I hate rules – in my book they were made to be broken! But if you are asking me to break down the ethos of what makes my photography tick then I’m happy to call these pointers ‘rules’.
1.
When I go out on a job, (it doesn’t matter what it is), I go with the mindset that I’m going to get a photo that is good enough for my portfolio. So my rule number one is to have enthusiasm for everything that you photograph, whatever it is. If you go with the idea in your head that it’s a boring assignment and will not make great pictures, then that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!
2.
Be quick! Yes, really. Stop fiddling about with your camera and agonizing over which choice of lens to use. When I’m covering a news job, I’m very aware that with some incidents you can clap your hands four times and that’s all the time it takes for the event to be over. It’s the difference between a great picture and either a so-so one or in fact nothing at all. Get to know all your gear really well so that it becomes an extension of your eyes and you can use it without delay.
3.
Don’t follow the crowd. Be different. You are unique and so is your photography. So don’t be a sheep. If you can, then change your viewpoint or look at what is happening on the periphery of an event. Also don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit-take a different approach to what you might normally do. Experiment a little and remember you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by being different-by using your own skill and knowledge.
4.
If you are photographing people then it is very important to talk to them. Relax them. Show them that you care and that you are not a monster who wants to take great photos whatever the cost to them! If it’s a small child then get down to their level, even if you do have dodgy knees like me. It’s very intimidating for a youngster to have a huge great photographer ‘giant’ looming above them and talking to them. Try to see it from their perspective. I’m pretty shy but there is always something I find to talk about- I often do a spot of internet research beforehand if I’m photographing a famous person. That way you will find something to chat about and you will not feel so intimidated by them! Also it will show them that you care enough to have done that.
5.
Be an early bird. I always try to get to jobs early wherever possible. That way you can scout out locations, find out if there are any problems and be better prepared.
At public events you can avoid the crush at peak times, which sometimes makes photography near impossible.Being punctual for a portrait shoot for instance will show courtesy to the person or people you are photographing. Turning up late sends a message that you don’t care or consider their time important.
I considered breaking the rules and including Rule number 6.
In case this makes it past the Editors, this rule would be to get some emotion, some feeling into your images. Make the viewer feel happy, sad, amused, etc. I’m a big fan of photographers like Elliot Erwitt – the way he gets irony and humour into his photos makes them rather special.