5 Ways to Develop Your Photography Skills Inspired by William Klein
Have you tried any of these exercises to develop your own photography skills, and if so, what was your experience like?
William Klein is a renowned American photographer known for his bold, unconventional style and his use of high-contrast black and white photography, wide-angle lenses, and abstract compositions.
If you’re looking to develop your photography skills and learn from one of the masters, there are a few exercises you can try that will help you get closer to Klein’s approach.
In this article, we’ll explore five ways to develop your photography skills inspired by William Klein.
“I don’t care if a picture is out of focus, underexposed, overexposed or anything else. All that matters is whether it can capture a mood, a feeling, a moment.”
Practice using wide-angle lenses
One of the defining features of Klein’s photography is his use of wide-angle lenses to capture a sense of depth and perspective in his images. Wide-angle lenses can be a great way to add drama and interest to your photographs, and they’re especially effective for capturing landscapes, architecture, and street scenes.
Experiment with different focal lengths and angles of view to find the perfect composition for your shot. Use the wide angle to create a sense of depth and to highlight the foreground and background elements in your image.
Explore abstract photography
Klein often incorporated elements of abstraction into his work, creating visually striking compositions with bold lines and shapes.
To create abstract images, look for patterns and shapes in your surroundings, and experiment with different angles and compositions to create dynamic images.
Play with contrast, color, and texture to create visually interesting images that capture the essence of your subject.
“The world is chaotic and unpredictable, and I try to capture that chaos and energy in my photographs. I want my pictures to be like a slap in the face, waking people up to the reality of the world around them.”
Try street photography
Street photography was a major part of Klein’s work, and it can be a great way to capture the energy and vitality of urban life. To get started with street photography, take your camera out into the streets and look for interesting subjects and moments to capture.
Try to be as candid and unobtrusive as possible, and look for ways to capture authentic moments and interactions between people. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions to create unique and compelling images.
Play with contrast
High-contrast black-and-white photography was another key element of Klein’s style. To create high-contrast images, look for scenes with strong light and dark elements, and try to capture the full range of tones in your photographs.
You can also experiment with editing your images in post-processing to enhance the contrast and create a more dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries and experiment with different editing techniques to create unique and visually interesting images.
Look for opportunities to break the rules
Klein was known for pushing the boundaries of photography and breaking the rules of the medium.
To develop your photography skills and create images that are truly unique, don’t be afraid to challenge conventions and experiment with new techniques and styles in your own work. Look for ways to take risks and try new things, even if they don’t conform to traditional photographic norms.
By breaking the rules, you can create images that are visually striking and emotionally impactful.
“I’m interested in capturing what’s happening in the street, in the world. I’m always looking for something that feels alive and authentic.”
William Klein is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, known for his bold and unconventional style and his use of wide-angle lenses, abstract compositions, and high-contrast black and white photography.
If you’re looking to develop your photography skills and learn from one of the masters, there are a few exercises you can try that will help you get closer to Klein’s approach.
By practicing with wide-angle lenses, exploring abstract photography, trying street photography, playing with contrast, and looking for opportunities to break the rules, you can create images that are visually striking and emotionally impactful.
“I think photography is about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
What is your favorite William Klein photograph, and what do you admire most about his work?
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