Category: Originals
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A Reminder Why We Choose Monochrome
When the rest of the world goes loud and colorful, the most striking thing you can do is go quiet and monochrome. This week, we look at the stunning Super Bowl campaign shot on Kodak 35mm film, and what it teaches us about tonal structure, intentional framing, and the power of black and white to…
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What Makes Photography Great is Never Figuring It All Out
We often treat mastery as a finish line a state where we finally have all the answers and the “perfect” shot becomes a guarantee. But what if the greatest gift of photography is actually the mystery?
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The Curious Eye: Practical Ways to Sharpen Your Photographic Vision
If your photography feels like it’s on autopilot, it’s time to retrain your brain. We’re moving past the gear talk and focusing on practical ways to sharpen your curiosity, from taking the “long way home” to embracing the power of boredom.
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Mastering Ma 間
Great photography isn’t just about what you include it’s about what you leave out. We explore the Japanese concept of Ma and how embracing the “space between” can give your monochrome images room to breathe and a deeper sense of purpose.
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The Most Important Question in Photography
The most powerful tool in your kit isn’t your lens, it’s the word “Why.” We explore how asking one simple question before you shoot can instantly simplify your technical choices and give your monochrome images a clear, intentional voice.
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The Secret to Street Portraits: Knowing Their Name
The most important tool for a street photographer isn’t a Leica or a Ricoh, it’s the ability to ask a stranger’s name. We explore why the secret to powerful street portraiture lies in establishing a human relationship before the camera even leaves your side.
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Why Mosseri is Wrong About Photography
Instagram’s Adam Mosseri says “professional” photography is now a signal for AI fakes, urging us to embrace a “raw, imperfect” aesthetic. Using the analogy of the Map Reader vs. the GPS Driver, we explain why sabotaging your craft isn’t the same thing as being authentic
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LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: THE SECRETS BEHIND THE CRAFT PART 4
Focus is photography’s way of saying, “Look here.” Learn to guide attention and convey meaning through sharpness, blur, and depth of field.
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Chiaroscuro: The Art of Sculpting with Shadows
Stop fighting the shadows and start using them. Chiaroscuro is the classic “light-dark” technique used by masters from Caravaggio to modern cinematographers. Learn how to use a single light source and spot metering to create dramatic, three-dimensional monochrome portraits.
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The Storytelling Lie: Why Your Photos Don’t Need a Narrative
We’re told that every photo needs a beginning, middle, and end. But what if that advice is actually holding you back? This week, I’m calling out the “Storytelling Lie” and explaining why the most powerful monochrome images aren’t stories they’re visual poems.