How to Take Better Pictures with Every Click

Listen to part of AYP Show’s interview on NPR KAZU about how to take better pictures.

Better photos

d’Orsay Museum in Paris, from Advancing Your Photography Handbook, BUY NOW

While people are walking around without the camera, what should they look for? What makes a picture?

(Continued from AYP Show’s recent interview with Doug McKnight of NPR KAZU. Listen to full interview here.)

MS: I think it’s based on what excites you.  What triggers some emotional response in you.  But if doesn’t start here with you, it’s probably not going to transmit to your viewer.    So my rule of thumb is I’m looking, but I’m looking carefully. There’s a difference between, like for instance being a tourist in Paris walking around ‘oh this is beautiful. That’s beautiful’. That’s not really the zone you want to be in as a photographer.  I gave the example  in the handbook of photographing the Eiffel Tower.  The trick there is there are 10 million photographs of the Eiffel Tower.  How do I get one that’s not like a postcard that everyone has already seen?


DM: Why is that?  Most people I know want to take a photograph that looks like a postcard.

MS: True.  But I think a pro, you want to have your own stamp on it because you know if it’s been shot like that before there’s really nothing unique  about it.

DM: You even suggest initially people walk without a camera?

MS: I do that all the time.  You know, the thing is, a camera limits your vision.  Generally if you are using an iPhone or this camera here is square and you are looking through something.  If you walk around and look around without the camera, you might see something you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

decisive moment photography

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST LIVE VIDEO. WE CRITIQUED SOME OF YOUR PHOTOS USING #AYPCLUB

LIVE CLASS THIS WEEK IN NEW YORK! COME JOIN US @ B&H, May 10, 4-6 PM EDT

If you’re in the NYC area sign up for my free class at B&H, but hurry it’s booking up fast  (bring a copy of the AYP Handbook with you.)  It’s going to be fun and enlightening. If you’re not able to attend in person go to this link to watch it live.

AYP has moved into “#1 Bestseller” Photography Handbook on Amazon!



Thanks for your support. Please continue to help me help you:

1. Order the handbook (and please leave a review.) 

2.  Share with your friends on Facebook, Instagram and other social media, that AYP is an easy, fast and fun way to improve their photography. They can get fast tips at the end of each chapter and for shooting sports, portraits, weddings, children, and many other genres of photography — all easy to put to use, even if using a smartphone!
3. Let me know your ideas to promote AYP, just click here.

                                                                     Save the Date!

If you’re in Carmel in June, come hear Marc talk (bring a copy of the AYP Handbook with you.)

Harrison Memorial Library 
Saturday June 3, 10-11:30
Ocean Ave and Lincoln St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 • (831) 624-4629

River House Books 
Sunday June 4.  1-3 PM
208 Crossroads Boulevard
Carmel, 93923, 831.626.2665
(The Crossroads, Highway 1 @ Rio Road)

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel. ‘Like’ us on Facebook. Tweet us @AYPSHOW