Photo by Thomas AE on Unsplash

In high school, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant for a talented local photographer in my hometown. My goal was to soak up as much wisdom from her as possible and use it to map out my own creative journey. Specializing in portraits, events, and weddings, she provided a rich learning environment.

I particularly loved weddings. There was something magical about chatting with brides and getting a glimpse into their vision for their big day. What amazed me the most was how each idea was unique, yet my boss, the one taking the photos, had this remarkable ability to capture the essence of each wedding day and each couple beautifully.

Dabbling with my own DSLR

I found myself utterly inspired by her creativity, so much so that my parents generously helped to fund the purchase of my own DSLR camera, a Nikon D5600. I brought it with me everywhere, on every vacation, and to every life event.

I was not very good. I had almost no idea how to use any of the settings on it. Nevertheless, I was determined to learn and improve.

Please enjoy these over-exposed, unedited shots from my family trip to Italy, circa 2018.

Left to right: Backdrop from the Dolce & Gabbana campaign in Capri (that’s what I most closely associate this rock formation with), shot of the Positano harbor taken from the Path of the Gods, Positano villas carved into the coast.

Where it’s going

As I learn more about this topic as a grad student, I’m reminded of my time as an assistant. It’s incredible how much storytelling power lies in image. Constructing a picture that’s appealing and impactful is crucial to the message you want to get across. To achieve this, it’s important to understand these guiding principles:

• Composition, or the arrangement of your photo that may involve tools such as the Rule of Thirds, depth, or leading lines.
• Shooting with design in mind, ensuring your photographs complement other visual elements, such as typography.
• Editing, where you can refine and enhance your photos through cropping, retouching, or other adjustments.

Rule of Thirds in action: the photographer placed the subject (the dog) on the lower left intersection of the grid lines (via Adobe)

Also, you don’t always need fancy equipment. While it’s tempting to splurge on professional gear, making wise purchases or even exploring DIY alternatives can significantly elevate the caliber of your work. Whether you’re shooting for a tourism marketing campaign, capturing a couple’s special day, or doing any other project requiring images, building this foundation ensures quality photography (Caldwell).

Where it’s at

While I’m not behind the camera so much nowadays, I’ve been honing my skills by incorporating images into my designs. Recently, I explored this further by curating three photo boards that capture the varied moods of a local cafe (the same establishment I developed a brand plan for a few weeks back).

Slide 1 encapsulates the serene and cozy ambiance of brewing coffee at home, featuring Daybreak beans, naturally. Slide 2 represents the tranquil productivity of cafe visitors, immersed in work fueled by caffeine. Slide 3 shows the friendships and togetherness that can be seen blossoming inside Daybreak’s warm and welcoming environment.

My second project is a brochure. Here, I’ve gathered elements from the photo boards, collectively evoking the emotions captured in all three slides.

Lastly, I designed labels for three of Daybreak’s coffee bean products. Although this project leans more towards illustration and color schemes rather than image, it underscores the importance of design elements like composition and color.

In reflecting on my creative journey, I’ll always be grateful for the insights I gained through the lens of my former employer, both metaphorically and literally. The experiences I had working with her have deepened my appreciation for photography immensely.

While I probably won’t be asked to professionally document an event as significant as someone’s wedding day, I’m eager to apply the lessons I’ve learned and the knowledge I’ll continue to gather. This ongoing exploration will undoubtedly shape my future work, with each project serving as a testament to the impact of image in design.

Works Cited

Caldwell, Cath. Graphic Design for Everyone. London ; New York, Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2019.