5 Tips from a National Geographic Photographer
By: Marc Silber
Tags: Creativity, Cameras, Natgeo, Photography, Travel Photography

Practical advice to photograph like a NatGeo Pro.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to capture images for National Geographic? I had the opportunity to ask our friend Bob Holmes just that and what his approach is to taking images that are worthy of National Geographic.

You may be wondering: Well, I’m an event photographer. Or I’m a fashion photographer. I’m a sports photographer. So why would I want to know how to shoot like a National Geographic photographer?

No matter what your genre, you’ll find plenty here that applies to your photography. Here’s what he said:

Bob Showing Me his Travel Kit

1. Know Your Equipment

No matter the type of photos you take, the type of photographer you are, first things first: know your equipment. If you don’t know your equipment, you can end up spending so much time trying to figure out how your equipment works in specific situations that the subject doesn’t have your full attention. That is why it is important to know your equipment inside and out. What’s the shutter speed and aperture? How does your camera handle the lighting of images you’re after? Knowing your equipment will allow you to be prepared to take great photographs when the opportunity arises. It is especially important to see as your camera sees, not how you see with your eyes, which is quite different.

For many photographers, they take their cameras with them wherever they go, whenever they can. There is no telling when inspiration might present itself, don’t miss it. Knowing every nook and cranny of your equipment, knowing how it will behave will aid you in telling your story.

Bob Explaining is Inspiration from a Painting by Robert Motherwell.

2. Develop Your Eye

You are a photographer, an artist, but you no doubt want to sharpen your artistic eye. Holmes recommends developing and educating your eye by constantly looking at art.

For example, Holmes has done this through his passionate interest in paintings, particularly 20th century modern. He loves the abstract expressionists especially Robert Motherwell.

Being knowledgeable about art will expand your creative eye and thus allow you to see and capture more aesthetic photos.

An Example of “Punctuation” in a Photo: Bob Holmes

3. Find Punctuation

One of the things that you need in strong composition is some punctuation; photographs often need a punctuation point.

Punctuation in writing tells the reader when to pause, stop, or really pay attention. They separate elements and clarify meaning. Photographs can also have “punctuation” points that draw your viewer’s eye to the subject and add an additional note that highlights your composition.

Holmes explains that “punctuation really elevates a photograph, it can be a splash of color, a person, or even a dog.” In other words, anything that gives it the small additional element that highlights your photograph and draws your eye to it.

When you capture a photo, there is something you’re trying to show us, your audience, or tell us. What is it? Show us with your punctuation point so that we can understand your purpose and be able to fully appreciate your visual story.

Dancer, Bob Holmes, Havana

As another example, in the photo above of a young boy practicing ballet, he is the punctuation. You could read him as a ballet dancer. It’s obvious that he’s practicing a ballet stance. And those kinds of details are absolutely critical. Do your photos have a punctuation point? What would you like to be the key focus of your photo? Is the punctuation point getting your purpose or message across?

4. Be Responsible for Everything in the Frame

You are the photographer, the director, the artist. It is your job to look at the full frame as you compose before you press the shutter.

Holmes explains, “I’m always scanning the edges of the frame automatically because we’re responsible for everything in that frame.”

As the photographer, you must set the stage: Lights, composition, camera angles. If something is amiss, it is your responsibility to spot it and fix it.

Funny thing is, yes, you’re responsible for everything in the frame but the world around us is in a state of constant change and definitely not always in our control.

The key is to be aware of the setting, of everything around you.

Take the changes if they arise, don’t be discouraged. Make those changes work for you. It’s your shot, take these unexpected aspects as an inspiration for a new shot.

You’re trying to tell people something with your photos, a message or a story, don’t let anything ruin that for you or discourage you from taking your shot.

Let your creativity guide you.

Be aware. Be vigilant. Be creative. Be You.

5. Be Fully Involved with Your Subjects

Know your equipment, educate your eye, present your punctuation point, and be aware of what’s in your frame. In short, be prepared.

Holmes stated that aside from knowing your camera well, the most important thing is being prepared. In addition to the points above, what he means by that is being visually prepared for shooting your subject by looking at other forms of media and visual art to see how your intended subject can be presented. Bear in mind, seeing other media and visual art isn’t telling you how to capture your image or what image you should capture, but rather to help you get your creative juices flowing. It will definitely help if you’re stuck, or if you’re curious and you want to experiment.

Do you see it the same way? Or is there another way you believe your subject should be presented?

Remember, the subject of your photos needs your 100%, complete concentration. You must be aware of everything around you. The last thing you want is a Starbucks cup where it shouldn’t be. Or a tree angled just right behind someone making them look like they have antlers.

Anything can affect your photographs, just be aware so nothing ruins your photos.

Holmes stressed, “Even before you look through the camera, be aware, everything is going on in that image that you’re hoping to capture.”

Bridge in Myanmar, Bob Holmes

For example, Bob Holmes’ photograph above of people on a bridge, from the angle he took it at the people look very small which gives a sense of scale to the tall bridge.

Sittwe, Myanmar, Bob Holmes

Holmes explained his composition of the photo above: “I wanted them down here for scale to show how far they walk with these tremendous loads on their back. And by getting in low down with a wide angle lens, it gave an impression of the weight of these things coming down from the top of the frame. And that’s the kind of photograph I love. That’s what I’m always striving for.”

Holmes knew exactly what he wanted to show in his photo and adjusted his angle. He visualized the shot, found the perfect angle and…

Captured it.

A great photograph.

A perfect capture to highlight your purpose, your creativity.

Do you like it? Are you proud of it? Does it present what you wanted it to?

Yes? Then put a smile on your face and show the world what you can do.

To learn more about how to embrace and expand your creativity: Check out Create: Tools from Seriously Talented People to Unleash Your Creative Life by Marc Silber.

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