Some of you may have seen the Jan/Feb issue of ‘Montana Magazine’, in which I was really pleased and honored to be the subject of the ‘Portfolio’ feature.  I am sure back copies are available!  

I assure you that I don’t have any shares in the company, but I want to give the magazine another thumbs-up.  It’s a great publication, with a wide diversity of articles and stunning photography that really captures the essence of the many facets of Montana.  Not that I am suggesting that you dash out and get a copy of the Jul/Aug edition, but if you don’t you will miss a great article by Lisa Reuter on Yellowstone – ‘The American Serengeti’.  The added bonus is that the images that grace the article are by a blogging photographer you may recognize.

Lisa explains some of the insider information about Yellowstone and gives tips on how to get the most out of your trip to The Park.  So I thought it would be a good idea to add a few further tips on getting the most out of your photography.

Less is More!

The aim is less equipment in your bag, fewer elements in your composition, less tweaking in post-production.  Simplify your life and photography.  Get comfortable and creative with the gear you already own.

Enjoy!  Walk softly, listen intently, observe patiently.

Slow down!  Close your eyes and breathe deeply, look again at your composition and note how your eyes journey through and around the frame.  Check your borders, pay attention to the edges, sides, and corners of your composition.  Are you including anything distracting?  Are you cutting off anything interesting?  By moving your feet, or your height, can you position your subject so the background is more pleasing or less busy?  Look for geometric lines and shapes. 

Simplify! 

Tell a story!  Seek to create an emotional connection with the viewer.  Be alert for the unexpected, for the humorous, for a struggle.  If an element does not further the plot, lose it.  Less often tells more.

Keep the best, lose the duplicates and the mediocre.  Import less, process less, manage less, spend less ........

.............  SHOOT MORE!