Caption: yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) at a Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), also known as the Baringo giraffe or Ugandan giraffe - Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, Africa
Be Unique
The image above has likely been taken many times, and I don’t just mean my photo.
Many wildlife photographers venture to Africa, hoping to capture something unique—perhaps an oxpecker perched on a giraffe’s throat or body. I, too, wanted to create such an image and was thrilled to do so in the Murchison Falls National Park, in Uganda.
However, even this type of photograph has been taken countless times. It’s a great way to practice, and I’m not suggesting avoiding such shots altogether. What sets a great artist apart—what makes an artist truly inspiring—is uniqueness.
It’s easy to capture a photo of Lake Louise or a grizzly munching on a berry bush. But where is the unique perspective, the creative touch that makes the photo stand out?
Many photographers take countless images and post them on social media (and there’s nothing wrong with that).
For me, the question has become: is it better to focus on quality or quantity?
These days, I find that less is more.
View to Cascade Mountain with Northern Lights dancing as seen from the Cascade Gardens in Banff
- Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
If you replicate someone else’s work by taking the same or a very similar image, you’re not being unique; you’re simply copying their style.
On social media, people follow others because they see something of themselves in that person or are drawn to their unique style.
Being authentic and original is what leaves a lasting impression.
What is your style?
Imagine....
Imagine or day-dream about what you want to photograph, where and how!
Then, take action and make that dream a reality. - Your reality.
If circumstances arise that are beyond your control, such as sudden weather changes, adapt and improvise as needed.
Sudden Weather change in the Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Plan ahead, including preparations for the unexpected.
*Do your research. Before heading out, I always research my subject, location, and conditions.
After returning, I continue researching to reflect and learn. Preparation is essential for successful photography.
*Make a list. Keeping a list helps me stay organized, and it can do the same for you.
*Pack your equipment and clothing appropriately. Dress in layers, so you can adjust to changing conditions.
I dressed in layers knowing I would be out in cold and rainy weather, photographing wolves.
*Plan for breaks. Rest is important to recharge and reassess whether your plan is still viable or needs slight adjustments.
When you take a photo, imagine what you want to create. How do you want your image to look, and what emotional or visual impact should it have?
Imagine Yourself
Visualize where and how you see yourself as a photographer. Imagine how you would like others to perceive your work.
Ask yourself these questions:
*Do you want to focus on wildlife and landscape photography, specialize in event photography, or embrace multiple genres to stay flexible—perhaps combining all three or exploring others as well?
A grizzly bear cub photographed in Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada.. Bruce Springsteen concert in Calgary, AB CA.
Wildlife Photography Events Photography (Concert)
*Do you aspire to become a professional photographer? If so, how will you achieve this?
*What can you learn from other photographers?
Researching others is valuable, but developing your own style—whether slightly different or completely unique—is essential.
Imagine what you want your images to look like.
*Will you add a frame to your images, or leave them as they are?
*What distinctive elements will make your style stand out?
By asking yourself these questions and exploring your vision, you’ll develop a style that reflects your unique perspective and passion.
Create = be creative
It takes time and practice to master all the technical aspects and camera settings.
Here are some ideas to help you find creative ways to photograph.:
*Learn about your equipment: Familiarize yourself with your gear as you take photos—learning by doing is the key.
*Set a challenge: Try a photography technique you’ve never explored before.
*Translate art into photos: Find a scene that resembles your favorite painting and re-create it in your own style.
This painting was photographed in a ladies restroom in a gas station in Bowden near the Hwy 2 (also known as the Queen Elizabeth II Highway).
*Start a new project: Dedicate yourself to a specific photography theme or subject.
*Create a mystical atmosphere by using fog, mist, or post-rain conditions. Cold weather can also provide unique opportunities.
**Check the weather: Always review the forecast before heading out to photograph and dress appropriate.
This image displays "Light Pillars". It was taken in a cold November night with Temperatures of minus 26 degrees Celcius. -Calgary, AB,CA
*Revisit the past: Use an old photograph, such as one taken by your grandparents or depicting them in their youth. Re-imagine it with a fresh perspective.
*Night photography: Head out after the rain when wet surfaces create reflections.
Capture the Aurora Borealis using apps and forecasts—ensure clear skies and avoid city lights.
*Try double exposure: Double exposure photography combines two different images into one visual.
This is a technique which can easily create a surreal mood and it’s also able to convey more complex photography ideas.
These two images have been taken at the Calgary Stampede evening event. I tried motion-blur photography.
The artistic show on the horseback is called "Equestrian vaulting".
*Experiment with slow shutter speeds to create motion blur-Photography.
It is not always about taking the perfect shot and freezing your subject in the midst of an exciting action scene, but about that moment of movement, that you capture right at that time.
The bigger image and the smaller to the left have been taken in Golden, British Columbia, Canada. The smaller image to the right was taken at the Bow Lake in the Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
*Change your perspective: Adjust your position—stand, kneel, lie down, or lean over.
Capture photos from your subject’s level, whether it’s small animals or larger ones.
