Every so often, I find my images just don't look right when I pull them up on the computer. I'll be  excited about a shot in the field, only to find myself a little disappointed when I get home. The problem for me usually isn't that I don't like the photograph. It's just that it seems a bit off.

I sometimes find that these photographs just need to be seen in a different way. One thing I'll often do is hit "V" in Lightroom to see a grayscale version. This gives me an idea if the image works in black and white and I take it from there.

That is exactly what I did with this shot from a recent trip to Monterey. A little work in Silver Efex Pro and I was able to produce an image more like what I envisioned when I first saw the scene in my viewfinder.

Photography, like anything else worth doing, takes lots of practice. While waiting for sunrise in Monterey last week, I got to thinking about my experiences with making pictures over the last 18 months. I thought about the books and blogs I had read and the various gear I had accumulated and eventually sold off. Even though the knowledge I picked up from reading and trying out different lenses was all valuable, there was really no replacement for simply making pictures. To that end, I've come up with three simple things you can do to improve your photography. I believe these three things will be useful regardless of your level of experience, the gear you are using, or your choice of subject. 

Get There

The first and perhaps most important thing to remember is to get yourself out there making pictures. It can be a place you've been wanting to photograph or your own backyard, the key is to get out there with your camera. I may be oversimplifying a little but the truth is classes, books, and gear won't do you a bit of good if you don't go out with the intention of making pictures. I know life often gets in the way of photography. However, if you really want to improve, there's no substitute for picking up the camera, focusing on a subject, and pressing that shutter. Schedule a little photography time once a week, give yourself assignments, or find someone that can push you to go out shooting. Whatever it takes, make it a point to get out there and work on this craft you love.

Be There

Alright, you're out with your camera and are ready to make pictures, now what. Well for me, it usually takes a little time to get acquainted with my surroundings and to tune out the other things that require my attention. I'll walk around and see what catches my eye while trying to forget about all the things I need to do other than photography. Some call it flow and others call it being in the zone, but whatever you call it, the important thing is to be present. Take your mind off life's other distractions and just be there, focus on the place you've decided to make pictures and take in everything around you. Sooner or later, something will catch your eye and you'll be off and shooting.

Stay There

Now that you've gotten out with your camera and you're in a state of mind to really make pictures, stay there. Be sure to give yourself time to be in the moment both physically and mentally. You're already out with you gear in a place you want to be doing something you enjoy, why not relax and stay awhile. There's no harm being the only person still shooting when the golden hour has passed or the last one to pack up the tripod and camera after the sun has set. Even if you don't make another picture worth keeping, what's the harm in getting in an extra few minutes of practice while everyone else is headed back home. From my experience, some of my favorite shots have been taken after the light has gone along with everyone else out there trying to capture it.

So that's it, sounds simple enough (maybe too simple for some) but I assure you that doing these three things on a regular basis will improve your photography. So get out there, start shooting, and remember to have fun!