Facing and fixing photography challenges

The most difficult part in learning photography is actually seeing the desired results. Challenges in photography are quite common we love all the awesome photographs that we see on the Internet and as we capture them by ourselves or start learning, we like to see the similar results right away. That’s what I wanted when I initially started learning & my end results were nowhere near the desired results. I read many articles, watched tons of YouTube tutorial videos, and followed advice of pro photographers who were doing this for many years. After doing all of that, I took pictures of anything & everything, all day long. As Bryan Peterson says, your first 10,000 shots will prepare you for the world of photography. You must never give up if this is your passion. Learn about the basics first and as you get a grip on it, move on to more difficult tasks.

Slowly, but steadily, photography can be mastered and improved day after day. I am still learning & looking for ways to improve my skills as I see some of the amazing moments captured by photographers all over the world.

Keep shooting and keep learning

Sunlight and shadows

Sunshine and shadows can have a significant impact on how something looks. For example, when the sun shines on an object, it can create highlights and bring out details that might not be as visible in low light conditions. Shadows can also create contrast and add depth to a scene, highlighting the contours and shape of an object.

In photography, the use of sunlight and shadows can be important in creating visually striking images. By positioning the subject in a certain way or using light modifiers like reflectors or diffusers, photographers can manipulate the way light falls on the subject to create a specific mood or look.

However, it’s important to note that what is considered a “perfect look” is subjective and varies depending on personal preference, cultural norms, and context. Additionally, relying solely on sunlight and shadows to create a desired look can be challenging, as natural lighting conditions can be unpredictable and difficult to control.

Image composition

Composition in photography is very essential. When you look around you, your field of vision seems to have no frame. What you don’t see only becomes visible when you turn your neck. This is different in photography. You are bound by a tight, rectangular frame. It is therefore important to think carefully about what does and does not come within this framework. In this way, you can compile a composition. To determine this, there are a number of things to look out for.

Topic: Your subject is the most important thing that should be visible in your frame. Therefore, ask yourself carefully who or what your subject is. A photo without a clear subject is not interesting and will not hold your attention for long.

Posting of your subject: Many starting photographers place their subjects in the center of the frame. This is simple and safe. You are not really challenged when you view the photo, so your attention will not linger long.

Use the golden ratio to make your photos more attractive. This is a distribution of lines where your subject is on one of the intersecting lines. When you place your subject there, the viewer has the space to go off the rest of the image. Your photo can be read, as it were.

Foreground and background: If you do not look through the lens, your subject is easy to recognize. Your brain pays the most attention to this, the rest of the environment is of secondary importance. In the strict context of your viewfinder, it is important to consciously choose a foreground and background. Make sure they do not require more attention than your subject. Do this for example by taking a step to the left or right so that a tree is not directly behind your subject.

Viewing direction and viewing space: Every subject, person, building, and object, has a viewing direction. You usually feel intuitive about what this viewing direction is. Allow the most space on the side of the viewing direction. If your subject looks too close to the edge of the frame, it feels the same as if someone doesn’t look at you during a conversation.

Horizon: The placement of the horizon is important for the atmosphere of the photo. A horizon that is exactly in the middle can quickly become boring. Try to take the horizon low or very high. You will see that this gives your photo a completely different look.

Photographing children

Taking photos of children is fun but challenging. Keep a kids’ portrait session short and entertaining. Playing games with them: asking them if they can see their reflection in the front element of the lens is a good way to get some eye contact.

Fit a wide-angle lens and shoot without looking, poking the camera into their face. Get them used to the shutter sound and not having to look down the lens and smile.

Make the most of opportunities when they’re still for a moment, such as when they’re concentrating on a toy. Chat to them as you would with adults and once you’ve taken a few photos show them the results on the LCD screen, so that they feel involved.

Baby portraits

When it comes to lighting baby portraits, natural light is the best choice. Flash will just end up spooking them. Try to position them near a window and use a reflector to bounce light into any shadows.

The more light you can get onto your subject, the lower ISO sensitivity you can use for the best quality photos.

To catch a baby at their best, photograph them just after a feed or when they’ve woken up first thing in the morning.

