Having run photo workshops for several years now, I have noticed some familiar traits that many people share with their photography. So I thought I would put together some hints and tips that will help you to improve your photography – pretty much straight away.

These few small ideas have the potential to make a huge impact on your photography. Today 1 offer number one in a series of 8.

If you would like to sign up for the downloadable PDF file of all 8 this will be available by this weekend and will be free.

1. Have patience

“Genius is patience.” – Isaac Newton

Patience is the main skill that I think many amateur photographers lack. This matters so much because photography is often a waiting game – you could be waiting for the subject to get into position, waiting for the light to change/clouds to pass etc, or working the elements of your photo into the perfect composition. If you are not prepared to be patient, then you’re not going to get very many shots that you really like.

Many amateur photographers are so focused on trying to have a full memory card at the end of the photo shoot or end of their day out, that they don’t take the time to set up or wait for that actual great shot - therefore normally missing it.

This could involve a number of things - e.g. recognizing that the light isn’t right at that moment in time, but that it might change in an hour or so. Or it may be setting up a smashing photographic composition and then waiting until somebody stands in exactly the precise spot that you want them to, to make the shot complete. It could be photographing a person or landscape/scene over and over until you get an expression or angle that reveals something unique and interesting, thus creating the more impactful photo. The key to all of this as you can probably now see - is the waiting.

sunset over svalbardsun setting with the noorderlicht schooner silhouetted in foreground new lifenew penguin is born

You need to think about what you are expecting from your photo shoot - do you have a particular shot in your head beforehand that you know you want ? I think that a lot of it comes down to people’s expectations. Sometimes getting just one fabulous photo in a day’s shooting is a good result. Sometimes you can go out and if the light isn't right and you can see that it's not going to work that day then I can come home with nothing, other times you can come home with a dozen wonderful photos, the key is to look around you, make sure you are happy with the position you have chosen - that you are not in anybody's way - you don't want to set yourself up and have a train load of people jostle you about ruining what you have composed, and then, wherever you are and what ever you are trying to achieve, be patient and wait for the right moment to achieve the glorious shot you hoped for.

Look out for number two in the list of 8, tomorrow. If you have any questions, please just drop me an email [email protected] and we can discuss them right here on the Blog.

Whether you are waiting for a perfect sunrise, sunset, a train to go by or cars to pass giving light trails in a night town scene, patience is the way forward. Relax and Enjoy.