(Before I get started, I’m not sure who took the original photo above. ESPN did not give a photo credit, only an illustration credit. Here are the credits for this beautiful illustration: Design Director: Chin Wang, Photo Director: Karen Frank, Art Director: Keir Novesky, Designer: Keir Novesky, Lettering by Joel Holland and image used by permission.)
A few years ago, I saw this illustration of Tiger Woods’ golf swing in an ESPN Magazine article called “Stroke of Madness” in ESPN magazine. It showed all the things he has to think about while swinging the golf club:
• posture
• hip rotation
• balance
• hand speed
• spine angle
• club angle
• speed
• spin rate
• wind
• noise distraction
The list goes on … There were 50-60 things a golfer has to consider simultaneously.It hit me when I saw that illustration how this is what happens in photography too. When I’m shooting, there are endless factors that I’m thinking through, simultaneously.
This, my friends, is why photography is hard. This is what they don’t teach you in school.
• Does the subject feel insecure?
• Is this the most flattering lens?
• Are my assistants talking too much?
• Is the music too loud?
• is my shutter speed too slow or too fast?
• Is my F-stop the ideal focus?
• Does the client like this image?
• Is this nailing the art direction for this shoot?
• Are the wrinkles too noticeable? Does the shirt need to be ironed?
• How do I make them smile naturally?
• Are my jokes dumb? Am I a dork?
• They need to stay still or it won’t be in focus
• Is Capture One Working? Do I need to restart the computer?
• Do we need to tape the tethering cable before someone trips over it?
• Is that the right light modifier?
• Chin down. No, chin higher. No, look left.
• Is it too hot in here?
• Is the makeup too much?
• That prop in the background… it’s not making sense.
The list goes on and on …. and on and on.
There are so many factors to consider while shooting on set. With the madness around me, I have to strive to focus and execute flawlessly.
What someone unfamiliar with the process may see as simplistic — simply hitting a ball or pointing and shooting a camera — takes years of practice and is extremely complex to master.
How about you? Does this illustration resonate with your photography or your art or workplace? Or is there a type of work, a sport or an art form you’ve been tempted to write off as overly simplistic?
What thoughts or questions am I forgetting or missing? Let me know below in the comments.
