This time of year we always think about the fun of giving and getting, of resolutions and inspiration and of our great luck of being successful artists. This is a photo “advent” calendar of sorts to boost Christmas spirit. Check out our bon mots and funny/serious take on photography behind each little window… And please comment with you own best thoughts or mandates for happy, successful photographic work. 1) Customers can say “yes” only if you ask for the job. 2) Basics rule: well exposed, good color, clear and crisp images = universal style. 3) Operate your camera instinctively as an extension of your hand and eye. 4) “Appropriated” elements are OK, but only with your own interpretation and vision. 5) You can’t be friends with people who always want you to work for free. 6) Your computer won’t crash if you back up your files. 7) Anything you think is wrong with your old camera will be fixed by a new Canon 5D Mark III. 8) Write everything down; contracts and invoices make good customers. 9) You can’t own too many lenses. 10) The reason you’re waking up in the middle of the night is the mother of the bride. 11) If the bag doesn’t fit your gear in the store, it’s never going to fit. 12) We’re all in this arty profession together; sharing knowledge is the right thing to do. 13) Over-deliver to each and every client. 14) It’s OK to order more apps for your iPhone. 15) Sticks and monopods can save your tush. 16) Real photojournalists just quietly get the shot. 17) Drive the fairway for composition in camera, but putt to the hole with creative cropping. 18) Back up your files right now. 19) Plastic-looking facial retouching is overrated. 20) Copyrighting, metadata and archiving aren’t just for accountants. 21) Work faster, better and more creatively than your clients, because they have the same camera you do, but not the imagination. 22) Go to more seminars, apprentice yourself, practice and just do it. 23) Keep your camera out of the bag; that’s when the best pictures happen. 24) If only 1/4 of your images are keeper, you’re way ahead of the game. 25) Take more pictures – for clients, but more importantly for your own satisfaction, experimentation and art. My best words and wishes to you for the coming year: think how to cultivate your own “urban” garden. Great vision is the root, great equipment the stem and great images the blossoms of your photographic art. May your garden thrive!
Article by Pixiq. Read entire story here.