Category: Originals
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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.
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Stealing from the Silver Screen: Using FilmGrab to Master Your Craft
Cinematography is the ultimate school for photographers. Learn how to use the FilmGrab archive to master lighting and composition to bring a cinematic edge to your still images.
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Why a “Zero Day” is Still a Win
Coming home with no good images feels like a failure but it is actually a sign of growth. Learn how to reframe your “zero days” as essential creative practice and why an empty memory card is better than a mediocre one.
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Why Your “Bad” Photos Often Get More Likes
Why do your “bad” photos get more love than your “perfect” ones? Explore the human psychology behind the paradox of preference and why relatability often beats technical mastery.