![\"Embrace-post-processing,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Embrace-post-processing-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t\tIf you want to convey a particular mood in your shot, embrace post-processing to achieve your vision<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
There are no rules<\/h2>\n
In truth, there are no rules (and, according to some philosophers, it\u2019s arguable that there\u2019s no \u2018truth\u2019 either) but it may be helpful to put a few of the popular photographic canons into context before I start giving you my rules for breaking them. Oh, the irony! So let\u2019s start with a tongue-in-cheek exploration of a few of my favourite rules, in no particular order. (Disclaimer: the following paragraphs may cause distress, so if you are of a sensitive nature, please scroll down).<\/p>\n
Above all you must \u2018get it right in-camera\u2019, because computers and Photoshop are tools used by cheats and that pointy-horned, forked-tail guy. It doesn\u2019t matter that advances bring new and exciting developments, because anything old is always better, especially if it makes your life harder, because we all know you need to work at it to be good. In order to achieve said camera excellence, for landscapes you\u2019ll need to \u2018use graduated filters, a tripod and mirror lock-up\u2019, all initiated by a cable release to ensure that the image remains \u2018pin sharp\u2019 from corner to corner and free from vignetting, chromatic aberrations and noise, so when somebody gets out their magnifying glass your print is bullet proof.<\/p>\n
You must never shoot at midday. It doesn\u2019t matter if it\u2019s Iceland in summer where midday lasts for decades \u2013 the light is always too harsh and blows your highlights. Oh, and never shoot locations that you haven\u2019t visited 20 times with the very latest camera body and exotic lenses. The tilt-and-shift is optional, but shooting it on \u2018thirds\u2019, using leading lines, the \u2018golden mean\u2019 and avoiding central compositions isn\u2019t. When back home, minimal post-processing is acceptable, but you must keep the white balance realistic, even if shooting black & white or infrared. Above all, make sure you don\u2019t use the camera\u2019s default aspect ratio \u2013 1×1, 5×4 and 16×9 cropping is much better for true representation!<\/p>\n\t\t
<\/a>\t\t\tBending the rules can help you develop a stronger personal style<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
What makes photography engaging?<\/h2>\n
If you haven\u2019t already directed profanities at my words, or visited my blog to \u2018put me right\u2019, my light-hearted anecdote may have highlighted one or two familiar things you hold in high regard. In my defence, I\u2019m not saying all these rules are bad \u2013 I\u2019ve already mentioned achieving good commercial standards \u2013 but in my view, what is so often overlooked in the unquestioning pursuit of them, is what makes photography engaging. All too often \u2018good\u2019 is synonymous with \u2018technically perfect\u2019, and this smokescreen stops many from experimenting with ways to engage an audience. Ideas, creativity and social meaning are the catalysts to emotive engagement. My preference is for a powerful image, with technical imperfections, rather than a strong technical image with no soul.<\/p>\n
This is a personal choice based on my experience. I\u2019ve always rooted for the underdog and empathised with the maverick. My art college days taught me to challenge the norm, to twist, distort and actively seek out originality. (See, there\u2019s the irony again). To be true to one\u2019s self.<\/p>\n
\u2018But,\u2019 I can hear you asking, \u2018all this surely only matters if what you\u2019re doing is for somebody, if your work has a target audience of more than one?\u2019 By aiming to stay at the edge of current trends and mixing in something different without making your images too alienating, I believe you can start to develop a personal style that distinguishes your work. This is a great goal \u2013 whether only for yourself, or for others to see the results.<\/p>\n
So my entire philosophy is centred on eroding those creative blockages and getting people to move beyond a fixation with the rules. This will open up new and exciting ways to experiment. Please try not to focus only on whether an image is pin sharp or if the highlights are blown. If you produce something that evokes an emotional reaction, then, in my book, you\u2019ve achieved something special.<\/p>\n
Why it works<\/h2>\n![\"Distant-tree,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Distant-tree-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nIn this shot, I purposely placed the distant tree in the centre. I wanted the viewer\u2019s eye to be pushed towards it by framing it around the foreground foliage. The path (that\u2019s often been mistaken for a stream, which isn\u2019t surprising in the Lake District) has been used as a leading line, drawing you towards the distant tree. The blown highlights to the top left of the tree are there because I\u2019m shooting into the sun.<\/p>\n
