Three Tips For Finding Compelling Photographic Subjects

Photo Copyright Scott Bourne 2004 – All Rights Reserved

It happens every time I lead an outdoor or nature photo workshop. One of the students comes to me and says something like,

“But I don’t know what to shoot?”

Sometimes, we’re overwhelmed by opportunity. Sometimes we’re just in a rut and nothing draws our attention.

Still other times we can’t see the forrest for the trees.

What’s the solution? Here are three tips for finding compelling photographic subjects.

1. Look inward. Ask yourself what YOU want to shoot. What story do you want to tell? In what way do you want to use your camera to express yourself? If you start from this authentic place, you increase the chances you’ll find something worth photographing.

2. Scout without a camera. Sometimes, the camera actually gets in the way of the creative process. We start to focus on the gear instead of the vision. Try leaving the camera behind next time. Instead, take a note book and scout an area where you think you might like to make some images. This approach will open your mind’s eye to new possibilities.

3. You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again. Look at lots and lots and lots of photographs. By studying other people’s work, you can brainstorm your own approach to their ideas. Great photographers have one thing in common. They look at lots of photos. If you start practicing this advice, it will become easier and easier for you to find your next photographic subject.