The Shoot
Picking up your camera when inspiration feels distant, and then actually doing something magical with it when you do – that’s really at the heart of what it takes to be a successful portrait photographer. It sounds simple, but anyone who has been doing this for any length of time knows that motivation ebbs and flows. Creativity isn’t always just sitting there waiting for you.
Some days everything clicks. The light falls perfectly, your subject relaxes into something genuine, and you come away with images that genuinely surprise you. Other days, it’s a struggle just to feel enthusiastic about the whole thing. Both of those experiences are completely normal, and I think it’s worth saying that out loud – because nobody talks about it enough.
What separates photographers who grow and develop over the long term from those who plateau isn’t raw talent. It’s the ability to stay curious. To keep looking. To find fresh ways of seeing even the most familiar subjects. Portrait photography ideas don’t always arrive fully formed – sometimes they come from a shadow falling across a wall, or a piece of fabric, or simply deciding to try something you’ve never tried before just to see what happens.
That’s exactly what this section is here for. Whether you’re looking for practical photography motivation tips to get yourself moving again, or you’re after genuine photographer creative inspiration to push your portraits in a new direction, you’ll find articles and ideas here to keep you fresh and energised. Have a browse, and see what sparks something.
Memory Card Management: Don’t Lose Those Precious Images!
Video | Location Portrait Photography: Mastering Natural Light on Oxford’s Streets
Video | Transform Any Workplace Into A Pro Portrait Studio
Video | How To Structure A Portrait Shoot
Video: Mastering Portrait Photography Workshop on Location, Oxford, UK, 2024
Video: Mastering Location Portraits In Oxford, UK
Video: Using photo walks to add variety to a shoot
Video: Outfit Selection for Portrait Photography
Video: Looking For Light And Locations In The City