Constraints and challenges in photography aren’t disappointments. They are obstacles to be maneuvered towards and they increase creativity.
I feel like a broken record at this point when I say that it’s not about what you’re shooting on, but rather the creativity you bring to photography as an artist and a creative. In this video, Jessica Kobeissi and Batul challenge themselves to create portrait and fashion images in collaboration with model, Kendall. They each work with the same model, locations, and clothing. Whereas Batul, an influencer, uses an iPhone, Kobeissi opts for her trusty DSRL.
Are their images different? Absolutely! Is one better or worse in terms of creativity or visual interest; absolutely not! Each brings a unique eye and experience to their craft to create eye-catching imagery.
Right at the start of the video, Batul does mention that she faces challenges that come with creating on a camera phone in that she can’t control the settings as much. This simply means that she has to work more to find or create lighting that is flattering, and then further work with angles, posing, and styling to compose a good image.
If anything, I think the takeaway message here is to challenge yourself and try to create images in a way that you are not used to. Set challenges for yourself and then come up with solutions; it’s a great way to get better at photography as a whole. If you are used to working in a particular way, then you aren’t challenged to think outside that. But forcing yourself to do that as a creative exercise is a great way to flex and work those creative muscles so that you have that skillset for later.
What are some challenges you’ve set for yourself in a previous photoshoot? Or perhaps are you planning a future shoot with stipulations, such as only shooting on a smartphone? I’d love to know in the comments below!