My Photo Editor Mind – The Editor/Therapist Is In

When I was a photo editor at the Los Angeles Times, I used to joke that I was just as much a therapist as I was an editor. I don’t know if people really understand how the two are connected. Sure, I’m a picture editor; I look at images and edit them in a pretty sequence, but I always insist we talk after an edit. Why? Because it’s not just about the images. Every time you push that shutter, there are hopes and dreams connected to that moment. Did you accomplish your goal? Are you reaching your potential? Are you good enough? Are you in the right business? Are your insecurities peeking out again? Are they controlling how you shoot? I see this a lot actually. When I ask to see your outtakes or set up a meeting with you to chat, I’m trying to get inside your head to see how you handled the situation. Is there confidence, or is it frantic shooting? The next time I say I want to talk about the images after an edit, what I really want to talk about is your psyche.

My Photo Editor Mind:  What should I blog about?

It’s been so long since I posted any blogs…I have been so busy that there wasn’t any time to think except for the work in front of me. I loved it!  Then right in the middle of all that we went on a long-needed vacation to Spain. It’s been too long since I went out of the country. It’s amazing: once you step on the plane, you leave behind all the little stresses of life. Now I’m back to work and staring at a blank page wondering what to blog about, then I thought…I bet someone has a topic they would like to hear about. So let me know.

 

My Photo Editor Mind - Soft Edit

With that project almost done, now is the perfect time to review it and see what’s missing. I like to call this a soft edit. I think it’s really important to review your work, especially on longer-term projects to see what you missed, if the direction shifted, and to fill in the gaps. Have someone look at it that is critical, not one of your friends that thinks everything you shoot is great. You know who I’m talking about. If they can’t help you, then I can.

 

My Photo Editor Mind - Your Website

Your website is making a first impression on anyone who looks at it. Regardless of whether the images are good or not, if there are too many images and categories and it’s disorganized, that is what people will think of you. That’s their first impression of you. Enough thinking about it, let’s update your website! I will help you consolidate images and categories, and help you streamline your presentation, whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out. And for gosh sakes….put your phone number on your website! 

My Photo Editor Mind - Autofocus can hurt you

One of the major drawbacks of autofocus is that photographers sometimes rely on it to compose their images. But there’s a problem. The focus is smack dab right in the middle of the image, and the image reflects that. You end up with either a poorly framed image or an image that seems off balance with too much sky or too much ground. If you go through a variety of your images and notice this pattern, try various focus settings to help solve this problem. Don’t let this technology get in the way of your vision.

My Photo Editor Mind - Shoot This

As a photographer, it’s your job to show the world in a way I’ve never seen before. Surprise me. Make me look at something or someone in a new way. One of the best ways to do this is by trying different angles. So my challenge to you this week is shoot an image from the lowest vantage point possible. How low can you go?  Post your pictures and let’s see who does this best!

 

My Photo Editor Mind - Sending Telepathic Suggestions

Whenever I see someone taking a picture, I can’t help myself, I send them ideas about how to improve what they are shooting. I even do this watching a movie, I talk to the screen…try a different angle, you’re standing for every shot! Try kneeling. It’s kind of weird. Even if I’m out and about, I saw all these people taking pictures, OMG if they just looked to the right, the light is beautiful, turn your head for goodness sake, the light, see the light.  In another instance, I might see someone ready to take a shot, and oh my god, the shadow on the subject’s face, are you kidding me, you’re really going to take a photo?  Oh geez, you just did. Not sure why I do this, maybe I’m a picture editor even deeper in my heart than I thought, always wanting to help someone improve.