When going over previous work, more times than not, I find things I would have done differently if only I could go back in time. The other day I re-opened older picture files from photoshoots I did in early 2016 and later in 2017, and that proved to be a great way to evaluate where I stood as a photographer then, and where I stand now.
I had limited time when I met with the model for this studio photoshoot in 2016, so we worked under pressure (Which is usually the case when you shoot in a rental studio). Having worked a small number of times in there, I was feeling confident in my process. However, I wish I could have established a better interaction with Allison to allow more relaxed expressions. Also, adding light subtraction like flags or black foam core in some sequences could have given us better contrast in some pictures. If I were to recreate this photoshoot today, I would limit the shoot to fewer sequences and underexpose by one stop to created better contrast.
I met with Angelika for the first time in November 2017 when we made these pictures. We met in a public beach park in Connecticut on a windy evening, and that time I overpacked my camera bag with multiple speed lights, stands, and a shoot-through umbrella. I suppose one thing you don't learn soon enough from watching youtube tutorials is how to prevent stuff from tipping over when there's no one to help you! Besides carrying excessive gear, I also pushed things too far by shooting as the weather was getting colder. I realize how much more I would have got if only I brought one lens and set my camera to a higher ISO.
Although tracing my steps can be quite daunting and frustrating, taking the time to retrace previous work like an old RAW file, gives me an outlook on how I work. Not a bad habit to have for anyone serious about being creative.
