Everyone should compile a list like this just to gain an
understanding of where they have come from so they can appreciate how far they
have come. It is a simple thing to do really… just think back to the beginning
of your adventure in photography and itemize all of those Aha moments you have
experienced.
My list is really easy to compile. So here it
is; "The fifty-five things I have learned that help me be a better
photographer".
1. A better
camera does not always mean better pictures. Many times I have seen some of the
best photos captured with a cheap
little point and shoot camera or even a phone.
2. Experiment. Ask yourself "What if?" all the time. What if I get down on the ground? What if I get closer? What if I apply this filter in photoshop? This is how you learn on your own.
3. Experimentation
is best done on your own time. In-other-words don't commit to something,
especially if you are being paid, if you have not successfully done it before
without fully disclosing to customer your lack of experience
4. Shoot for yourself. Photography,
like all other forms of art, is strictly objective. Unless you are shooting a
commissioned piece, shoot for yourself. Do not disregard criticism completely,
but rather use that criticism as a way learning new ways of doing things, as
different perspective. Most importantly do not take criticism to mean you are
not a good photographer. On the other side of the coin;
5. Never
compare other people's work to your own. Treat each piece as a unique piece of art. You
wouldn't compare a Van Gogh to a Jackson Pollack.
6. The only two things a photographer cannot have enough of: Batteries and Patience.
7. Three
lenses that will allow you to shoot anything, anywhere, anytime: 50mm f/1.8,
17-50mm f/2.8 and a 500mm telephoto. Everything can be shot with these three lenses.
8. Take a
camera everywhere. This does not mean take your DSLR, all lenses, flashes and
tripod. This means at least carry a point and shoot with you at all times. Even
if you may not get the shot you want, you can take a visual record of a
place or event to revisit in the future.
9. Take a
notepad and pencil with you everywhere you go and especially everywhere you
photograph. Make notes on lighting, subjects, objects and or places of
interest. Make notes on specific settings you use while shooting.
10. Photography will not make you famous.
11. Don't
shoot anything that isn't of interest to you. If you do not find people
interesting, your photos of people probably won't be interesting, regardless of
how "good" you are.
12. Allow your
emotions to help your photography. Let's face it, photography is art and art is
meant to create emotion in the viewer. If you are having a bad day, good day,
emotional rollercoaster of day or just a blah day, allow what you are feeling
to be conveyed in the work you are doing.
13. NEVER STOP
LEARNING!
14. Believe in
your talents.
15. Unless you
are shooting action shots like sports, children and active wild-life (where
they tend not to take the time to perform just for you), take the time to
compose. Composition makes or breaks a shot.
16. Use
software as a tool, not as a crutch.
17. Wherever
you are going and whatever you are doing, always take the time to observe.
19. Know your
camera. If you don't know it; learn it.
20. It is
always the photographer who makes the image what it is, not the camera. Take
ownership of that.
21. Always
dress for the weather; plus one extra layer just in case.
22. Print your
images 8x10 or larger. The results will impress you.
23. Write
about photography. Keep a journal of your advendures in photography. Writing in
and of itself is a learning process and in writing about photography you will
find there is still a lot to learn.
24. Know your
light.
25. If you
have an idea that you don't think will work; try it. In the age of digital, it
is relatively free.
26. Take
photos of yourself. You are a model that doesn't cost anything.
27. Always
carry a tripod, you may need it.
28. Get your camera off the tripod! Sometimes it is the only way to get the shot.
29. Take the time
to observe the place you are shooting before shooting.
30. Set
realistic goals. To do this, learn about the trade. Learn about the industry.
Use this knowledge to set goals for yourself that are achievable.
31. Take care
of your equipment. For without it you are as useful as a painter without a
brush or a pianist without a piano.
32. Join a
local photo group. If one does not exist, form one and lead it.
33. As your
own worst critic, be kind to yourself.
34. Study
other people's styles, but develop your own and stick to it. Although your
style will change over the years, it should continually be changing, but it
should be yours. Would you want to watch the same movie over and over? How
about read the same book over and over and over again? People don't want to
look at the same photos or photo styles over and over either. They want variety
and most of all; they want to see something new.
35. Learn to
harness your creative energies. If you seem to be running low it is probably
because you are in a rut. Do something different. Anything at all, but
different.
36. When you
are asked to criticize, be kind but be truthful.
37. Get out
and shoot. There are 100 million excuses to not go shooting, but excuses are
like armpits. Everyone has a couple and they usually stink so get out there.
38. Don't be
afraid to expose yourself a little (not literally as this may get your photo
taken at the local police station). Show the world a little about who you are
in every photo you take.
39. Learn how
to use your histogram. Can I get an Amen?
40. Always...
and I repeat; Always... shoot in Camera RAW.
41. A good photographer doesn't just pick up a camera one day and shoot prize
winning photographs. It takes time and practice to become a good photographer.
42. If you are
approaching photography properly, the best photo is the photos you will take
tomorrow.
43. Learn the
rules of photography first, then;
44. Learn when
it is okay break the rules of photography. Rules are not laws. Therefore, rules
are meant to be broken.
45. Don't
dwell on your failures. Learn from them and move on to the next. Always looking
forward and drawing on the past only to improve.
46. People in
a photograph can make many photographs better. People can add scale, character
and life to an otherwise bland scene. Don't be afraid or frustrated about
people in an area where you are going to be photographing.
47. When given
praise for your photographs, accept the praise for what it is; someone likes
your talent. Look the person in the eye and say, "Thank you, I am happy you enjoyed it".
48. As the
saying goes, "Even the most important person in the world has to sit on
the toilet at some point." Even the most successful photographer has
embarrassing moments in photography. Not all of Ansel Adams' works were
masterpieces; we only get to see the ones that were.
49. When
commenting on someone else's photograph try letting the person what in
particular you like about photograph. It doesn't have to sound sophisticated,
but it will be much more appreciated that "Wow" or
"Beautiful".
50. Regardless
of your accomplishments, there will always be people around that do not
appreciate your work. Whether it is your style, subject or you personally,
someone is not going to like the work you produce. Focus on those that do
appreciate it, but don't ignore those that don't as they are your path for growth.
51. Clouds
make a sky more interesting.
52. Snapshot
is a bad word to a photographer.
53. HDR has
its place. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
54. Never
delete a photograph off your camera. Wait to preview on your monitor it when
you get home. The little LCD on the back of the camera will never do an image
justice.
55. Don't
be lazy! If it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing because everyone would be
doing it.
There you have it. The fifty-five things I have learned about
photography. I hope that you found at least one these useful.
Until next time... happy clicking!
