5 Lessons from photography

I am no photographer, but I have been a creative director on several campaigns and I have had to direct professional photographers on many occasions. So, I do have a sense of what will work in a picture. Over the last 15years, I have tried to master the art of understanding consumer behaviour, which essentially means understanding human beings and how they react to words and visual aids.

I am also an active wildlifer, so I land up observing animal behaviour and the way nature works, all year. Wildlife photography is a huge industry now and there are some big online celebrities emerging in this space worldwide. Photographers are using talent, skill, tools and marketing to make their pics sing online. There is a massive fan following for such images thanks to Instagram and FB. Brands are now seriously targeting these segments.

For me, all these experiences have led to many life and business learnings, which I wanted to share with you today.

Photography Lesson 1- Creativity demands risk and freshness.

I find that many photographers choose safe situations and context to showcase their work. However, this might get them to be good but not great. Those who are great push the boundaries. They take risks. Question status quo. They find beauty is the same situation but with a slight twist! They don't give everything away. There's drama, mystery and curiosity.

VERSUS

Life Lesson 1- Change your perspective to look at the same situation differently. And you will get different, IMPACTFUL and more positive results.

Photography Lesson 2- Wait for the moment. Timing matters.

Many photographers click endlessly and hope that at least 1 out of 100 pics is the one. What this leads to wastage of time, effort, battery and of course memory space. The best photographers would rather take 10 good pics by waiting for the right moment to click. That's when you are a master!

Life Lesson 2- Don't just grab everything that comes your way. Be patient and be ready when it is the right opportunity. The wait will be worth it! Because if you don't know what you are looking for, you will never find it.

Photography Lesson 3- The frame is everything. A good composition requires vision.

A good picture can be made even out of an ordinary one. Depends on how deep you look. It is the eye for detail that counts and the vision that is hard for all to see. Here is the original picture taken of the hyenas eating a wildebeest alive. Pretty ordinary you would think! Until you see the actual frame and composition created with the same image!

Life Lesson 3- Sometimes we need to take a closer look at something to really appreciate it. Judging superficially can lead to missed chances and loss of beauty and happiness. Leaders need to be able to find the diamond in the rough.

Photography Lesson 4- There's beauty in simple things.

Many wildlife photographers think they need a hunt, or a mating scenario to really get followers excited about their image. They wait for a Tiger to walk "head on" in order to take a winning picture. But the real challenge lies in capturing the beauty of what nature hands you. That's true art and creativity.

Life Lesson 4- Take responsibility for your decisions and do not blame external factors all the time. Look inward! Stick to your strengths and let the universe do the rest. Celebrate small joys and milestones!

Photography Lesson 5- Breathing space is necessary!

Many photographers and also designers look to fill up the whole screen with the subject. While it works in some cases, but doesn't in some. We see this is marketing a lot. Clients want the full ad space to be used to communicate their brand. But I believe that breathing space is necessary for greater impact.

VERSUS

Life Lesson 5- Clutter is never a good idea. Be it in thoughts or things. And space is important in all aspects of life :)

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