I waited for the cloud to partly obscure the sun, which enabled me to achieve a silhouetted tree, adding to its prominent positioning at the top of the nicely curved hill. The sun also gave good contrast to the translucent leaves, helping the composition lead your eye into the shot against the dark mid-ground and heavy clouds. I feel the image offers themes of resilience and, in a subtle way, encourages you to break with convention.<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t![\"Midday-light,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Midday-light-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t\tDespite strong midday light, it was still possible to capture this striking image<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
Who says you can\u2019t make a good image at midday? I was on the Yorkshire Dales in my favourite type of inclement conditions. The wind was fierce, the clouds imposing and shafts of strong midday light were moving quickly across the scene. I set the composition to reflect an anthropomorphic \u2018parent-protecting-child\u2019 theme, and waited for some foreground light to pinpoint the trees. I chose to simplify the clouds with an ND 0.8 filter and used a 20sec exposure to put movement into the branches.<\/p>\n
The lack of colour in the bright midday light lent itself to a monotone conversion. It also added a nice level of harsh contrast that supported the concept, but countered the popular view that big tonal ranges are always good.<\/p>\n
Ideas to try<\/h2>\n
As I\u2019ve mentioned, there\u2019s great irony in the act of offering advice on how to ignore it. This may seem a little strange, but that\u2019s the point. You should take what others are saying and critically evaluate and manipulate it just enough to make it interesting \u2013 but not alienating to the intended audience, even if it is a narrow one. Try mixing up your ideas, use them in different unexpected conditions (force yourself to place the horizon on the centre) and challenge yourself to see the world from different perspectives, (force yourself away from popular locations). It may feel frustrating and some of your images will fail, but experimentation can be fun and can generate great ideas. So long as you keep an open mind, evaluate and build on those failures, you\u2019re creating unique ideas for the future.<\/p>\n
In-camera movement (ICM)<\/h2>\n![\"In-camera-movement,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/In-camera-movement-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nICM has become popular recently, but it\u2019s often synonymous with an anti-post-processing philosophy. My view is if the outcome is good, the journey is of secondary importance. However, ICM does disregard popular rules, namely sharpness and compositional trends.<\/p>\n
Central composition<\/h2>\n![\"Central-composition,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Central-composition-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nI entered this shot in an agricultural show. It came second and I was \u2018advised\u2019 it didn\u2019t win because it was too central! I don\u2019t believe content should be ignored in favour of the rules, so disregard the naysayers and rework your composition as you see fit.<\/p>\n
Centre horizon<\/h2>\n![\"Centre-horizon,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Centre-horizon-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nComposition is all about balance and we\u2019re often told not to put the horizon in the centre. This is to help with dynamic compositions, and often counters the empty space created by sky. But sometimes there\u2019s a natural balance to be had with this method. I say if it looks good, use it.<\/p>\n
Over-processed<\/h2>\n![\"Over-processed-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Over-processed-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nYou often hear people in photography canonising realism, in reference to excessive post-processing. Here I\u2019ve embraced fantasy and mixed together elements from a few images. My intention was to focus attention on the power, energy and movement in the wave.<\/p>\n
Unorthodox angles<\/h2>\n![\"Tree-roots,-Jason-Theaker\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Tree-roots-Jason-Theaker.jpg\")
<\/a>\nI was hanging on to these tree roots, perched haphazardly over a steep drop, to take this image. My sole intention was to present a unique view of the tree. A concerned passer-by mistook my strange technique for distress and enquired whether I needed help!<\/p>\n
Kit list<\/h2>\nSmartphone<\/h2>\n
Use your phone camera as a sketching tool to generate ideas. Don\u2019t worry about the technicalities; just let your inspiration run free. You might be surprised by how creative you get.<\/p>\n
ND filters<\/h2>\n
Having a range of ND filters enables you to choose different shutter speeds in all conditions, giving you maximum flexibility to experiment with movement. Don\u2019t just keep to the popular 10 stop though.<\/p>\n
Notepad<\/h2>\n
Good images are made 6in behind the viewfinder and you must always be ready to pounce on them.
