Why is it that people still seem to think that if they buy a camera, they will be great photographers without any practice? How often have you heard “Well, I need to have a better camera to get those shots?” The average person still doesn’t see it as a skill or an art. They don’t understand that there is much to learn to be successful with your photography. There are several things that will help any photographer be better:
- Develop an eye – Train yourself to see things differently. Sometimes a shift in perspective can take an ordinary photograph, and make it extraordinary.
- Patience – the shot you want may not be there right at that moment, but sometimes if you wait just a few minutes, the light will change, the right cloud will move in, etc. giving you the chance to really capture the right image. Don’t be in a rush all the time.
- Willingness to learn the basic rules of photography – Learn about the exposure triangle, the rules of thirds, appropriate lighting, and all of the other gems. Then learn how to break those rules when necessary.
- Know how your equipment works – Whether you are using a point and shoot, a digital SLR, or a cellphone, you need to know the available functions. You don’t need an expensive camera to take great photos, but if you buy one, you damn sure better know how to take it off of “Auto”. Take the time to know your equipment, even if it means just trying all of the settings in your front yard or living room, then open the photos on your PC and see how those settings affected the shot. The best camera to have is the one that is with you. These days almost everyone has a camera with them at all times…on their phone. And if you think you can’t get a good photo with your phone, I give you exhibit A, which was taken with my mobile phone because it was all I had with me: https://500px.com/photo/144104069/painted-fishing-boat-by-leah-palmer
- Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Sure, you like taking pictures of flowers, or your children, but there is a whole big world out there. Try taking photos of different subjects, or shooting in a different method or mode. Not sure what to try that’s new and different? Search the Internet for photography projects or ideas; or find a Flickr group that had different challenges each week. I learned so much by just trying something new and stepping out of my comfort zone. I learned more about my camera, different techniques, and new styles than I ever thought I would try. It opened my world and sharpened my skills.
- Most importantly, never forget to actually stop and watch what’s going on around you. If you are out shooting a sunrise, make sure you actually see it, and not just through a lens. I see more people spending time taking pictures than actually taking in the beauty around them. No matter how good a photographer you are, actually having the experience is even better.
What brought this on, you ask? I participate in two local photography groups. Today, I took in a couple of magazines that had lists of projects for folks to try (See #5). One woman looked through the magazine, and then put it down, and said, “The problem is they don’t tell you how to do it on your camera.” So, I pointed out to her that she was missing the point, and if she wanted to do one of the projects, she should figure out how to do it with her camera, and then she would be learning too. She’s just one of those folks who is missing out on #2, #3, #4, and #5, and for that reason, she will never be a true photographer.
Here are a couple of Flickr groups to check out. It isn’t the beginning of a list of what’s available out there. Don’t be afraid if you see the word “Contest”. Just know that you will learn something.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/beginner_digital_photography_challange/
https://www.flickr.com/groups/weekend_assignment/
https://www.flickr.com/groups/activeassignment/