"The Decisive Moment"

When photographing, the number one way to get that 'decisive moment' is by practicing. 

Every one that I know starts out 'machine gunning' their photos. Just trying to get something good some where in the batch.

That changed when I took a photojournalism class. It was one of the HARDEST classes to adjust to because I had to slow down. Concentrate. Be engulfed in my work and focus on the moment that the action is at its peak. 

The moment when the bride is smiling the most, when that a tear rolls down her face, or when the flower girl yawns while dropping her basket of pedals everywhere at the alter.

See, photojournalism isn't just for sports. Its a training phase for the rest of your photo career. I HIGHLY suggest taking a class if given the chance. Even if it's just for your personal photographs.

On to the Decisive Moment, coined by Henri Cartier-Bresson. He said "There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment". If you are a hunter (Lord knows I don't want to touch this topic in this day and age...) but if you are or know someone that is think about when they shoot. (Especially if using a bow and arrow). If they shoot too soon, they will miss. Too late? They will miss. So on and so forth. Its that same idea. It takes tons of time and practice, practice, practice.

Be thankful we are in the age of digital and not film. Imagine how many thousands of dollars you would 'waste' on film just trying to practice.

Lets look at an example: 

(Click on the photo to see it larger)

The first picture is missing a little something. Its ok, but no real action or emotion coming from it. 

The second, some people would be happy with it because it's sweet and you can feel the connection. 

But once you see that smile in the third, GAME OVER! That's the image that you want. 

THAT is the one that will go on the wall.   

Here is the final image (all of the above are straight out of the camera (SOOC))

Did you learn anything? Please share!

Scarlett J

(Please comment and send me questions if you have any.)