\nI find an ideas book invaluable for recording and stimulating my thinking.<\/p>\n
Powerful LED torch<\/h2>\n
A small powerful torch enables you to experiment with light painting in your shot. It offers more flexibility than a flash and provides a decent amount of coverage.<\/p>\n
Mini tripod<\/h2>\n
Good ideas don\u2019t always come when you\u2019re prepared, so having a GorillaPod enables you to be ready to experiment everywhere. I often take mine on family days out and into cities.<\/p>\n\t\t
<\/a>\t\t\tDespite strong midday light, it was still possible to capture this striking image<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n
Who says you can\u2019t make a good image at midday? I was on the Yorkshire Dales in my favourite type of inclement conditions. The wind was fierce, the clouds imposing and shafts of strong midday light were moving quickly across the scene. I set the composition to reflect an anthropomorphic \u2018parent-protecting-child\u2019 theme, and waited for some foreground light to pinpoint the trees. I chose to simplify the clouds with an ND 0.8 filter and used a 20sec exposure to put movement into the branches.<\/p>\n
The lack of colour in the bright midday light lent itself to a monotone conversion. It also added a nice level of harsh contrast that supported the concept, but countered the popular view that big tonal ranges are always good.<\/p>\n
Ideas to try<\/h2>\n
As I\u2019ve mentioned, there\u2019s great irony in the act of offering advice on how to ignore it. This may seem a little strange, but that\u2019s the point. You should take what others are saying and critically evaluate and manipulate it just enough to make it interesting \u2013 but not alienating to the intended audience, even if it is a narrow one. Try mixing up your ideas, use them in different unexpected conditions (force yourself to place the horizon on the centre) and challenge yourself to see the world from different perspectives, (force yourself away from popular locations). It may feel frustrating and some of your images will fail, but experimentation can be fun and can generate great ideas. So long as you keep an open mind, evaluate and build on those failures, you\u2019re creating unique ideas for the future.<\/p>\n
In-camera movement (ICM)<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nICM has become popular recently, but it\u2019s often synonymous with an anti-post-processing philosophy. My view is if the outcome is good, the journey is of secondary importance. However, ICM does disregard popular rules, namely sharpness and compositional trends.<\/p>\n
Central composition<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nI entered this shot in an agricultural show. It came second and I was \u2018advised\u2019 it didn\u2019t win because it was too central! I don\u2019t believe content should be ignored in favour of the rules, so disregard the naysayers and rework your composition as you see fit.<\/p>\n
Centre horizon<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nComposition is all about balance and we\u2019re often told not to put the horizon in the centre. This is to help with dynamic compositions, and often counters the empty space created by sky. But sometimes there\u2019s a natural balance to be had with this method. I say if it looks good, use it.<\/p>\n
Over-processed<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nYou often hear people in photography canonising realism, in reference to excessive post-processing. Here I\u2019ve embraced fantasy and mixed together elements from a few images. My intention was to focus attention on the power, energy and movement in the wave.<\/p>\n
Unorthodox angles<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nI was hanging on to these tree roots, perched haphazardly over a steep drop, to take this image. My sole intention was to present a unique view of the tree. A concerned passer-by mistook my strange technique for distress and enquired whether I needed help!<\/p>\n
Kit list<\/h2>\nSmartphone<\/h2>\n
Use your phone camera as a sketching tool to generate ideas. Don\u2019t worry about the technicalities; just let your inspiration run free. You might be surprised by how creative you get.<\/p>\n
ND filters<\/h2>\n
Having a range of ND filters enables you to choose different shutter speeds in all conditions, giving you maximum flexibility to experiment with movement. Don\u2019t just keep to the popular 10 stop though.<\/p>\n
Notepad<\/h2>\n
Good images are made 6in behind the viewfinder and you must always be ready to pounce on them.
