Watch the Video: What Makes The Image Work?

Learning to use a camera is only the very first part of this craft. Once you can do that, the rest is learning how photographs work. Last week I began this conversation by showing you one of my photographs, both before and after, and invited you to reverse engineer it. I encouraged you to speculate on the decisions that made the image what it is: what was the focal length? Did the shutter speed or aperture affect the look of the image? What about the position of the camera or the choice of moment, or the exposure value? And then, because I gave you a glimpse at the very uninspiring RAW file, what changes do you think I made in developing that image?

Today I want to show you my thinking process on the making of that image. But first, I need to give you some context.

A few years ago I created a video series called ImageWork. It was (still is) an 18-episode video course and it was one of the most popular series I’ve ever offered you. Knowing that the video I’m about to show you is part of a series will help make the video make more sense. Next week I’m going to show you another one, also free. I’m also going to offer ImageWork one last time, and for much less than I’ve ever offered it, but whether you decide to take a longer look at the ImageWork course or not, I think this conversation is going to be helpful.

Watch Episode 03 of ImageWork

Ultimately we need to be able to make choices about the pictures we make and those choices will all combine to make our images work (or not) and I think the better you are at this, the more fluent you are, the more creative and confident you will be with the camera to your eye.

Next Sunday I’m going to send you a link to watch another episode of ImageWork for free. And I’m going to give you the last chance you’ll ever have to enroll in that course.

It will also be the best chance because this year you’ll save $200 and I’m also including  my ImageStory course, and my Masking in Lightroom course. All for only $249.00(USD).

That includes the ImageWork workbook, full DNG files, and my LR Essentials video. And when you enroll you’ll be entered to win one of 5 free enrollments, one of 15 signed copies of my latest book, and one of 5 one-hour Zoom calls to talk about your photographs or whatever would be most helpful to you to take the next steps forward in your craft.

Let me break it down for you, when enrollment opens in a week. $249 will get you:

•  All 18 episodes of ImageWork (360 minutes)
  
• All 7 episodes of ImageStory (170 minutes)
  
• All 5 episodes of Masking In Lightroom (70 minutes – that’s 10 hours of training)
  
• LR Essentials Video
  
• ImageWork Workbook
  
• Full Before and After DNG files for ImageWork
  
• 5 chances to win your enrollment for free
  
• 5 chances to win a one-hour one-on-one Zoom call with me
  
• 15 chances to win a signed copy of Light, Space & Time.

Whether that represents a good value to you, or not, probably depends on the value you place on your craft and having access to good training. Some people prefer just to muddle through on their own and I respect that. But this course gives you access to ways of thinking about and practicing photography that have taken me years to learn, shortening your learning curve dramatically, for less than I’ve ever offered it, and with more bonuses.  

Next Sunday, July 26, I’ll send you another email with all the details as well as the link I promised to watch another episode of ImageWork for free. Until then I hope you enjoy this episode.

If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below. Candidly, I timed this one poorly and right now I’m in the bush in Zambia, but as long as the satellites haven’t fallen out of the sky I should have some online access and I’ll do my best to stay in touch. 🤞

In my last post I promised a prize to one randomly drawn name from among those who left a comment. That winner is Donna Sidey, to whom we’re giving a full enrollment in ImageWork (and all the bonuses). If, on the off-chance that you’re already enrolled, we’ll enroll you in a course you haven’t yet purchased). Thank you for playing! We’ll be in touch to make sure you get your prize!

For the Love of the Photograph,
David