Creative Lighting | Episode 10 – David Beckstead on Finding Your Style
David Beckstead was named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world. He is well-traveled, a hotshot firefighter, a painter, and an artist.
The first tip is to let go and let their creativity flow and not worry so much about being technically perfect. “Always push yourself,” says Beckstead. He really wants photographers to challenge themselves, creatively. For example, David takes all the “rules” of photography as a challenge, and you can tell in his work. He talks about the beauty in the midday natural lighting that most photographers shy away from.
He says that another thing that photographers don’t always understand is the mood of the photo. He notes that there are more moods than just “happy”. “You need to learn to do some things for yourself.” Beckstead notes that a lot of photographers lose their creativity and style because they are always trying to do exactly what others want them to do. This makes sense when shooting wedding photography, but he notes that creating your style is really what makes a photoshoot become amazing.
He says that about half of what he shoots for a wedding was shot for the bride, groom, and family, but the other half of what he shoots is for him. He makes sure that he does both what the wedding party will want, but also using his own creativity to create stunning photos.
He notes that a lot of people ask him how he finds the interesting lighting that he is known for, but David says that anyone can see and find the light. The problem is that most photographers don’t exercise the courage to take those shots with the different lighting because of a fear of failing.
image by student Courtney Goldman Photography
David also talks about traveling, and how he takes a lot of his creative inspiration from paintings. He says that the renaissance paintings in Spain inspired him to start teaching composition and how things work.
Self-assignment: Study, study, study. He notes that a very important part of his career has been studying: Studying composition, studying the history of the places he travels, etc.
Ask for critique. Let others tell you what they do and don’t like about your photos. This doesn’t mean to take all their advice for shooting, but this can sometimes give you an idea for how to improve your style.
He talks about his critique group called “Abstract Canvas” where photographers post their abstract pictures for critiquing. He also talks about his books and videos on his website that are lessons on LED lighting.
He talks about his experience shooting weddings overseas. He notes that there are not many countries that allow you to come in as a photographer for weddings. He says that he usually just travels as a tourist with extra gear. He also notes that it isn’t always necessary to bring ALL of your equipment for your photography when you travel, as well.
Image by student Courtney Goldman Photography
In his closing statements, he reiterates that education is extremely important for photographers. He says that workshops and lessons in photography are incredibly powerful. He says he continues to educate himself to improve his photography and encourages you to practice what doesn’t come as natural to you as others.
Don’t forget to check out the recap blog about Beckstead’s Workshop in Atlanta this year.
For more information on David Beckstead, Fisheye Connect, photography workshops, or anything you heard in this podcast, go to http://www.fisheyeconnect.com/
