We all love snapping a good picture, whether it’s for the perfect Instagram shot or the family album. But some people’s daily livelihood depends on waiting behind the lens to capture the perfect shot. Event photographer Curdin Wullschleger is one of those who have had to deal with the loss of opportunities due to the cancellation of international tours and live events.
Curdin has generously provided some tips and tricks for developing your brand, both for budding professionals and anyone keen to brush up on their photography passion during self-isolation.
Content Recreation
For Curdin, no live events means less fresh Insta content at the moment, but like other photographers, he is digging through his archives to touch up and post some of his favourite live memories.
“Finding hidden gems you may have missed in the rush of editing, and re-editing old favourites, can be a great way to look at how far you’ve come,” he says.
Photographers are also sharing their raw shots, and screen-recording the editing process to showcase individual styles. It is a great way to learn how to up your Insta game, and the process is pretty mesmerising to watch too.
Collaboration
Online content creators have had to adapt to our new socially distanced lifestyles, and in some cases that has meant joining forces with other creatives. Curdin has recently collaborated with artists and DJs to deliver Saturday night living room parties, teaming up to put their individual skills together to stream music on platforms like Facebook, Twitch and YouTube.
“I think in times like these, it’s so important to keep bringing people the music they love listening to,” he says. It is nothing compared to being in a live club or at a gig but it is well suited for these lockdown times.
Tips for Aspiring Photographers
“Many creatives might struggle to find inspiration and motivation – that is a common theme for everyone at the moment,” says Curdin.
So, his advice for all aspiring photographers out there? Start with little goal and be critical in analysing your past works. It is a great method for identifying where improvements can be made, he says.
Whether that’s practising composition with a heap of stuff laying around in the yard, or hand-held camera movements while videoing, all these little elements contribute to the big picture. Add in the pressure of a live show and it isn’t so simple.
His last tip is to connect and support your fellow creatives within the community. “Never be afraid to reach out to people you look up to and ask a question, we are all in this together.”
Curdin’s Best Isolation Experience
“Personally speaking, the isolation period has given me the opportunity and time to cut and put together my first showreel.” This is Curdin’s first published piece within the music videography world, captured over the past 12 months of shows. “I’ve finally had the time to sit down and put it all together – which has been a really exciting learning curve for me.”
What Can You Do To Support the Industry?
Curdin says the best way to support the entertainment industry at this time is to #KeepYourTickets for rescheduled shows. It also important to support your favourite artist by having a dance party for one whilst streaming or purchasing their music and merch. To support those behind the lens, if you love an image of your favourite artist and can identify the photographer, reach out and buy a print to support them too.