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Hope you're having a great weekend

As a young photographer learning the craft of photography, I was under the impression that good technique and the best equipment possible were two non-negotiables when it came to making great photos.

Coincidentally, one of Bill Brandt's portraits was an image that kickstarted a mind shift in me.
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Because I laboured under the idea of having 'correct' images, I'd painted myself into a corner. Often, I had moments when I knew there was a cool photo hiding in the scene in front of me, but I couldn't tease it out.
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So I was confused - how did the great photographers shoot these awesome photos AND be technically outstanding?
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The answer is obvious - they weren't.
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Look at this.
The subject pushed off the right-hand side of the fame, the wonky light pole, the obvious dodge and burn areas, and the lens distortion.
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And it's brilliant!
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Seeing work like that gave me permission to try out ideas like this.
Even though, at heart, I'm quite a traditionalist, I found that by being more flexible with my techniques - or at least my adherence to them, I was better equipped to tease out those cool photos. `
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I also read a story that some of Brandt's work came about from a lens that had a manufacturing defect in it
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I don't know how true that was, but it was, once again, a challenge to the status quo in my mind that said all equipment had to be perfect.
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I'd have freaked out if I had a Holga then because of the imperfections inherent in using that plastic camera (which I now love)
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Bill is right. Photography isn't a sport, and there are no defined rules that we all need to follow. That flexibility in my approach has helped me enjoy photography more over the decades.
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Sometimes, the image needs to conform to a traditional structure. Other times, a more fluid, less rigorous approach suits it better.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all system.
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Just make the photo you want.
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2025 Photo Events

Being exposed to a wider world of photography and the thoughts of other photographers really helped me find the process of creating images much more rewarding

Join me in Vienna this March or Boston in May for an immersive weekend of shooting, learning, and connecting with fellow creatives. These intimate events are all about helping you develop your unique vision and approach to photography.

We'll explore vibrant streets together, dive deep into the "Learning to See" process and arm you with the confidence and skills to forge your own photographic path.

Spots are limited, so seize this chance to break through creative barriers and take your passion to the next level. Secure your place now!

Photographer Of The Week

Bill Brandt

In researching this section I came across a wonderful article in which Bill talks about his work - so rather than listen to me waffle on about it(!) here he is in his own words.
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​https://photodevoto.com/2011/08/27/w-o-w-bill-brandt/​
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Weekly Challenge

Last week, I asked you to share you best BW landscape and family photos. There are some really wondeful images this week - here are some of my favourites. Also a reminder to please make sure you follow the naming structure INITIAL_SURNAME so I can credit you :D
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The three most popular uploads this week were:
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For this week, I'd love to see images that were taken on the street - they can be of people, buildings, signs, events - if you're standing on a street, then it's all acceptable
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Please upload your photos here - https://www.picdrop.com/tpe/n6RLQq3ZUs`​

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Community Recap

There's been some great photography and discussion going on in the TPE community this week.
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Each Wednesday, we get together and have a chat about photography.
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Get instant access to the community and the included classes here​
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Thanks so much for reading along with me today. Have an awesome weekend.
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Alex

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