question from someone during a photo lesson about simply "taking better pictures". I talked yesterday about the shooting formula I use religiously to help maintain a higher standard of imagery. The formula is as follows:
Concept / Sketch / Plan / Execute
If you start to follow this simple structure as you develop ideas and stategies for your photography you'll find yourself taking better photographs in no time.
CONCEPT - develop your ideas before even getting your camera out of the bag. Think about what you are shooting, subject placement, composition, message, and all the other elements of artistic development.
SKETCH - Force yourself to draw your idea. This forces us to truly think about our image in a visual format and makes us think about the composition and all the possible variations.
PLAN - make a list of all the things you'll need with you produce your idea. Props, equipment, help, etc.
EXECUTE - If you done all the above three steps correctly you'll be able to shoot with ease. Part of taking great photographs is being able to think clearly and be focused on an idea when you shoot, not being pre-occupied with details.

Moral to the Story - to be a great photographic artist you need to be able to think like an artist as you shoot, not be thinking about solving problems that come with the shoot. When you find yourself having to stop shooting to go get something your forgot or to change your idea because you didn't think about a certain situation being a problem you pretty much going to fail photographically. Do your homework before, be ready, prepare yourself mentally, physically, and visually for your endeavor.

Jeff
http://www.roushphotoonline.com