F I E L D N O T E S

5 Hilarious Tips to Supercharge Your Documentary Photography Skills

Are you ready to transform from a casual shutterbug into a master of documentary photography? Buckle up because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the world of capturing real life in all its messy, beautiful glory. Whether you're a beginner with a smartphone or a hobbyist with a fancy DSLR, these tips will have you snapping like a pro in no time!

1. Become a Ninja of research before you even think about picking up your camera, channelling your inner Sherlock Holmes and diving deep into your subject. Imagine you're investigating a secret society of squirrels plotting world domination. You need to know everything: their nutty habits, their acorn-hoarding techniques, and their tiny tree-top headquarters. The more you know about your subject, the better you'll be able to anticipate those perfect documentary moments. Plus, you'll have some killer conversation starters at your next dinner party. "Did you know squirrels can fall from 100 feet without getting hurt? Speaking of which, pass the nuts!

2. Master the Art of InvisibilityNo, we're not talking about Harry Potter's cloak here. To capture authentic moments, you must blend into your environment like a chameleon at a paint store. Practice your best "I'm just a lamp" pose or perfect your "I'm a very life-like statue" stance. The key is to make your subjects forget you're there. This might involve some unconventional camouflage techniques. Tree bark body paint, anyone? Remember, if someone mistakes you for actual furniture and tries to sit on you, you've gone too far.

3. Patience: Your New Middle NameDocumentary photography is like fishing, but instead of waiting for a bite, you're waiting for that perfect moment when your subject does something incredibly human or hilariously candid. You might be thinking, "But I have the attention span of a goldfish!" Fear not! We have a solution. Try turning your waiting game into a bizarre version of I-Spy. "I spy with my little eye... a man about to sneeze so hard his toupee might fly off!" Before you know it, you'll have spent hours waiting for the perfect shot without realizing it.

4. Embrace the Weird and WonderfulIn In documentary photography, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the weird becomes terrific. That pigeon with a mohawk? Snap it. Is the grandma doing parkour in the park? That's gold, baby! Train your eye to spot the unusual in the usual. It's like playing a never-ending game of "one of these things is not like the others," but you're photographing it instead of pointing it out. Soon, you'll see the world as one biamplebeautiful, bizarre photo opportunity.

5. Tell a Story, Not Just a Snapshot Remember, you're not just taking pretty pictures; you're telling a story. Think of yourself as a visual novelist, but instead of "once upon a time," you're starting with "once upon a shutter click."Try to capture a beginning, middle, and end in your series of photos. For example, the epic tale of a hot dog vendor's day: the morning prep, the lunchtime rush, and the triumphant counting of quarters at sunset. It's like a blockbuster movie but with more mustard.

There you have it, folks! Five tips to skyrocket your documentary photography skills from "meh" to "magnificent." Now go forth and document the world in all its weird and wonderful glory. And remember, if anyone asks why you're hiding in a bush with a camera, just tell them you're conducting essential squirrel surveillance. They'll understand... probably.

If you are looking for a behind-the-scenes photography service dedicated to capturing the essence and energy of events, productions, and memorable moments, GET IN TOUCH. Our mission is to provide high-quality, candid imagery that highlights the hard work and creativity behind the scenes.

The Night Bus

F I E L D N O T E #13 LEICA Q2 MONOCHROME 📸

I recently bought my dream camera, the Leica Q2 Monochrome. It is everything they say it is, but it is better. I am still getting to grips with this new system after using Fujifilm for about 5-10 years (with a short stint on Sony and Lumix). I have taken a few shots below. They are nothing special, but for test shots, I see potential.

The macro on this camera is INSANELY good!

Here are more shots from when I took it out for the day in London.

Below is a shot from home. I just loved the light and the blacks that the camera shows off.

To conclude, this is an awesome camera and I look forward to sharing more shots.

Unveiling the Magic: Why Your Business Needs a Behind-the-Scenes Photographer

In today's digital age, visual storytelling is paramount. While polished product shots and stunning customer testimonials are undeniably valuable, there's a hidden gem waiting to be tapped: behind-the-scenes photography. These candid captures offer a unique glimpse into the heart of your business, fostering deeper connections with your audience and propelling your brand forward. Here's why a behind-the-scenes photographer is an investment worth making:

1. Authenticity Builds Trust: Consumers crave authenticity. They want to see the real people behind the brand, the ones pouring their heart and soul into the products and services they offer. Behind-the-scenes photos showcase your team's passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit. Candid shots of brainstorming sessions, product development stages, and even lighthearted office moments humanize your brand, fostering trust and emotional connection with your audience.

