Patience is a quintessential part of becoming a better photographer, no matter the genre—be it landscape, street, or portrait photography. Slowing down, whether at a location or when engaging with a subject, will significantly elevate your ability to create more meaningful and compelling images.
Begin by visually approaching the background before the foreground. When choosing a background, ask yourself:
- Does it distract from or compete with the subject?
- Do the colors, textures, and lighting enhance or complement the overall image?
- Does the background provide balance, depth, or separation from the subject?
- Is there visual space for the subject to move through?
- Most importantly, does it support the story you’re trying to tell?
Once you’ve found a background that resonates with your vision, let patience guide your process. Explore different camera angles. Spend time observing the environment—what unfolds in that space. Revisit the spot at different times of the day and seasons of the year seeing how the light changes will offer new visual possibilities.
Take time composing your frame. Discover how even subtle shifts—an inch to the right, a step forward, a lower angle—can completely transform your composition. Always scan the edges and corners of your frame for distractions that could pull attention away from your subject. With time, your eye and mind will naturally begin to compose more intuitively and efficiently.
Photography is a lifelong creative journey. Be patient with yourself. Learning new gear, exploring how different lenses shape your perspective, and recognizing how your life experiences influence your photography and storytelling—all of it takes time.
To see more of David Castillo’s work, check out his website here.
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