I just finished viewing a short interview with Joe McNally on the newly revamped Vancouver Photoworkshops website. One thing Joe said resonated with me and that was the notion of mistakes. Look up the word “mistake” and you’ll typically see it defined as “a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention“. I much prefer Joe’s interpretation that mistakes are “a time honoured part of the profession“. As a one who is learning this craft, perfect pictures are few and far between but listening to Joe I can embrace mistakes as part and parcel of this journey. Take this photo above. It was shot at our weekend photo shoot and although I love the idea behind it (diversity at work), I know that technically there are lots of things wrong with it especially the lighting. Getting it wrong, trial and error, missed takes–whatever you want to call it–it’s required to learn how to get it right. So go out and shoot, shoots lots, and keep shooting!
P.S. For those of you who are interested in the Microstock market here is the feedback from Pete Saloutos my instructor: “I like your group but would suggest pulling back slightly. Also let’s get some color in this shot. The guys can wear ties with some red and the women could have red, purple, green or blue suits! I know this sounds crazy, but this image would sell better with a white seamless as it’s background. As is will sell, if you make the changes I’m suggesting the photo will sell much better. Keep pushing this subject. You’re making the right moves! Get releases!”
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