2. Transparency Breeds Confidence: People are increasingly interested in understanding how things are made and where their products come from. Behind-the-scenes photography sheds light on your production process, showcasing the effort and expertise that goes into every offering. This transparency builds confidence in your brand's quality and commitment to ethical practices. Photos of sustainable sourcing, meticulous craftsmanship, or rigorous quality control measures can be powerful differentiators in a competitive marketplace.

3. Content Calendar Lifeline: The pressure to consistently generate fresh content is real. Behind-the-scenes photography provides a wellspring of engaging material for your social media channels, website, and email marketing campaigns. These photos offer a dynamic alternative to traditional product shots, keeping your audience engaged and interested. Documenting team outings, industry events, or even charity initiatives injects personality and fosters a sense of community around your brand.

4. Employee Appreciation Powerhouse: Recognition is a powerful motivator. Behind-the-scenes photography can be a fantastic tool for employee appreciation. Highlighting team members' contributions through candid photos acknowledges their hard work and fosters a sense of pride within your organization. These photos can also be used for internal communications or recruitment purposes, showcasing your company culture and attracting top talent.

5. A Window into Innovation: Businesses are constantly evolving. Behind-the-scenes photography can capture the spirit of innovation within your organization. Photos of brainstorming sessions, prototyping stages, or even failed experiments showcase your commitment to continuous improvement and a forward-thinking mindset. This resonates with customers who value innovation and appreciate brands that push boundaries.

Investing in a behind-the-scenes photographer is an investment in your brand's future. By showcasing the heart and soul of your business, you build trust, transparency, and a loyal following. In today's competitive landscape, authenticity is a powerful differentiator. So, don't be afraid to pull back the curtain and let your audience see the magic that happens behind the scenes.

If you want to know more or would like to hire me. Get in touch via here

The movie all photographers should watch by Tatiana Hopper

Daido Moriyama Exhibition

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective exhibition at The Photographers' Gallery in London. Moriyama is one of the most celebrated street photographers of all time, and this exhibition was the first major retrospective of his work in the UK.

The exhibition featured over 200 works from across Moriyama's career, including early work in magazines and book publishing, his interests in the American occupation and photorealism, as well as Moriyama's self-reflexive photographs from the 1980s and 1990s.

Moriyama's photography is characterized by its high contrast, grainy black-and-white images, and its often chaotic and claustrophobic compositions. He is known for his intimate and unguarded portraits of strangers, as well as his street scenes that capture the energy and dynamism of urban life.

One of the things that struck me most about the exhibition was the sheer diversity of Moriyama's work. He is a master of many different styles, and his photography is constantly evolving. From his early, more journalistic work to his later, more experimental pieces, Moriyama is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible with photography.

Another thing that I appreciated about the exhibition was the way it was curated. The works were arranged in a thematic way, which helped to highlight the different aspects of Moriyama's photography. For example, one section of the exhibition focused on his use of high contrast and grain, while another section focused on his close-up portraits of strangers.

Overall, I found the Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective exhibition to be an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a great opportunity to see the work of one of the most important photographers of our time, and it gave me a new appreciation for his range and versatility.

Here are some of my specific thoughts on some of the individual works that I saw in the exhibition: Stray Dog (1971): This iconic photograph is one of Moriyama's most famous works. It depicts a stray dog running down a busy street in Tokyo. The image is grainy and high-contrast, and the dog's face is obscured by its own fur. The photograph is both haunting and poetic, and it perfectly captures the sense of alienation and anonymity that can be felt in big cities.
Record (1972): This photograph is part of a series that Moriyama took of people listening to music on headphones. The image shows a young woman standing on a street corner, her face hidden behind a pair of headphones. The photograph is both intimate and voyeuristic, and it captures the feeling of being lost in one's own world in the midst of a crowd.
Tokyo (1974): This photograph is a classic example of Moriyama's street photography. It depicts a crowded street in Tokyo, with people walking in all directions. The image is grainy and high-contrast, and the people are blurred and fragmented. The photograph captures the energy and chaos of urban life, and it is a powerful testament to Moriyama's skill as a photographer.
Provoke (1968-1970): This magazine was co-founded by Moriyama, and it played a major role in the development of Japanese photography in the 1960s and 1970s. The magazine was known for its experimental and avant-garde approach to photography, and it featured work by many of the most important photographers of the era. The exhibition included a selection of photographs from Provoke, which gave visitors a glimpse into this important period in Japanese photography.

Overall, I had a fantastic time visiting the Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective at The Photographers' Gallery. It is a truly unique and unforgettable exhibition, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in photography or contemporary art.

