10 Things I Learnt about Photography
1. IT IS A LOT MORE COMPLICATED THAN JUST PRESSING A BUTTON
Until you begin to understand the basics then it is actually rather simple, you just need to practice, practice and practice some more.
2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES
The beauty of the digital age allows you to experiment and make many, many mistakes without breaking the bank. If your idea doesn’t work or you get the wrong settings, delete and start again. But resist the temptation of become a happy shooter who just clicks away without any thought! I speak from experience and 1000’s of useless images later.
3. JOIN A PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Go to meetup groups, photowalks, talk to other photographers, attend talks and exhibitions, online courses are a great way to learn, youtube or google anything you don’t know or understand. Don’t be afraid to show off your images, accept friendly critique to improve your work. Photography is a learning curve no matter if you are a beginner or a professional, you are always improving and striving for better results.
4. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE WRONG TIME OF DAY OR BAD WEATHER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
Yes, the golden hour and the blue hour give the most beautiful light and as photographers we should only pick up our cameras during these precious moments, assuming it’s not raining…..wrong! All other times are just a little bit more challenging, and who doesn’t like a challenge! Go out in the middle of the day, look for some shade, choose your location carefully. If it’s pouring down with rain, protect your camera and go out in it. Find those wonderful reflections in puddles, people rushing down the streets under umbrellas, children in wellies, dramatic thunderous clouds. So much better than being cooped up indoors on a rainy day
5. GO OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
If you only take portraits, try landscape or wildlife. Try something new, long exposure, panning, get close and more personal to your subject. Read about new techniques and try it. You will be amazed at what you can achieve when you push yourself.
6. TRAVEL.
This is my favorite. I love to travel and I love to travel with my camera. I am very fortunate to be living in Asia where strangers generally enjoy being photographed, especially by a western woman. My camera allows me to interact, a nod and a smile bridges the language barrier. I try and learn the basics; hello, thank-you, beautiful this makes a huge difference. Show them their photo on the screen, I can almost guarantee that you will be rewarded with a huge smile, so be ready to click quickly to capture that moment, for that is often the best one.
7. IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE LENS TAKE YOUR LEAST FAVORITE AND ONLY USE THAT ONE FOR A WHILE.
I have carried my wide angled lens around for years but only use it for landscapes. Then I meet Loc Mai, a professional photographer on my travels in Vietnam, he uses his wide angle lens for everything including portraits, so I tried. I had so much fun and was amazed at the results. It certainly gave a different perspective which I hadn’t explored before.
8. GET HIGH AND GO DOWN LOW.
Try different angles, experiment. Not every photograph has to be shot at eye level.
9. PRINT YOUR FAVORITE IMAGES. HANG THEM ON THE WALL OR MAKE A PHOTO BOOK.
Don’t leave them on the SD card or on the computer. Be proud and show them off!
10. HAVE FUN!
MAY 9, 2018