Arguably, in life, there are things that we either have or we don’t have… One of the key things that we look for in clients, when working with them to develop their skills in photography is a passion, a passion for the art and a passion for the subject. Easily developable are the skills associated with the subject, with practice and guidance we can equip clients to become more proficient and effective in using the tools – camera, lenses, flash and post-production software, etc.

What is harder for us to develop is this core ingredient, passion – you either have it or you don’t… However, what we can do, when a client discovers their passion; is nurture it.

Our last trip to Cambodia is an example of how we did this: we invited a client, Ranjit Gurung who is starting out in photography to join us; he has this passion.

Our challenge was to take this raw passion and nurture it in a way that Ranjit could dramatically improve the outputs from his equipment:

Canon 550D
100mm f2.8 macro
50mm f1.4
17 – 55 f2.8
Off Camera Flash

Of course we know that you cannot turn someone into a professional photographer overnight, but we do believe that given the right opportunity, training, encouragement and feedback, you can fast track people in the right direction.

Ranjit in action

Ranjit looking at how the light falls inside the temples around Angkor Wat, Siem Reap.

Our approach is to enable our clients to become more comfortable in the use of their equipment – typically, technical skills development under different conditions, using low light to advantage and off camera flash to enhance drama in the photograph. Once this is in place an increased confidence becomes apparent.

We have found, over time, that one of the key capabilities to nurture in our clients is their ability to approach and interact with their subjects – especially during street photography and portraiture. Again, this comes with practice and support – we role model and encourage our clients and after a few initial approaches our clients are simply raring to go.

Through on-going feedback and guidance we equip our clients to take a more considered and compositional approach to photography. Moving the client from holiday snapshots to striking images.

Below are a few of the pictures Ranjit captured:

Using off camera lighting to achieve dramatic portraiture.

A young boy plays in the rain.

Looking out from the dormitory at the Lighthouse orphanage, Phnom Penh.

Capturing the action at Khmer Boxing, a national sport in Cambodia.

Girl at her home near Phnom Penh.

Laughter at the temples of Siem Reap.

Ranjit said:

"Shooting with Gary & Chris from F8 Photography has been one of the most amazing experiences for me, I feel I have learnt lots about the skills of photography, how to approach and interact confidently with subjects, and most important how to realise my passion. It was hard work, but worth it, I really look forward to my next photography adventure with them!"

For more information about our photography training, click here to check out the different courses we run on our website under 'courses & workshops'