If you want to make rapid progress in photography, you will agree with me that you shouldn’t sit back and do nothing.
But even with the best will in the world, it’s not necessarily easy… The hardest thing is to know where to start.
So today, I’m offering 10 common sense tips that will help you head in the right direction.
1. Get trained
It is the basis of everything and surely the most important item on this list.
If you are a beginner, learn the technical basics to become autonomous with your box.
If you have experience, learn how to be more creative to make pictures that are out of the ordinary.
Whatever your current level is, get in shape. This is the most effective shortcut to progress in photography.
2. Practice, practice and practice some more.
Mastering theoretical concepts is good. Knowing how to apply them concretely is much better!
While practicing, you will face difficulties and you will have to overcome them. That’s how you will gain experience.
3. Take pictures at least once a week
Consistency always gives better results.
It’s better to practice a little every week rather than practicing a full week every 6 months.
4. Set limits
When you’re taking pictures, sometimes you can go all over the place. A good way to stay focused is to set limits.
On your next photo shoot, focus on a single type of subject, use a single focal length, or limit yourself to 10 shots.
This will force you to think harder before taking pictures. And you’ll discover interesting possibilities that you might have overlooked without setting these limits.
5. Don’t think a high-end camera is going to solve all your problems.
A good camera helps. But it’s not enough to take good pictures. You also have to know how to use it…
Worse, if you choose a camera that’s too complex, you may get lost in the profusion of settings and be disgusted with the picture.
6. Don’t waste time on your camera gadgets.
Transferring your photos by wifi to your computer is great, but you can do without it!
Instead, focus on the important things like exposure and focus settings.
7. Test new things
If you keep taking the same pictures over and over again, you’re likely to stagnate pretty quickly.
As soon as you can, try to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.
For example, you can try to vary the viewing angles to get more original photos.
It’s incredible the difference in rendering that can be obtained by slightly modifying its position.
8. Observe the light
I’m not going to betray any secrets by saying that light is one of the main factors in the success of a photo.
As soon as you take a picture, try to analyse the light that illuminates the subject.
Does this light enhance the subject? Does it serve it? How should we position ourselves to make the most of this light?
9. Be curious
Read books, go to exhibitions, look at the portfolios of experienced photographers. It’s important to nourish your mind with the work of other photographers.
10. Show your photos
I know, it can be scary sometimes to show your pictures. But it’s the best way to get feedback.
Avoid relying too much on the opinions of those close to you, they are rarely objective… Try instead to get closer to people who can give you constructive criticism.
I hope that this advice will help you and help you see things more clearly.
Don’t hesitate to reread them when you are lacking inspiration or when you have a drop in motivation.
Discussion about this post