If there was an award to be bestowed on the most successful duo in photography, it would certainly be bestowed upon Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb. Despite their differences, the photographers have worked on several projects together, including Slant Rhymes, Violet Isle, and Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb on Street Photography. Each with their unique perspective, the photography duo has given us some truly spellbinding and intimate narratives that continue to inspire whoever lays eyes on them. If you are a fan of your work, you have come to the right place. We are sharing some photography tips to help you excel in your journey.
Table of Contents
Observe the Ordinary
“In our isolation during those early days of the pandemic, time was measured not by the clock but by the tidal charts, ever-changing weather, and close attention to the moment. How has this period changed me as a photographer—and as a human being?” said Rebecca in an interview. This goes to prove that despite varied challenges, one must find ways to look at our world with keen eyes. Thus, one of the profound photography tips to start with is to pay attention to small details, which can help you create impactful images.
Explore New Places
While Alex Webb suggested this during a workshop, it is one of the photography tips that can be very handy for street, news, and portrait photographers. Often, when we start out, we look at already ‘Instagram-writhy’ places, but that’s not where you’ll always get photographs that speak to us. So, don’t restrict yourself. Perhaps the block behind your house offers you some exceptional, serendipitous moments that other famous places can’t.
Experiment
During the pandemic, Alex Webb dabbled with the panoramic camera. “I also discovered the possibilities of the panoramic camera, a camera that is extremely good for a limited number of things and extremely poor for many others,” he said in an interview with Juxtapoz Magazine. This helped him step out of his comfort zone and expand his visual language.
Revisit Old Projects
Often, we have an idea that gets abandoned mid-way in one way or another. Then, there is a time when the project has been completed, but it takes a new shape years later. One could say the passage of time is critical in building a nuanced narrative. Look at Dislocations, for instance, a series by Alex Webb that charts the term’s geographical and emotional aspects. The series was originally created in 1998, and the artist revised his work during the pandemic. With older, kinder eyes, one project can be created in varied ways, which also reflects your journey as an artist.
Print Vs. Book
Both are exceptional ways to learn more about your work and determine which format best supports your vision. As Rebecca once said: “I choose prints for the wall very differently than photographs for a book, although in some cases the two overlap. A print is an individual object – it has to have a life of its own without other photographs.” Let the work speak to you if you choose over the other. This way, you’ll know exactly whether the tension in the photographs supports your overarching theme and whether it’s time to say goodbye to your work.
Collaborate
This is one of those valuable photography tips you don’t often see, but it certainly is an important aspect to help you grow. Both Alex and Rebecca have collaborated over the years, and each has figured out ways to bring out the narrative of their joint series. They let themselves be but also take a stand for things they want in the book. So, while it is challenging, you must try it because it will help shape your practice and even lead you to communicate your thoughts much better.
Color as Emotions
Alex’s work has often been accused of the use of color. To be more precise, for shooting “for the sake of color.” However, the photographer clarified, stating, “tend to think that people who make that kind of statement try to separate the emotional resonance of color from the subject. I’m not sure they understand that color is about emotion, not just about color.” And if you look at his work, color is one of the many layers that go into building the image. Sure, it’s striking, but you actively have to look and converse with the photograph. As he says, color can truly make your work different from the rest when used with intention.
Overcoming Dry Spells
Alex suggests that getting out in the street and taking photographs is the best way for him to cure his creative block. The process of walking and actively engaging with the world helps him “relieve the itch of being.” As for Rebecca, letting go of books is one of the most difficult challenges for her. However, when she embraced the chaos and paradox of her works, she often had her breakthroughs. As a result, both photographers reveal that being consistent and carrying on is the best way to move forward.
We hope these photography tips will help you progress in your career. However, as the duo mentioned, persistence is key to shaping your future.