Capturing Stunning Photos In-Camera: Mastering the Art of Problem-Solving
It can be easy, when creating an image, to think “I’ll just fix it in Photoshop afterwards”, but that type of mindset may actually be having a negative impact on your photography.
I don’t often use Photoshop to ‘fix’ my images as there are numerous advantages to getting an image right in-camera, as I explain in this video, where I replicated an old photo of mine and show you how to achieve the same image without any Photoshop.
In this blog post, I delve into the world of in-camera photography and explore the art of capturing stunning photos without relying heavily on post-production techniques. While Photoshop is an incredible tool for photographers, it is important to develop problem-solving skills in order to minimise the need for extensive editing.
By adopting a new mindset and focusing on solving problems during the shooting process, you can produce better results, reduce post-production time, and elevate your photography to new heights.
The Power of Problem-Solving
Many photographers believe that achieving extraordinary results requires extensive post-production work. However, by approaching your photography with a problem-solving mindset, you can create impactful images straight out of the camera. Let’s take a closer look at a few examples that demonstrate the power of problem-solving during a shoot.
Example 1: Defying Expectations
One of the most common misconceptions in photography is assuming that impressive shots must involve complex compositing or heavy editing. However, this is not always the case. Take, for instance, the image below. At first glance, it appears to be a result of a CGI effect or extensive post-production.
Surprisingly, the original image required minimal retouching. By strategically addressing challenges during the shoot, such as an 11-second exposure in a darkened studio, moving fluorescent lights, and timing the studio light, I was able to capture a mesmerising shot with minimal post-production.
Before example of a creative portrait image
After example of a creative portrait image
Example 2: Recreating the Magic
Sometimes, revisiting an iconic photograph from the past can shed light on the power of in-camera techniques. I captured this image over 20 years ago, long before the era of digital photography and Photoshop.
Despite the assumption that this shot demanded extensive post-processing, it was actually achieved entirely in-camera. As you've seen in the video above, I've proved its authenticity, by recreating and sharing the step-by-step process.
I worked very methodically, tackling each challenge of the shoot as it came. This involved using a hidden wire rod to hold the leaf, a custom made tray to contain the water, and various implements to get the ripples in the water, not to mention flags, coloured gels, pieces of acrylic and glycerine.
By understanding the techniques used, you too can unlock the potential of in-camera photography. This particular shoot only used two monobloc lights and could easily be done in a small space.
Fixing the leaf in position for the shoot
Filling the tray with water for the shoot
Adding 'water droplets' to the leaf
Lighting setup for the leaf shoot
Mastering the In-Camera Techniques
Now that we understand the significance of problem-solving and its impact on creating remarkable images, let’s explore some essential techniques to master in-camera photography for this type of shoot.
Precision Cutting: To achieve seamless composites, cutting elements precisely is crucial. By cutting out elements slightly smaller than the object itself, you can ensure a flawless integration within the scene.
Controlling Water Levels: When working with water, maintaining precise levels is essential. Using a level tool and replacing it with the desired object, such as a leaf, allows you to ensure accurate positioning.
Creating Realistic Effects: Simulating water droplets or other effects can add depth and realism to your images. Experimenting with different techniques, such as using glycerine for soft liquid drops or creating movement by gently swirling the water, can elevate your compositions.
The original image, captured in the days of film.
The digital image, captured in-camera with no Photoshop work.
The Joys of Problem-Solving
While Photoshop affords many creative opportunities that sometimes aren’t possible to achieve in-camera, it can do the exact opposite and actually limit our creativity, especially when it comes to achieving realistic-looking results.
Over the years I’ve shot many images that involve elements of motion, whether it be glasses smashing, paint splashing or even models falling. All of these images are completely real — we’ve actually smashed glasses in the studio and thrown paint on models.
Wine glasses smashing
Model with paint splash over back
By actually creating and shooting these shots, rather than just comping bits together, I’ve been able to achieve the most realistic results possible.
What this means though, is that I have to think differently about creating images and take the time to think about the possible problems and how to solve them.
Solving problems during the shooting process not only saves time in post-production but also unlocks a world of creative possibilities. Instead of spending hours and hours, or even days, retouching and perfecting the shot in Photoshop, much of my work involves just simple colour and contrast adjustments. Yes, there might be a pole to remove here or a flag to remove there, but those tasks take very little time at all compared to actually creating a result.
By mastering in-camera techniques and approaching photography with a problem-solving mindset, you can create captivating images that surpass expectations.
For example, our flying tea food image shot as part of our food photography course involved many different challenges, which we overcame by thinking logically and working methodically (we also used some specialist, but readily available, equipment to get the final result).
Other examples include many of my splash images. For for example, the Clinique advertising-style product image I shot as part of our product photography course, the water sculpture image from our live show and liquid art and motion image shot during another live workshop. Even the sports product shoot in our advertising, product and still life course was put together from just two shots.
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