The creative checklist
I find that it always helps to create a mental checklist of things to follow with each shot. This is my personal list that I keep in the back of my mind to serve as a guideline when I produce content. Adapt it as you wish!
Lighting - am I using large, soft, diffused lighting evenly on my scene? Do I have a hint of flecto on the dial? Is everything exposed properly?
Composition - have I filled the frame? Does it look balanced? Is my subject showcased?
Watch cleanliness - do I have a clean dial? No dust, smudges, or misaligned bezels?
Colour palette - have I used colours complementary to the image? or have I provided colour contrast to help the subject stand out?
Props - do my props make sense to the overall mood/story being created? Do they represent my style?
Depth - do I have elements in the foreground and background of the subject to create depth in the image?
Camera settings - have I used the right shutter speed, F-stop, and ISO settings for my desired image to ensure sharpness and clarity?
Creativity - Has this photo already been done or is it something fresh? If it’s been done before, what am I doing differently?
Context - How does this fit in the overall context of my grid and style?
Tips -
Don’t disassemble everything just yet! Sometimes it’s hard to tell if there’s something wrong with the photo until the moment you’re editing it. it could be something small such as a misaligned bezel, dust on the dial, something off with the composition, or even a slightly blurry photo. Having the setup still there then allows you to re-shoot the photo, which can make all the difference when you’re aiming for perfection to really showcase your skills!
Change perspectives! Rearrange the props around a few times, maybe try different focal lengths during the same shoot. You never know what you might end up liking more in post processing!
Don’t be afraid to take risks. I’ve had a few photos that I thought wouldn’t be successful (based on my taste), yet did well with the community!
Get another perspective! If you have someone else in the house, doesn’t hurt to get their opinion before posting!