How Do You “Work A Scene” in Photography?

Breaking down my process to documenting new spaces

Imagine you’ve arrived in an exciting new environment—what do you point your camera at first? Often, people capture the most eye-catching feature, snap a few frames, and move on. But this, my friends, is a missed opportunity.

The secret to creating truly great work isn’t in taking those initial shots; it’s in taking time to work the scene. Just as small habits lead to big changes in life, taking a little extra time to explore all the possibilities in a space can transform your photography. Working the scene means diving deeper, experimenting, and staying curious. When practiced consistently, it elevates your work from good to extraordinary.

This week, I’ll share seven practical steps to help you work the scene and create images that genuinely stand out.

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Observe The Light

The first thing I do is walk around and observe how the light changes across the scene. I look for highlights, shadows, and reflections that add depth and drama. In photography, as in life, being aware of shifts in light and energy helps you make better choices about where to focus. So when you arrive at a scene, the first thing I urge you to do is observe is the light.