Self reflection

As photographers, our skill sets and styles are ever changing.  New software comes out, new techniques are learned and, most importantly, we grow and learn a little more every time we press that shutter.  That being said, I think that it’s important every once and a while to step back and look at what we are as photographers.  Everyone should have their own niche, that style or that type shot that defines them, gives them a sense of identity where when you see their work you instantly know who it is.  But it is equally important to branch out, try something different, shoot with a different lens, because that is what can truly make us great photographers.  Stepping out of that comfort zone will not only allow you to add another tool to your photographic arsenal, but it may help you refine your signature style even more.

This self reflection and personal inventory (in regards to photography) becomes increasingly important with better equipment becoming cheaper and the interest in taking pictures grows exponentially.  We have to define what we are and what we do but at the same time not get stuck in a rut of the same style over and over and over again.  The next time you see something on another blog or website instead of just saying, “Wow, that’s really cool”, contact the author or figure out how to replicate it yourself.  Go beyond what you are comfortable with, do something different and who knows, it might just take you somewhere that you did even know was there.

Today’s shot are a collection of self portraits that I did while I was in New York.  The first image was taken on my last night there, on the pier in Hoboken.  I only had the on camera flash, but I turned it down to -2 EV to just cast a bit of light on me, while keeping some nice DoF and giving a nice bokeh effect to the Manhattan skyline.  The second shot is from a random store front in SoHo, though I couldn’t really tell you which one!  The one directly above was taken on the morning that I was in Brooklyn Bridge Park for sunrise, taken with my iPhone on my walk back to the Bridge.  And finally, the shot below was taken a block down from Grand Central, with some lady looking at me kind of funny on the right!

Thanks for stopping by today folks!  Catch you all tomorrow!