Very few people just pick up a camera and immediately start taking amazing pictures. I don't think I have ever come across anyone like that - not even in the art history books. Becoming a better photographer is a practice. Looking through the lens slowly changes the way that you see. It doesn't just change the way you see images, it really changes the way that you see the world. Dorthea Lange said it perfectly, "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera".
Learning to be a better photographer is a combination of training your eye to see in a new way and learning the technical controls of your camera. The technical part is the easiest. It's a matter of memorizing numbers, learning technique and repeating it often enough that it becomes second nature. While I say it's the easy part, that doesn't mean it's quick or really that easy. I still struggle with certain technical aspects of the craft. I say easiest because anyone can learn the technical part so long as you give it time and study. The more difficult part is learning to see. The good news is that learning to see is the most fun and rewarding part.
While you slowly absorb the f-stop and shutter speed numbers and memorize which number produces what result, I suggest you find little projects for yourself that challenge your eye. I tell all of my students that you need to start with subjects that allow you time to think. You need to carve out quiet time to wander around with your camera, try the various controls and shoot scenes from all different angles. You have to have time to focus (no pun intended) and make room for your creative self to unfold. One of my favorite times to shoot is when I travel. I love being in a new place with time to walk around by myself with a camera. The combination of unfamiliar surroundings and alone time really stimulates my creativity.
So, with this mind, I want you to assign yourself a project. It can be anything. If you're a professional photographer, try something you don't normally shoot. If you're a new shooter, grab anything. How about starting a photo collection? One of my personal photographic collections is my set of self portraits. I collect images of myself in reflection. I love how it puts me in the image but I still get to take it. I also love how it feels kind of like a graffiti scrawl, "Farrah was here".
Or maybe you could try the 365 day project? Take one photo every day for a year.
Photograph waterdrops
Or photograph yourself standing on a bench every Monday
Collect silhouettes
Shoot the pavement
Shoot like a minimalist
Photograph only in black and white
Grab a photo history book like this one and get inspired by masters of street photography like Walker Evans, Eugene Atget and Robert Frank. Robert Frank's book, The Americans, is one of my personal favorites.
I could go on and on. The point is, shoot anything. Find something that moves you and chase it. Learn to see it. I hope you'll also share it with us. Leave links to your blogs and Flickr streams on Friday when I post my favorite shot from the week. Join our Monday Lesson group on Flickr. Have you taken a class with me? Join the Snap Click Shoot group on Flickr. Come be inspired by my wednesday afternoon class of teenagers and their photo explorations.
One last thing, be gentle on yourself as you practice. Don't be shy either. Share your work and connect with others who are out there shooting. Feedback is good and looking at images helps you grow too. Just remember, nothing worthwhile comes easily.
Learning to be a better photographer is a combination of training your eye to see in a new way and learning the technical controls of your camera. The technical part is the easiest. It's a matter of memorizing numbers, learning technique and repeating it often enough that it becomes second nature. While I say it's the easy part, that doesn't mean it's quick or really that easy. I still struggle with certain technical aspects of the craft. I say easiest because anyone can learn the technical part so long as you give it time and study. The more difficult part is learning to see. The good news is that learning to see is the most fun and rewarding part.
While you slowly absorb the f-stop and shutter speed numbers and memorize which number produces what result, I suggest you find little projects for yourself that challenge your eye. I tell all of my students that you need to start with subjects that allow you time to think. You need to carve out quiet time to wander around with your camera, try the various controls and shoot scenes from all different angles. You have to have time to focus (no pun intended) and make room for your creative self to unfold. One of my favorite times to shoot is when I travel. I love being in a new place with time to walk around by myself with a camera. The combination of unfamiliar surroundings and alone time really stimulates my creativity.
So, with this mind, I want you to assign yourself a project. It can be anything. If you're a professional photographer, try something you don't normally shoot. If you're a new shooter, grab anything. How about starting a photo collection? One of my personal photographic collections is my set of self portraits. I collect images of myself in reflection. I love how it puts me in the image but I still get to take it. I also love how it feels kind of like a graffiti scrawl, "Farrah was here".
Or maybe you could try the 365 day project? Take one photo every day for a year.
Photograph waterdrops
Or photograph yourself standing on a bench every Monday
Collect silhouettes
Shoot the pavement
Shoot like a minimalist
Photograph only in black and white
Grab a photo history book like this one and get inspired by masters of street photography like Walker Evans, Eugene Atget and Robert Frank. Robert Frank's book, The Americans, is one of my personal favorites.
I could go on and on. The point is, shoot anything. Find something that moves you and chase it. Learn to see it. I hope you'll also share it with us. Leave links to your blogs and Flickr streams on Friday when I post my favorite shot from the week. Join our Monday Lesson group on Flickr. Have you taken a class with me? Join the Snap Click Shoot group on Flickr. Come be inspired by my wednesday afternoon class of teenagers and their photo explorations.
One last thing, be gentle on yourself as you practice. Don't be shy either. Share your work and connect with others who are out there shooting. Feedback is good and looking at images helps you grow too. Just remember, nothing worthwhile comes easily.