Hey guys! My name is Erick Hercules.
I'm a fine art and commercial photographer,
with a niche in levitation, un-Photoshopped photography.
I've been doing this for last 8 years,
and I've worked with pretty cool people and pretty cool clients.
Today, we're gonna be talking about 5 tips to maximize your storytelling
and create unique compositions.
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Tip #1: everything in your image has to be purposeful.
I know that a lot of people go into photography
and just, like, take as many pictures as they want.
But ultimately, you have to decide, in order to maximize your storytelling,
make sure that every single line, shape, color, texture--
they all create an element of storytelling that maximizes a particular subject
or the particular story you wanna tell,
ultimately creating something that is cohesively united.
And, that will ultimately help you create something
that is very specific in its delivery of emotion.
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Tip #2: unless you're shooting a person,
when you shoot architecture photography,
try to use as high of aperture as possible,
because you want every single texture to be reflected in your image,
so, then, you don't have bokeh that's blurring out any particular element of your photo.
That will maximize the storytelling
and really help punch those colors and lines and textures right across the image.
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Tip #3: this might sound a little holistic and crazy,
but learn how to look at every single angle
like you've never seen an angle in your life before.
And what I mean by that is be very open-minded to the elements around you.
Sometimes you think, "Oh, I've seen that building every time I walk down the street.
"It's no longer interesting to me."
Well, look at it from a different way.
Look at it like you're a 2 year old just coming into New York.
You've never been to New York before, and you see this one building.
Try to find different storytellings
because everything--EVERYTHING--in life has a particular element that makes it special.
So, take a look into that, and you'll find something cool in each photograph.
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Tip #4: play with your angles.
Don't abide by the rules.
One thing, when I started photography, was in commercial photography,
everything needs to be parallel and straight,
but I discovered that, once you understand that enough,
you get to actually bend reality to your liking.
So, when you see buildings, or you see constructions, or you see shapes and forms,
play around with your camera. Try to tell different stories
because there's unlimited stories to be told.
So, if you really find yourself just playing around,
it will give you more elements to work with
and, ultimately, redefine your image into something that is particularly yours.
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Tip #5: memorize and master your lens and your camera.
When I first began, I began with a 24mm lens,
and I used it until its death, literally.
And so, I learned everything that is good for that lens
and everything that just doesn't work with that lens.
Ultimately, buying the 50mm,
then buying the 85mm, and eventually going to the 70-200mm.
You, would do the same.
What I recommend is begin with whatever lens you have.
I always recommend for people to start with a 50mm.
There's a very cheap 50mm 1.8 that you can look into,
and then use it all the time everywhere
because that'll teach you how extensive...
That will teach you how to use the lens extensively
and also what it would work and be perfect for
and what it just, you know, it's not gonna really redefine an image or change your artistry.
So, yeah. Really have fun with your gear,
and hopefully, that pushes you to the next level.
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Thank B&H so much for having me!
Thank you so much for watching the video!
If you have any questions whatsoever,
leave them in the comments below.
You can find me @ErickHercules or @weleviate
See you soon