Newer photographers often ask, “What settings should I use?” It’s a natural question, especially when they’re faced with unfamiliar situations or trying to improve quickly. And more often than not, an instructor or experienced photographer will respond with settings based on their own experience.
But I believe that short-circuits the learning process.
When we jump straight to handing out settings, we unintentionally rob learners of the opportunity to think through the situation for themselves. A more effective—and more lasting—approach is to ask thoughtful, guiding questions instead.
Questions like:
What are you photographing?
Why are you taking the photo?
What do you want the photo to emphasize?
What camera and lens are you using?
These questions help the photographer slow down and think. They prompt a deeper understanding of the creative and technical decisions behind every image.
Some of the answers may seem obvious—or assumed—by the instructor. But that’s the problem. Those assumptions can get in the way of helping someone truly understand their own process and gear.
By asking better questions, we help photographers connect the dots between their intent, their knowledge, and their tools. And that’s where real learning happens.
Newer photographers often ask, “What settings should I use?” It’s a natural question, especially when they’re faced with unfamiliar situations or trying to improve quickly. And more often than not, an instructor or experienced photographer will respond with settings based on their own experience.
But I believe that short-circuits the learning process.
When we jump straight to handing out settings, we unintentionally rob learners of the opportunity to think through the situation for themselves. A more effective—and more lasting—approach is to ask thoughtful, guiding questions instead.
Questions like:
What are you photographing?
Why are you taking the photo?
What do you want the photo to emphasize?
What camera and lens are you using?
These questions help the photographer slow down and think. They prompt a deeper understanding of the creative and technical decisions behind every image.
Some of the answers may seem obvious—or assumed—by the instructor. But that’s the problem. Those assumptions can get in the way of helping someone truly understand their own process and gear.
By asking better questions, we help photographers connect the dots between their intent, their knowledge, and their tools. And that’s where real learning happens.
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