Stepping out with your camera shouldn’t be a stressful process. For me, primary goal is to enjoy the process rather than looking for an award winning shot.
Below are a few of my thoughts about the thing I focus on when I’m out and about.
Embrace the moment.
Step outside with an open mind and let go of any pressure to take the next award winning picture. You’ll find that after applying this idea, better images will follow. Try focusing on the experience itself, the fresh air, the sounds, the light etc.
Explore your surroundings.
Wander! Even if it’s somewhere you are familiar with. If you’re paying enough attention, I guarantee you will see something new. Equally, if there is somewhere further afield that you have always wanted to go, then go! Look for interesting details, patterns, textures and colours. Light and shadows.
Experiments and compositions.
My ‘go to’ is usually the rule of thirds, but I always try something creative, try different angles and perspectives. Different focal lengths. try looking for leading lines or lines of symmetry, or unique viewpoints.
Observe mindfully.
Slow down and observe. Notice how the light falls, the ripples of water, the way shadows dance. The details! Remember, photography is about seeing, not just capturing.
Appreciate imperfections.
Don’t worry if your photos aren’t perfect. Sometimes the beauty lies in the flaws. Something one of my old art teachers told me, which I’ve applied to my photography is; if you create something you don’t like, for whatever reason, keep it for one year then revisit it. Almost every time I have kept the image, or at most, a smell edit. Capture the mundane - the peeling paint on a fence, raindrops on a leaf.
Disconnect from technology.
Put your phone on silent or even leave it behind. Do any research beforehand, this leaves you to be present in the moment. Photography is a medium for connecting with the world and the environment around you, not just documenting it.
Find piece in the process.
Always try to let go of the stress and the expectations and enjoy the act of composing a shot. Relax, breathe and let your creativity flow. it wont happen from the first shot but it will happen.
So, with all that being said, remember the joy of photography lies not only in the final images but also in the journey of seeing and appreciating the world around you.
Happy shooting.
Photography is a wonderful and rewarding hobby, but it’s uncommon to feel discouraged at times for many different reasons. I know I was.
Below are a few of my thoughts about discouragement and how it can hinder your photographic journey, and perhaps so not to fall into that trap.
The comparison trap.
Easy to compare your work to others, especially when social media showcases everyone’s best shots. Remember, people will share their highlights, not their struggles, instead of comparing, focus on your own progress, celebrate the small victories and improvements.
Quality versus quantity.
Don’t be disheartened by the number of likes or shares, social media algorithms can be unpredictable and hard to work out. Work on creating meaningful images over chasing popularity because quality matters over quantity.
Embrace the learning curve.
Photography is a skill that takes time to learn and develop. Everyone starts somewhere! View mistakes as learning opportunities, each shot will tell you something new.
Set realistic goals.
Aim for personal growth rather than instant fame and set achievable goals for yourself. Whether it’s mastering a new technique or capturing a specific subject, focus on progress.
Take small steps, don’t work too much at once it will just stress you out.
Find your niche.
Explore different genres of photography and see which one resonates with you the most, it may be more than one. Once you find your niece, immerse yourself in it completely. Passion fuels creativity.
Seek constructive feedback.
Share your work with photographers or mentors who can provide honest feedback. Constructive criticism helps you grow, don’t take it personally, use it to improve.
Remember the joy.
When you’re feeling disheartened, reconnect with the joy of photography, capture moments that inspire you, whether it’s a beautiful landscape, a candid portrait or a playful pet, find joy in the process
Learn post processing.
Post processing can enhance your photos significantly. Experiment with some different editing tools. Remember that even professional photographers edit for the rally come out straight from the camera.
Join our community.
Try connecting with other photographers through local clubs, online forums or workshops. Sharing experiences and learning from others can boost your motivation.
Celebrate the small wins.
Don’t wait for viral fame, celebrate every small achievement - a well composed image, successful experiment or a positive comment. Photography is about personal fulfilment, not external validation.
Photography is an art form and it’s okay to have ups and downs, stay passionate, keep learning and enjoy the journey!