501: Craig Strong: Art of Playful Photography: Custom Lenses and Creative Freedom

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Craig Strong, an innovative wedding photographer with a flair for storytelling. Craig shares how his unique Lensbaby experimentations transformed his approach to capturing moments, making his work stand out. He dives into the importance of storytelling, relying on photojournalism skills, and learning from sports photography.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Embrace Storytelling: Great photography is about capturing the essence of moments, not just staged shots. Focus on the narrative behind each image.
• Learn from Missed Moments: Reflect on missed moments to anticipate future important events and improve your ability to capture them.
• Experiment with Equipment: Don't shy away from trying new lenses or gear. Experimentation can lead to discovering new creative possibilities.
• Push Through Fear: Transitioning into new methods requires courage. Embrace the fear of the unknown as a part of your growth process.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

1. Capture Authentic Moments: Start by photographing candid moments at local events or family gatherings. Focus on the emotion and story behind each shot rather than setting up posed pictures.
2. Create a Practice Schedule: Dedicate time each week to practice anticipatory shooting, especially in dynamic environments like sports or street photography. Review your photos to identify successful captures and missed opportunities to learn and improve.
3. Experiment with New Gear: Try using different lens converters or lens baby products to see how they alter your perspective and creativity. Document the outcomes and analyze how each tool changes your photo’s storytelling potential.
4. Join a Photography Community: Engage in online forums or social media groups such as Instagram and Facebook communities where photographers share their experimental work. Participate in challenges or critique sessions to receive feedback and get inspired by others’ creativity.
5. Develop a Storytelling Portfolio: Assemble a collection of photos that tell a story, including a mix of candid moments, detailed shots, and environmental context. Continuously update your portfolio to reflect your growth and experiments, showcasing your ability to capture authentic narratives.

RESOURCES:
Visit Lensbaby's Website - https://lensbaby.com/
Follow Lensbaby on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lensbabyusa/

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!