{"id":927,"date":"2014-12-18T18:42:22","date_gmt":"2014-12-18T18:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.canvasprintersonline.com.au\/blog\/?p=927"},"modified":"2015-01-21T02:12:08","modified_gmt":"2015-01-21T02:12:08","slug":"documentary-mindset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.canvasprintersonline.com.au\/blog\/documentary-mindset\/","title":{"rendered":"The Documentary Mindset and Your Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s pretty standard operating procedure these days to take photos at every possible event or achievement in your life, or the lives of loved ones and family members. This results in a plethora of photos, but most people experience the disappointment that comes with reviewing photos of a big event and discovering that a large number of them are repetitive, poorly composed, or otherwise unacceptable. A lot of time is spent, in fact, sorting through dozens or even hundreds of photos taken at weddings, birthdays, or Christmas trying to find a handful worthy of sharing, displaying, or turning into canvas prints for the wall.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The solution to this problem is relatively simple: Stop thinking like a guest or even a participant in these big life moments. Instead, start adopting a documentary mindset when big moments come \u2013 you\u2019re not just an interested party or invitee taking random photos, you\u2019re there to document and record the moment. This shift in mindset is crucial to taking better photos at these events, and is relatively easy to employ.<\/p>\n

Documenting versus Experiencing<\/h2>\n

\"With<\/p>\n

The first step in adopting more of a documentary mindset when photographing an event is to stop thinking of yourself as a participant. This means you have to make a choice early on: Whether to simply enjoy yourself and the moment, or whether to record the event for posterity. The former will be a more enjoyable experience. The latter will get you better photographs.<\/p>\n

How to Document<\/h2>\n

If you choose to approach the event with the point of view of someone who is there to capture the event, there are a few simple steps you\u2019ll have to take:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Begin with thinking about your narrative. An event can be seen as a random collection of images and moments, but every event is planned, with a certain structure \u2013 and you can impose your own narrative on it with your choice of photos. Think in terms of telling a story: What\u2019s your introduction? Your set-up? The climax? The fade-out to credits?<\/li>\n
  2. Sketch out (in your mind or on paper) ideal images you\u2019d like. These may not be possible, but if you go in knowing the sorts of images you\u2019d like, your brain will be primed to notice opportunities when similar (or perfect) images present themselves.<\/li>\n
  3. Stay sober and stay focused: If you\u2019re going to document an event, you can\u2019t be dancing the Funky Chicken while amazing moments are happening all around you.<\/li>\n
  4. Don\u2019t be afraid to nudge \u2013 to get perfect images, you may have to suggest some poses and ask a few favours. Don\u2019t be shy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"With<\/p>\n

    In the end, documenting an event is a trade-off: You\u2019ll have some amazing photos, but you might not have as many great personal memories, either. The effort and sacrifice are worth it, though, if you get those amazing photos \u2013 and when you do, click here and we\u2019d be delighted to turn them into stunning wall art<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    It\u2019s pretty standard operating procedure these days to take photos at every possible event or achievement in your life, or the lives of loved ones and family members. This results in a plethora of photos, but most people experience the disappointment that comes with reviewing photos of a big event and discovering that a large […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":931,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[31],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n