The #1 Skill of Pro Photographers: Thinking in 3D (VIDEO)
If you had to guess what one expert considers the number one skill of professional photographers (without looking at the lead image above), we doubt that your answer would be visualizing the world in three dimensions. But you can take this notion to the bank, according to instructor Simon d’Entremont.
Simon is an internationally acclaimed wildlife and nature photographer based in Nova Scotia, Canada. He’s also a Canon Ambassador and very popular educator. So whatever Simon says, we tend to listen—and you should too. The mission of his instructional YouTube channel is to “lift the knowledge, skills, and spirits of photographers around me so they can be at their absolute best.”
The concept behind today’s interesting episode is this: “People who see in 3D are automatically thinking about more than just the subject, because it’s the environment and background that makes the shot.” In others words, people who visual a scene in three dimensions are usually more conscious of the light, the direction from which it comes, and their place in space relative to the key subject within the frame.
This technique doesn’t involve any special skills or advanced equipment; rather, it just requires a different mindset and the straightforward tips that Simon describes in the next 12 minutes. So forget about 3D eyeglasses and learn how it’s done.
Simon demonstrates the importance of camera angle, vantage point, and perspective, while illustrating the different results that be expected when shooting in front light, side light, backlight. As you’ll see, the choice you make dramatically alters the effect and feel of every image you capture.
The first tip iinvolves using autofocus properly to accentuate a subject with blurry backgrounds and other out-of-focus elements in a scene. It’s all about “a thin slice of sharpness” in the middle of the view. The trick is to capture the right combination of foreground, mid-range, and background, that make your subject stand out.
Another way to work in three dimensions is to carefully align the subject and background with intention. This often requires patience and a bit of planning, and Simon provides the example of photographing his buddy’s airplane as it moves across the sky toward the moon and beyond. His 3D photo is captured at the precise moment when the plane passes in front of the lunar spectacle.
Simon’s other tips are equally effective and easy to achieve whether you’re a beginner or more experienced shooter. You’ll be surprised by the drama you’re able to achieve by taking advantage of these powerful suggestions. There are many more helpful tips and techniques on Simon’s instructional YouTube channel.
We also recommend the tutorial we featured with another notable pro who provides a beginners guide to shooting photographs at night—with camera settings, gear recommendations, composition tips, and more.