\nI find an ideas book invaluable for recording and stimulating my thinking.<\/p>\n
Powerful LED torch<\/h2>\n
A small powerful torch enables you to experiment with light painting in your shot. It offers more flexibility than a flash and provides a decent amount of coverage.<\/p>\n
Mini tripod<\/h2>\n
Good ideas don\u2019t always come when you\u2019re prepared, so having a GorillaPod enables you to be ready to experiment everywhere. I often take mine on family days out and into cities.<\/p>\n\t\t
<\/a>\nI entered this shot in an agricultural show. It came second and I was \u2018advised\u2019 it didn\u2019t win because it was too central! I don\u2019t believe content should be ignored in favour of the rules, so disregard the naysayers and rework your composition as you see fit.<\/p>\n
Centre horizon<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nComposition is all about balance and we\u2019re often told not to put the horizon in the centre. This is to help with dynamic compositions, and often counters the empty space created by sky. But sometimes there\u2019s a natural balance to be had with this method. I say if it looks good, use it.<\/p>\n
Over-processed<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nYou often hear people in photography canonising realism, in reference to excessive post-processing. Here I\u2019ve embraced fantasy and mixed together elements from a few images. My intention was to focus attention on the power, energy and movement in the wave.<\/p>\n
Unorthodox angles<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nI was hanging on to these tree roots, perched haphazardly over a steep drop, to take this image. My sole intention was to present a unique view of the tree. A concerned passer-by mistook my strange technique for distress and enquired whether I needed help!<\/p>\n
Kit list<\/h2>\nSmartphone<\/h2>\n
Use your phone camera as a sketching tool to generate ideas. Don\u2019t worry about the technicalities; just let your inspiration run free. You might be surprised by how creative you get.<\/p>\n
ND filters<\/h2>\n
Having a range of ND filters enables you to choose different shutter speeds in all conditions, giving you maximum flexibility to experiment with movement. Don\u2019t just keep to the popular 10 stop though.<\/p>\n
Notepad<\/h2>\n
Good images are made 6in behind the viewfinder and you must always be ready to pounce on them.
\nI find an ideas book invaluable for recording and stimulating my thinking.<\/p>\n
Powerful LED torch<\/h2>\n
A small powerful torch enables you to experiment with light painting in your shot. It offers more flexibility than a flash and provides a decent amount of coverage.<\/p>\n
Mini tripod<\/h2>\n
Good ideas don\u2019t always come when you\u2019re prepared, so having a GorillaPod enables you to be ready to experiment everywhere. I often take mine on family days out and into cities.<\/p>\n\t\t
<\/a>\nYou often hear people in photography canonising realism, in reference to excessive post-processing. Here I\u2019ve embraced fantasy and mixed together elements from a few images. My intention was to focus attention on the power, energy and movement in the wave.<\/p>\n
Unorthodox angles<\/h2>\n<\/a>\nI was hanging on to these tree roots, perched haphazardly over a steep drop, to take this image. My sole intention was to present a unique view of the tree. A concerned passer-by mistook my strange technique for distress and enquired whether I needed help!<\/p>\n
Kit list<\/h2>\nSmartphone<\/h2>\n
Use your phone camera as a sketching tool to generate ideas. Don\u2019t worry about the technicalities; just let your inspiration run free. You might be surprised by how creative you get.<\/p>\n
ND filters<\/h2>\n
Having a range of ND filters enables you to choose different shutter speeds in all conditions, giving you maximum flexibility to experiment with movement. Don\u2019t just keep to the popular 10 stop though.<\/p>\n
Notepad<\/h2>\n
Good images are made 6in behind the viewfinder and you must always be ready to pounce on them.
\nI find an ideas book invaluable for recording and stimulating my thinking.<\/p>\n
Powerful LED torch<\/h2>\n
A small powerful torch enables you to experiment with light painting in your shot. It offers more flexibility than a flash and provides a decent amount of coverage.<\/p>\n
Mini tripod<\/h2>\n
Good ideas don\u2019t always come when you\u2019re prepared, so having a GorillaPod enables you to be ready to experiment everywhere. I often take mine on family days out and into cities.<\/p>\n\t\t
Smartphone<\/h2>\n
\nI find an ideas book invaluable for recording and stimulating my thinking.<\/p>\n