Videos

Those of you who follow our website know that Manny Ortiz is an adept photo instructor and a very fine portrait photographer. Yet, according to Ortiz, knowledge, skill and practice is far more important that talent if you want to become a great photographer.

We have a feeling that Ortiz is being more than a bit modest when he insists, “I’ve never been talented at anything in my life.” Yet he goes even further by claiming, “I’ve never had a creative bone in my body.”

Self-effacing or not, the point Ortiz makes in this four-minute video is a good one; namely, that by studying, practicing and experimenting with the craft of photography, it’s possible to create spectacular images. And despite his acclaim, Ortiz reveals that it’s only been five years since he first raised a camera to his eye.

Ortiz’ tips include a warning not to compare yourself critically to other photographers, because doing so may cause you to lose motivation. Instead, he suggests studying the work of those you admire, and using that knowledge to develop a style of your own.

According to Ortiz, “there’s nothing you can’t learn—including how to see creatively.” In other words, it’s all about how much you want it. There are more helpful tips on Ortiz’ YouTube channel. And be sure to watch another tutorial of his we posted, demonstrating how to shoot great portraits at home with just one flash.