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CJ Chilvers

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Unlearn Photography

I imagine you’ve taken some photography classes, perhaps even workshops. At the very least you’ve devoured the blog posts. You may have spent a lot of money, but I’m betting you’ve definitely spent a lot time reading about photography. Today, I have no grand solutions for

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The Least Photographer

If you’ve been a photographer long enough, there comes a time when realize how little you really know. Or, at least, there should be. I’ll be the first to speak up. I am not just a lesser photographer. I am the least photographer. I don’t know what

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Stop Making Photos for Photographers

The majority of photos I see every day (on Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, blogs, you name it) are made to impress other photographers. Perfect composition! How did you do that with an iPhone?! That ISO range is INSANE! How boring we must seem to everyone else. You have a gift.

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Which Photo Best Represents You?

My college photography professor, Monte Gerlach [https://www.facebook.com/monte.gerlach.7], emailed me last month to say he was retiring and wanted to put together a gallery showing of his favorite students’ work. He asked if I would contribute a print. I was honored by request but it

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Stare at Your Phone More

A few weeks ago I was at a family party. I’d been wrangling a 3-year old all day and I was exhausted. As he went into a room full of other kids, I took a seat for the first time in hours. Knowing I had about 5 minutes left

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Beware of Formulas

Everyone wants simple, useful steps for becoming a better photographer. We go to the same books and blogs trying to learn techniques to enhance our photos. We want a formula. Publishers are happy to provide the formula. And it seems like a great exchange. We give them time, attention and

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“Mobile” Photography Doesn’t Matter

Neither does DSLR or any other form of modern photography. Photography technology will progress in ways we can’t foresee. But it will progress. Today’s top-of-the-line camera is tomorrow’s relic. Today’s most popular camera (the iPhone) is also tomorrow’s relic. All images from today will be

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5 Good Links

Do the work for free, which (if any) online storytelling platform is for you, what defines a good photograph and should Facebook be messing with journalists’ photos? It’s all in this week’s A Lesser Photographer newsletter.

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In This Week's A Lesser Photographer Newsletter

I go on a wedding photography podcast, three ways to avoid clichés, the science of aesthetics and what it’s like being an introvert in the art world.

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The Ultimate Portrait and Wedding Photography Business Podcast: 119: CJ Chilvers

I appeared on a pretty unlikely podcast. I'm either becoming too comfortable on podcasts or becoming tired of them. I can't decide yet.