They’ll be more active and alert than at other times of the day, and you’re more likely to get the kind of cooing baby portraits that parents will love.

Retouching appearance

In photography, the artwork of retouching is a complex interplay of personal preferences and ethical considerations. As photographers and retouchers, we frequently grapple with the underlying message conveyed through our edits. Are we altering someone’s appearance because we dislike who they are, or are we simply removing distractions that hinder the visual narrative? When examining subjects under high magnification, fact becomes distorted. No one stands frozen in time while we scrutinise their pores through a microscope. In such cases, retouching becomes no longer only acceptable but even essential.

Beauty is subjective. While I may appreciate a model’s exclusive features, they detest those qualities. Therein lies the challenge. By employing retouching techniques, we can store individuals from unnecessary cosmetic procedures, emphasising their natural beauty. Yet, it is crucial to exercise restraint and avoid transforming them into plastic dolls. Imperfections make humans unique and inherently beautiful. Regarding retouching, there are no steadfast rules, only subjective opinions. Temporary flaws, such as acne or shaving nicks, can be removed except for guilt. However, permanent features like scars and wrinkles should be approached with caution. Through delicate changes like dodging and burning or light skin smoothing, we can soften and minimize their impact whilst preserving authenticity. Frequency separation is my preferred retouching method, ensuring pores remain visible.

As creators of imagery, we hold the power to shape perception. The accountability lies solely with us to determine what is appropriate and what is not. However, context remains an integral factor. In photojournalism, any form of image editing is regarded as unethical, retaining the integrity of visual storytelling. In the commercial realm, clients often seek impossible levels of perfection. As photographers, we must adapt to their demands and deliver desired results. The realm of retouching in photography is a nuanced journey. Personal preferences, ethical considerations, and client expectations intertwine, requiring photographers to possess technical mastery, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to their creative vision.

Indoor studio photography lighting

There are several challenges in indoor studio photography lighting, including:

1.Lack of natural light: Indoor studio photography relies heavily on artificial lighting, which can make it challenging to create a natural and flattering look.

2.Color temperature: Different light sources have different colour temperatures, which can make it difficult to achieve consistent and accurate colour reproduction in your photos.

3.Shadow and highlight detail: Getting the right balance between shadows and highlights can be tricky, especially when working with high-contrast subjects or scenes.

4.Reflections and glare: Highly reflective surfaces, such as glass or metal, can create unwanted reflections or glare in your photos.

5.Light placement: Knowing where to place your lights to achieve the desired effect can be challenging, especially if you’re new to studio photography.

6.Light modifiers: Using light modifiers, such as umbrellas or softboxes, can help to soften and diffuse light, but it can also take some trial and error to get the right results.

7.Power and control: You need to have enough power to light your subject properly, but also have enough control to make subtle adjustments to the lighting setup.

Overall, indoor studio photography lighting can be challenging, but with practice and experience, you can learn to overcome these obstacles and produce stunning images

Challenges in portrait photography

Finding the right location: The location you choose for the portrait shoot is going to be a big influence on the final results. Shooting outdoors in natural lights gives the best results but poses many challenges. You would need to plan according to the weather, time of the day and changing lighting and environment conditions as the day progresses.

Getting the pose right: Figuring out the right portrait photography poses for your subject that portrays them in the most flattering way is always a new journey.

Capture emotions and expression: Make sure you avoid fake smiles and blank looks. A genuine spark in the eye, a faint smile, a confident expression- these are the recipes for creating portrait shots that will shine.

Challenges in photography when doing street photography

The big one is strangers looking into the camera, which will spoil the photo, look for curious people looking, request them to give way, some time a law enforcer may ask for you credential and what are you photographing, in areas which are called as sensitive areas, and you can avoid not going to such areas.

My single biggest challenge with Photography.

Finding my vision. I’m not a pro. Never will be. I lack a consistent artistic vision. Sometimes I feel like I’m just derping around with a camera, and stumble upon decent results. I have no issues taking well exposed, sharp images, and things such as the rule of thirds do not confound me.

But taking the next step, to make memorable, unique pictures that are identifiably mine?

That’s my biggest challenge.