Step into water or onto rocks for unique angles, but always prioritize safety!
*Collaborate: Find a photography partner for mutual inspiration. ( maybe you just need a creative kick from a friend.)
*Join a community: Participate in a photography club, association or organization to share ideas and learn.
I was a member of the German Photography Association= Deutscher Verband für Fotografie (DVF) 2016-2019
*Scout for new interesting photography locations: Seek out new, interesting places to push your creative boundaries.
*Add contrast to your images: Play with shapes, shadows, bokeh, bubbles, raindrops, and more. The sky's the limit!
*Protect your work: Use a distinctive watermark to safeguard your images.
*Practice consistently: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out as expected.
Keep practicing, experimenting, and having fun with it.
Every step brings you closer to capturing the images you envision!
Happy creating!
I took this image of the back of my camera with my phone. It was enlarged in my camera settings and it is uploaded in low resolution. The image displays a grizzly mom telling its cub off. It was taken during raiin showers in the Bow Valley Parkway area in the Banff National Park.
Inspire
I won an award for the image to the right. The image to the left displays the award.
*Earn an Award
Participating in photography competitions can be a fantastic way to gain recognition and build credibility as a photographer.
It also pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and critically evaluate your work through the eyes of a judge.
I always research past winners and ask myself: Who has entered? What kind of work do they produce?
I always research past winners and ask myself: Who has entered? What kind of work do they produce?
Would I want my work displayed alongside theirs? Is the competition a good fit for my style and values?
Taking time to consider these questions helps me choose the right contests to enter.
*Publish Your Work
Share your photography through various outlets, such as a website, blog, social media, newspapers, or magazines.
Share your photography through various outlets, such as a website, blog, social media, newspapers, or magazines.
Publishing your work increases visibility and inspires others.
This was a published article and image of me in a former German hometown magazine called 'Nossener Rundschau'.
*Lead by Example
If you're a conservational photographer or just someone who loves nature, practice what you preach. When I’m out in the wild, I make sure to leave nothing but footprints—and I often pick up trash I find along the way to dispose of properly.
*Be Ethical with Wildlife
Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and minimizing your impact.
Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and minimizing your impact.
Ethics should always come first when photographing animals in their natural habitats.
*Support Meaningful Causes
Use your skills to support causes that benefit others, such as wildlife shelters, cultural organizations, or environmental initiatives. Giving back is a powerful way to make a difference through your art.
Use your skills to support causes that benefit others, such as wildlife shelters, cultural organizations, or environmental initiatives. Giving back is a powerful way to make a difference through your art.
******
I supported the organization BOS Deutschland e.V. from 2014 - 2016.
*Collaborate and Sell Your Images
Research companies and platforms where other photographers sell their images, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Be proactive! You won’t always get a positive response, but trying is part of the journey.
Look for platforms that allow you to sell your images without the risk of rejection.
I have colaberated with iCanvas (who provided me with these images, having my selling images displayed.)
You can find my sales shop of my images here:
*Get Inspired by Others
Inspiration is everywhere. Observe the work of other photographers, immerse yourself in art, and pay attention to the world around you.
Creativity often sparks from the most unexpected places.
Summary
👉 Be Professional - If you're presenting a business — your photography business — build trust by speaking and acting maturely at all times.
👉Self - Reflection: Pause and reflect on the photography that brings you joy and satisfaction. Your passion often hides your unique skill. (The key is self-motivaton.)
👉Feedback Matters: Reach out to friends, colleagues, and mentors for honest feedback. They may see strengths in you that you underestimate. Collective insights reveal hidden gems. Embrace learning!
👉Trial and Error: Don't fear trying new things. Experimentation is the key to discovering your strengths. Failures are stepping stones, leading you closer to your unique skill. Rethink your plan as you gain new information, and make adjustments.
👉Zone of Flow: Identify the moments when you lose track of time and feel completely immersed in your work. This is your zone of creativity and peak performance. Understanding and embracing these moments can guide you to your unique strengths and passions.
👉Skill Inventory: List your skills and achievements. What stands out? Analyze the patterns, and you'll spot the skill that defines you. Leverage it, nurture it, and make it unmatched.
👉Manage Time Effectively: Prioritize and stay organized to remain on top of your work. (Make a list.)
👉Have Integrity: Be honest and ethical, even when no one is watching. (Learn about the ethics of your photography genre.)
👉𝗧ake Breaks: Relax and take time out, do something else or simply just nothing at all. (Re-focus and find new inspiratons.)
👉Be Yourself: Everyone else is already taken! Find and create your own style!
Have fun!
*****
I hope you like what you read and see and if you do, give me some feedback. I am always happy to learn and to give my knowledge to those who want to learn and become better.
Best wishes
Ramona @My Nature Photo Art® - December 27th 2024 -
*This blog includes 27 images. All images and the content of this blog are Copyright: © Ramona Heiner. All Rights Reserved!*
Kicking Horse Mountain Range, Golden, British Columbia, Canada
Have any questions?