Capture the Moment or Create the Moment?
Capture the Moment or Create the Moment?
When I was starting out in photography, one of my biggest struggles was figuring out what genre truly fit me. I tried many different styles, exploring and experimenting, hoping to discover where I naturally belonged.
Through that process, I also began to understand myself better—both as a photographer and as a creative person. This is something I also encourage students to explore when they join my portrait photography course or studio photography course. Understanding your creative instinct is an important part of developing your style.
Over time, I realized that my strength is in setting up the shot. I enjoy imagining the image first and then producing it. I like thinking about the lighting, the pose, the mood, and how all the elements come together to create a photograph.
In photography, there are genres where the main skill is capturing the moment. These require quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate what is about to happen before it unfolds. Street photography, sports, and photojournalism often fall into this category. The photographer must react instantly and be ready at the exact moment something meaningful happens.
That skill is something that can come naturally to you, but it is also something you can train and develop over time.
As I explored my own creative process, I realized that what excites me most is creating the moment rather than waiting for it to happen.
Instead of chasing a moment, I build it. I imagine it, shape it, and guide it until the photograph becomes what I envisioned.
Of course, I can still do a decent job capturing spontaneous moments when needed. But I know that I can maximize my potential when I focus on creating the moment.
Understanding this about myself helped me find clarity in my direction as a photographer. This is something I often share with students in my studio photography course, especially when we work on portrait lighting and directing subjects.
Find out who you are as a creative and as a photographer. Discover what you enjoy the most and explore the different genres in photography. Through that process, you will eventually find the style that allows you to express yourself best.
Keep on shooting everyone!