I am hoping to feature many of our very diverse and talented instructors as guests on this blog throughout the year. Their words will much better describe what is going on at the Gardens - in their programs, workshops, demonstrations and classes - than mine could. I’ve asked Denver Botanic Gardens’ official photographer, Scott Dressel-Martin, to contribute a few thoughts about photography, inspiration and his upcoming Photo Critique class to our blog. Here are his words:

Gardens of Light

The last time you went out photographing how many really stellar images did you create? How many were real “keepers” and how many were just so-so? 

Throughout my career as a professional photographer and instructor I have been asked many times how many images I must make to get the good ones. Back when we all used to shoot film people wanted to know how many images I would keep from a roll of thirty-six frames. I can tell you here that the ratio varies from 10% success to 60% success depending on the situation.

The real point isn’t what you do with the successful images. We all know what to do with our great photos. We show them to everyone. We print them and hang them on the wall. We post them on our blogs and we have thank you cards printed and send them out to our friends. We enjoy them. It’s what we do with the, shall we say “unsuccessful” images that really matters. Why didn’t that image of the sunset turn out as vibrant as you remember it? Why doesn’t that close-up look like you focused on the right spot? Who knows? I suggest that you know, or you should know anyway. You might not know right away but if you study those unsuccessful images you’ll begin to figure out what worked and more importantly, what didn’t work in each situation. Studying your “mistakes” is a great way to get better. I think it’s the best way to get better.

Through studying your mistakes you’ll begin to see what you consistently do that doesn’t work. This analysis will also lead you to ask questions about your own technical and creative processes in making images. For the inquisitive soul these questions often lead to research. Researching other similar works, other techniques, other equipment, other methods of creation will lead to a broader toolkit to take out into the world when you create.

So next time you’re editing images on the computer don’t just toss the bad ones into the digital dumpster. Set them aside and when you have time go through them. Take your time. Work slowly and thoughtfully. Take notes. I guarantee that next time you go out to create images you’ll have a deeper knowledge of what works and what doesn’t and you’ll know why.

If you are interested in learning some critique methods and having a few images critiqued in a group setting, join me for a Denver Botanic Gardens photography workshop called Photo Critique.

Photo Critique, April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Let’s take a close look at your images! In this class Denver Botanic Gardens photographer Scott Dressel-Martin will offer a detailed critique of up to five images from each student. We begin with an overview of the critique process and the importance of critiquing your own work to refine your creative and technical vision. We will follow this with an extensive critique where class participation is greatly encouraged! Bring up to five images as jpg files on a disk to participate.

Instructor: Scott Dressel-Martin. Fee: $26 member, $31 non-member.