A few ideas that I can pass along.

Happy New Year to all.

Today was a pretty interesting day. But all that happened today didn't
compare to the 2 hours of powerful conversation I had with a Navy
photographer who asked for advice on his portfolio.
I have always taken the charge that was given to me many years ago to
"Give back as freely as it was given to you." I always tell people I
am always willing to devote the time and help young (by young I mean
less experienced) photographers in wherever they need it. From life
experiences to passionate and emotional thinking. From understanding f-
stops to elaborate flash set ups and capturing creative impact in
images.

What started off being a simple conversation in response to a
portfolio critique soon became a 2 hour 'power hour' on basic photo
thinking, life choices and keys to a successful photography career.
It was an exciting conversation and it felt good to hear things click
and feel that what was being said was being taken as gold and to heart.
There was many items discussed. Some specific to his photography and
career. Other items general towards what I deem to be 'bare
necessities' in photo thinking.

Some of the items discussed I thought I should mention.
Here are a few items that have been taught to me that I feel all
photographers should have in their minds.

6 things to look for in telling a photo story
- Overall
- Medium
- Close up
- Extreme Close up
- Detail
- Portrait

Whether you are a videographer or still photographer. This is a brush
stroke of 6 basic visual varieties to think about whenever a camera is
in hand. It forces you to think and see in different focal lengths and
angles. I STRONGLY suggest taking this and taping to the back of your
camera until they are memorized and become a natural list you look for
in every scene.

3 things to do PRIOR to taking a shot
- CONTROL the background
- FILL the frame with what is important
- WAIT for the moment

Again, this should be a mantra you say to yourself EVERY time you put
the camera to your face.

3 items to look for in editing every image (in order of precedence)
- CONTENT?
- COMPOSITION?
- TECHNICAL ABILITY?

Use these three questions in every image you are editing. Remember
that an image could be poor technically (over/under exposed), and even
poorly composed. But if it has content, then you may still have a
great image.

Try it!!!