Composition Exercises

– Posted by Mark

I’ve been through this Internship six (6) times.

It means that along with the high volume of shooting I do with just the paid gigs (weddings/family portraits/events) – I’m shooting almost every week with the Interns. Sometimes multiple times a week. And although it felt like I was pretty busy during the first Five seasons – I’ve turned it up to 11 with Season Six.

Because everyone needs more practice. I need more practice. YOU need more practice. Remember – one of our favorite things to say around here is something along the lines of ‘the only real advantage I have is working harder than everyone else’. And we still believe that – we have to believe it – because there are far too many truly talented photographers out there. Luckily – there are even more truly talented photographers that don’t get past that first burst of inspiration. There are even more that quit when it gets hard, or gets too tough, or worse – when they’re just not feeling it. F*ck not feeling it. We’re professionals.

If you’ve been following us for any amount of time – you know that we don’t really give a f*ck about how talented a photographer you are. We don’t care about your gear. We don’t care if you went to art school or didn’t. During the three months of our Internship we judge you by what you make and how you’re developing, or what you’re trying to make. Everything else is just an excuse.

Too busy. Can’t get out of work. Tired. No time. No models. No money. Not Interested.

Those are the usual excuses and they’re all very valid. In fact – I appreciate it when other photographers use them.

Because I don’t make excuses when it comes to my photography. Tired? Never. Not Interested? Sure – but I still show up and I still aim to make better photos than the last time. Every time.

And I know there’s that mentality where ‘it’s okay to fail’ or practice – but you know what? Sometimes it’s just good to succeed, and then to keep succeeding. Perfect practice makes perfect. Lousy practice makes… well, you get the idea. We’re a little more than halfway though Season Six of this Internship. Our photo critique is tonight, and I’m tired of looking at boring photos.

We’re going to make the 2nd half of this internship beat up the 1st half.