How Mistakes Fit Into Photography

Everything is not what it appears on our viewfinders. The photographic process starts the moment we compose the image in our minds. And when we get our negatives back from processing, it’s safe to say that everyone has had that feeling of disappointment that the photos didn’t turn out the way we wanted them to be.

But don’t worry, it’s all part of the game. Not every photo you take is going to be perfect and that’s alright. Let’s count down some of the reasons why making mistakes isn’t such a bad thing.

Photography is a Learning Process

Learning is something that flows freely. If you’re stuck in one place then you’re not really learning anything. So where do mistakes fit in all of this? When you see a print and think you could’ve done better, that’s the moment when you start to learn. You realize that you have to improve some aspects of your photographic work.

Mistakes Make You Careful

Even the best photographers out there were once beginners. They probably have some stories that you can relate to — like getting their fingers on the lens, taking shots without adjusting settings, not advancing the film, leaving the lens cap on and etc. These things happen and you just have to remember to be more careful next time. It’s not the end of the world if you forgot to adjust your ISO!

They Teach You to Lighten Up

As photographers, we are also our worst critics. And that’s not a bad thing either. It’s just that when you let that happen to you too much, you don’t get to enjoy the process as much as you did when you were doing it for fun. Mistakes are reminders that say ‘Hey, loosen up. Smile while you take photos.’ Photography can be so much more than just perfect images. Embrace the imperfections!

Missteps Help You Become More Conscious

Forgot to ask for permission to shoot a subject and got scolded? Maybe you had it coming but don’t worry. Next time you’d be more polite and respectful of other people’s privacy. Encounters like that give you more insight on what’s going on around you. Sometimes, you’re not just a mere observer. You’re also part of the moment.

Share with us your ‘oops’ moments and those accidental captures that turned out to be blessings in disguise! Sound off in the comment section below and let yourself be heard.

written by cheeo on 2018-08-04 #culture #tips #mistakes #photographic-process #missteps