Advice from Stephen Hamm
- The Global Photography Community
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
When you arrive at a location, don’t rush to set up your gear. Take a moment to breathe, explore, and immerse yourself in the surroundings. Walk around, find interesting elements for your foreground, and consider how different perspectives will shape the final image. Rather than setting up your tripod immediately, take handheld test shots to see how light interacts with the landscape—especially around golden hour and into blue hour, which often yield the most magical results. Stay adaptable; light changes quickly, and with an open mind, you’ll capture a variety of shots that together tell a richer story of the place.
Preparation is essential for remote shoots, especially if you face physical or logistical challenges. Pack thoughtfully for long sessions and carry what you need to focus on the scene, not on unexpected interruptions. Weather can be unpredictable, but often it’s this unpredictability that leads to the best shots. Patience is key. Waiting for that brief shift in the clouds or the right light can yield stunning images. Nature doesn’t always work on your schedule, so use its changes to your advantage, even if it means waiting in challenging conditions.
Growth comes with practice. The more you shoot, the more you’ll refine your style, learn what you love, and sharpen your editing skills. Return to locations, experiment, and push yourself to capture the scenes that speak to you. When it comes to choosing spots, don’t hesitate to travel and explore. Inspiration comes from fresh places and perspectives, whether you discover them through research, social media, or recommendations.
Remember, light is everything. It creates depth, shapes mood, and draws the viewer’s eye to your subject. Prioritize light in each frame, as it can make an image look dynamic rather than flat. With practice, you’ll develop a style that feels authentic. My style, for example, emerged from years of experimentation, refining a specific ethereal quality that now defines my work. When you practice regularly, you’ll gain confidence, spending less time fumbling and more time capturing precisely what you envision.
