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5 young photographers break down how they capture the ‘perfect shot’

When it comes to photography, it’s all about capturing moments…

But when it comes to having “the eye,” it’s either you’re born with it or you ain’t!

Still, there are plenty of ways to up your game especially if you’re just starting out and want to learn how to get those crispy shots you’re looking for.

It’s all about gaining experience and learning on the go. That’s what is going to help you develop your look, and it never hurts to learn from kids who’ve paved their own lane already.

We spoke to five photographers who explained exactly how it is they get their shots the way they want them. It turns out everyone’s process is different.

Greg Travers

Age: 24

Location: Brooklyn

Years Shooting: 8

Handle: @graverst

“Often times, I’ll just be walking around the city and see some dope shit and take a step back, survey the scene and decide how I want to capture that moment in time. Then, the composition is the next most important component.”

last hours on the left coast

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“The composition really makes the image — I always follow the rule of thirds. With a model, it’s a bit different and I normally just shoot the breeze and ask some open-ended questions while we are shooting to make them feel as comfortable as possible.”

marmalade thoughts all year #bombogenesis

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“Between their statements is often the best moment to capture genuine emotion.”


Paris Toribio

Age: N/A

Location: NYC

Years Shooting: 9

Handle: @paristoribio

“Feel present and take control.”


Matthis Desus

les aigles ne volent pas avec les pigeons

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Age: 19

Location: Montpellier, France

Years Shooting: 3

Handle: @hirozyt

“I think the best way is the surprise. First, prepare the shot, then call the person that you are shooting. Wait just a couple of seconds for them to get comfortable and take it when they are least expecting.”

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“I was with two friends during my first rooftop adventure and thought ‘I’m in Paris, I need the perfect shot’. So I sit at the edge of the roof and tell my friend to just shoot something quickly.”

paris c’est loin 📸: @oui_lit

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“I knew that being on the edge during night time with the Eiffel Tower in the back was the right mix of danger for the shot.”


Jesse Vargas

Age: 21

Location: DMV

Years Shooting: 7

Handle: @vargas.visuals

“Starts with having a vision for what you want to create; for me, the shot doesn’t end when I hit the button, it’s when I’m done fully editing.”

“So when I see the ‘perfect shot’ I’m seeing what I want the finished product to look like and it’s almost like I’m achieving it with every shot.”

“It’s like life on a small scale, if you stay focused on your goal, you’re going to reach it. When I focus in on my perfect shot, I’m gonna hit it.”


Qollapse

Age: 21

Location: Queens, New York

Years Shooting: 3

Handle: @qollapse

“In order for me to get the perfect shot, I already have a mental image of how the shot is going to look.”

“In fashion photography, you spend days and sometimes weeks, planning your mood board, styling, pulling clothes, everything.”

There’s a lot of time invested into getting that camera in my hands, and that model in front of me, so when I’m there to press the shutter I already know what the final product is going to look like.