The 20-60-20 Rule Behind Paul Nicklen's Unseen Shots

Developing a personal style in photography is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, experimentation, and self-belief. As Paul Nicklen explains, this process is not something that can be achieved overnight. It's a lifelong endeavor where the way you capture images continues to evolve with time. Embracing this evolution is essential for growth as a photographer.

Commitment to Growth

Embarking on a career in photography means making a commitment to yourself. This involves developing your eye, expanding your knowledge, nurturing self-belief, and staying focused on your goals. Understanding how professional editors work can also play a crucial role in shaping your own approach. For instance, learning from the editing process used by National Geographic has been invaluable for many photographers.

When working on an assignment, it's common to take thousands of images. Editors then narrow these down to a manageable number, often selecting only a handful of standout shots. This process helps identify which images truly resonate and have the potential to live on as meaningful photographs. It's not just about capturing "home run" images but also recognizing the supporting shots that help tell a complete story.

Finding Your Style

One of the most important lessons from the early days of my career was understanding how National Geographic edits its photography. This model continues to influence my work today. The key is to find your unique style while remaining open to feedback and growth.

For example, I've always been drawn to wildlife and nature photography. My preference is to create full-frame images that focus on the eyes or mouth of an animal, or to capture the grandeur of a landscape. These types of images speak to me, but they may not always align with what editors expect. It's important to remember that different platforms have different needs. A strong journalistic image tells a clear story with context and consequence, while fine art invites interpretation and emotion.

The 20-60-20 Philosophy

To push myself creatively, I use a technique I call the "20-60-20 philosophy." This approach allows me to balance practicality with experimentation. The first 20% of my time is spent capturing sharp, usable images that meet basic technical standards. This ensures that I have a solid foundation to build upon.

The next 60% of my time is dedicated to creative exploration. Here, I experiment with techniques like rear sync flash or complex compositions. This is where I often produce my best work, as it allows me to push the boundaries of my skills and creativity.

Finally, the last 20% is reserved for "Hail Mary" shots—images taken when conditions are challenging or when I'm exhausted. These moments often lead to unexpected results. For example, during a dive in strong currents off the British Columbia coast, I took a 20-second handheld exposure that resulted in a unique image. This experience led to a new idea involving organic dye to track ocean currents, which eventually became a published photograph.

Embracing the Process

The key takeaway from this approach is that growth happens through experimentation and pushing beyond comfort zones. The techniques tested in the final 20% of a shoot may one day become part of your regular skillset. This continuous cycle of learning and adapting is what makes photography such a rewarding field.

Conclusion

Finding your voice as a photographer is a process that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore. By staying true to your vision while remaining open to feedback and growth, you can develop a unique style that resonates with others. Whether you're capturing wildlife, landscapes, or everyday moments, the goal is to tell a story that connects with your audience.