Improving Photography: Graduation and the ‘f/8 and Be There’ Philosophy

gallery at the end of the post

Last weekend, my youngest sister graduated from high school. When you’re the photographer in the family, that means on top of celebrating another family achievement, you’re also on the clock for the weekend.

I’ll be honest, at first, I was a little frustrated that I was put in charge of capturing everything. I had taken some time off from my job, and was looking forward to relaxing for a few days. While shooting, however, I found myself dwelling on a phrase that nearly every photographer has heard at least once, and if you haven’t, let me introduce you:

“f/8 and be there.”

Widely attributed to famed 1940s photojournalist, Arthur Fellig (or Weegee), “f/8 and be there” has been a served as both a building block and a helpful reminder to photographers for over 80 years.

For beginners, f/8 and be there can be the perfect starting point. A wide depth of field that will still produce crisp images is a great way to gain some comfort and familiarity with a camera. For those who have more experience, it’s a great reminder that you don’t always need the perfect settings or conditions to shoot. What matters most is being present in the moment around you, and being ready for whatever might come your way.

Arthur “Weegee” Felig

For me, reflecting on f/8 and be there during my sister’s graduation reminded me why I got into photography in the first place: to capture my life and share it with others. When I get too bogged down in the details it’s easy to forget that what’s more important than any composition, f/stop, or ISO setting, it’s why I was there and the memories that an image can hold, regardless of how you get it.

Working in local news has also reinforced this mantra. I had to teach myself that when breaking news hits, the perfect shot isn’t always possible. In fact, it rarely is. What takes precedence over all of that is getting a shot at all, and conveying as much information as you can as soon as possible.

F/8 and be there transcends photography and reminds us that above all, staying present in the moment around you will unlock moments and memories that most people miss out on.

How can you use f/8 and be there more in your daily photography practice, or maybe in your day to day life at large? Let me know what you think in the comments, and check out my gallery from graduation last weekend.