How Alex Killbee Makes Cool Photos In Ordinary Places

I just watched Alex's latest video and I thought I would share it as this resonated with me and I think it will do the same to anyone starting out in photography.

F I E L D N O T E #10 Amsterdam Edition

Below are a few of the best shots I took. All shot using my Fujifilm X-E4 XC 35mm F2.

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/1000 sec

F6.4

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/400 sec

F6.4

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

XC 35mm F2

1/900 sec

F7.1

ISO 320

F I E L D N O T E #9 London Pride Edition

Excited to go to my first London Pride event to take some photos of the colourful event.

Below are a few of the best shots I took. The majority of photos were shot using my Fujifilm X-E4, classic neg. Whilst some were edited to give a classic warm summer look.

F I E L D N O T E #8

Fujifilm X-E4

TT ARTISAN 27mm F2.8

1/180sec

F4.5

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

TT ARTISAN 27mm F2.8

1/70sec

F2.8

ISO 320

Fujifilm X-E4

TT ARTISAN 27mm F2.8

1/60sec

F2.8

ISO 320

Music Festival Photography Tips

Live performances are an extraordinary spot to catch the energy and fervor of unrecorded music. With just the right amount of arranging and planning, you can take astonishing photographs that will endure forever.

The following are a couple of ways to take photographs at music festivals: Choose the right stuff. A DSLR camera with various focal points is great for live performance photography.

A wide-point focal point will be valuable for catching the general scene, while a zooming focal point will permit you to focus in on the activity. A stand is likewise smart, particularly on the off chance that you anticipate making long openness efforts.

Be ready for the components. Live concerts can be eccentric, so it's vital to be ready for anything. Pack a downpour coat, sunscreen, and a cap.

Have imagination with your chances. Make it a point to explore different avenues regarding various points, Have a go at shooting from the group, from a higher place, or from behind the stage.

Have some good times! Live events are an extraordinary spot to set free and have some good times. Remember to partake in the music and the environment.

Here are a few extra tips that might be helpful:

Get to the celebration early. This will allow you an opportunity to investigate the best spots for photographs and stay away from the groups.
Know about your environmental factors.
Try not to get so up to speed in taking photographs that you neglect to have fun.
Be aware of other celebration participants.
Try not to obstruct individuals' perspectives or hinder them.
Have a fallback. Things don't generally work out as expected, so it's dependably really smart to have a plan B on the off chance that your camera breaks or your memory card gets full.

With just enough preparation and arrangement, you can take astonishing photographs that will catch the recollections of your live event experience.

Of course, we can't all afford DSLRs, so here below are some disposable cameras you can get just in time for the next festival weekend.

Disposable cameras https://amzn.to/3CAa4s9

Kodak fun saver 35mm https://amzn.to/3PhsAx2

Agfa pack of 5 https://amzn.to/3JjcShl

F I E L D N O T E #7

TT Artisan 27mm AF

1/1700sec, 1/4000sec, 1/1900sec

F2.8

ISO 320

How Photography Can Help Your Mental Health

Photography is a creative outlet that can be used to express oneself, capture memories, and document the world around us. It can also be a form of therapy, helping to improve mental health in a number of ways. This is something I do and mostly after a hard (sometimes) stressful day at work.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Taking photos can be a calming and relaxing experience. It can help to take your mind off of your worries and focus on the present moment. Photography can also be a way to connect with nature, which has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health.

Improves mood

Looking at photos of happy times can help to improve your mood. It can also help you to remember the good things in your life, even when things are tough. Photography can also be a way to express your creativity, which can be a boost to your self-esteem.

Increases self-esteem

When you take good photos, it can help to boost your self-esteem. You may feel more confident and proud of your accomplishments. Photography can also be a way to connect with others, which can further improve your self-esteem.

Helps with recovery from trauma

Photography can be a helpful tool for people who are recovering from trauma. It can be a way to process your emotions and make sense of what happened. Photography can also be a way to connect with others who have experienced similar trauma.

Provides a sense of purpose

Photography can give you a sense of purpose in life. It can be a way to document your experiences and share them with others. Photography can also be a way to make a difference in the world.

If you are struggling with your mental health, photography can be a helpful tool. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, increase your self-esteem, help you recover from trauma, and provide a sense of purpose. If you are interested in trying photography as a form of therapy, there are many resources available to help you get started.

Resources

Mental Health Matters

SANE

Creative Review

Better Help

Books

Stop Overthinking and Declutter

Little stories if your life

The beginner's photography guide

Self Esteem