Start Asking Why

Since I first picked up a DSLR in the fall of 2009, I have never stopped asking questions. Photography quickly became an obsession, and my goal from the start was to soak up as much knowledge as possible. I would seek answers from more established photographers: what lens did you use? How did you light it? What aperture was this shot at?

Sometime later, I came across some advice that was a real game-changer for me. It might have been on Clickin' Moms, or maybe in a photography blog or magazine. I can't remember. But somebody mentioned that it's better to ask "WHY?" than "how?"

When you understand a photographer's reasoning for choosing this lens over that one, or why they photographed their subject in the sunlight instead of open shade, etc., you are opening your mind to more knowledge. Rather than try to mimic the photo, which usually results in disappointment, you will understand how to apply what you've learned to later situations. I could take a photo right now using the same camera, lens, and settings another photographer did, but the results would be completely different. It depends on where I'm shooting, what my subject is, what kind of light I have, etc.  I ask WHY because I want to understand the artist's creative process.

Let's go over some fake conversations and decide which scenario below would be better, shall we? We're going to call our newbie photographer Susie. Susie dreams of becoming a newborn photographer. One of her favorite photographers is Sally, who shoots mostly senior sessions.

Scenario 1:

Susie: I love this session you did of this senior! What lens did you use for it?
Sally: Mostly my 85. I switched to my 35 for a couple of shots.
Susie: Thanks!

Scenario 2:

Susie: I saw in your info that you use your 85mm for most of your sessions. Why is that better than other prime lenses, like a 50 or a 35?
Sally: Well, since I shoot mostly senior sessions, an 85mm is great for flattering photos. I love the compression and the bokeh. I alternate between that and my 35 for tighter shots.
Susie:  Why do you need a 35 for "tighter" shots? Sorry, I'm new to this!
Sally: That's ok! 35mm is a smaller focal length. It's good for tight spaces. Sometimes I can't back up enough to get my subject in the frame with my 85.
Susie: Oh, I see. Well, I want to photograph newborns. Maybe a 35 would be better for me.

Susie is better off after Scenario 2, right? Because she's not going to run out and buy an 85mm just because that's what her favorite photographer uses. She now understands why a 35mm would be a better choice for her. She understands the different between focal lengths. There's a lightbulb going off in her head now simply because she asked the right questions.

Not all photographers are open to answering questions, especially ones that require a detailed response. But most are friendly and willing to explain their creative process. When you are curious, ask why, not just what or how. Ask often. And never stop.