Photographic Diversity
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the past couple of years is that being a diverse photographer can really help during those times when there just isn’t enough of a particular subject. Since 2011, when I first started to become serious about photography, I have attempted a variety of genres, from landscapes to street photography. I wanted to learn as much as I could about each and at least try my best at creating some decent shots to fulfill this thirst for more knowledge.
How did I decide that street photography / street portraiture was the right fit? From doing the above. It wasn’t a quick or easy decision to make. I’m interested in all aspects of photography but there was always something about street photography that intrigued me. It seems so pure and at times very raw – the documentation of life, as it happens. Humanity fascinates me, it always has.
Yes, I actually do enjoy flower photography as well as landscapes! I also find architectural and street photography compliment each other perfectly.
Although I dedicate nearly every frame to street photography, I’ve never stopped practicing other areas. There are going to be days when the streets aren’t yielding interesting enough scenes. I’m not a random snapper – I aim to tell stories and to capture unique encounters. To keep you going on the slow days I would advise learning all you can about other areas that might interest you. Landscape photography, food photography, travel, interiors and architectural photography, among others, can develop your creativity and technique, giving you more knowledge which will make your main photographic focus even better. Don’t think just because you haven’t taken a street shot in a few days that you’re giving up or that it’s hopeless. Dry spells happen. It is important that you’re constantly learning and improving yourself as a photographer.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hey Mike, thanks for sharing, just the dilemma that i’m facing right now, thats why i’m trying different styles/type of photography as well
great photos as usual Mike!
Thank you Dalia! It can be a lot of fun trying new styles! Also, if you like taking pictures of a variety of subjects, go for it! No one says you have to stick to one style :)
awesome shots!
Thank you Herbert!
beautiful photos!
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Thank you! :)
Great post, interesting thougts and I know exactly what you mean here: “I’m not a random snapper – I aim to tell stories and to capture unique encounters.”
I like all images in this post.
Thank you Malin! One thing I should have added to the above was that knowing and interacting with other photographers can be a huge asset.
I agree with you Mike.
I always find it interesting interacting with other photographers, so I totally agree with you. It’s the dialogues that are interesting (even if I sometimes feel a bit handicapped in the English language) ;)
These are all good pictures! good job ;).
Thank you Rob!
Very great collection of photos! All very well done! Congrats
Much appreciated! :)
Mike, These photos are captivating and I can’t put my finger on how you do it but each of your photos really does tell a story, as you are aiming to do. I am a sucker for photographs of boats and serene waters and the one you have done here is fantastic. Something about the way your shots are often looking to the horizon or upward toward the sky or toward a sunset or clouds – it seems as though whatever is in the foreground leads you off and up into the beyond. Very grounding and inspiring at once. Thank you for sharing your work with us! Have a great weekend ~ Allison
Thank you so much, Allison! Your words are very encouraging! I’m always trying to improve and it’s really good to get feedback regarding things I might be doing right, and of course doing wrong as well. I love to take pictures near the water – doesn’t matter if it’s an ocean, river or lake – and if there are boats nearby, even better!
I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend! It’s quite cold here today, so I’m just staying indoors!
Fabulous set of photographs Mike! I am sure you are not surprised that I LOVE the photograph of the flower!
Thank you Robyn! I do have a thing for flower photography :) It is very relaxing!
You’re obviously a very well rounded photographer–I love your street photography, but this is the first time I’ve seen your landscapes and they are spectacular!
I wish I was given that advice when I started fooling around with cameras in 2006…focus in one area, but never forget other aspects. You might surprise yourself.
Thank you Andrea! From one photog to another, I think you’re really good! I try to be as well rounded as possible. Most important is keeping photography fun and constantly learning something new. If I could go back in time, I definitely would have learned more and cared more about photography, as I’ve missed plenty of great opportunities to makes some wonderful shots :)
These shots are amazing Mike. Another inspiring and awesome post. Rock on!
Thanks so much Nicole! I’m thinking for the photo walk, I’ll do one non-street shot and one “something else” type of shot! We’ll see :) Have an enjoyable Sunday!
Thanks Mike, and you too.Nice! I cant wait to see.
I totally agree with you. I still have A LOT to learn and explore! Personally, I’m most interested in seascapes and landscapes as well as macros — and of course, food photography as I love to eat!
Very beautiful images, Mike! Bravo! I specially love the first (this, you know already :)) and the last shots.
Yep, I thought of you when I posted that one! Photography is wonderful simply because there is always something new to learn. It really is never ending. You’re a great photography, Cathy; you are really good at capturing a variety of subjects. Food photography is so difficult for me as I can never make the item look delicious! You should do a blog post about it :)
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I enjoyed the series. Excellent! Regarding your short discussion on being diverse. I like to think of myself as opportunistic. Actually, I push myself to change subjects all the time.
Wow, I really love these. I also think its interesting to see how different your landscape style is from your street photography style. I must say I quite like them both!