“ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper. –William Albert Allard
so, you wanna take better pictures? you wanna step up your photography game? you wanna be an artist? well, not that i’m a professional photographer or anything, but since i am aspiring to be one & feeling like i’m getting into a groove, i thought i’d share with y’all what i’ve learned along the way. mind you, this is only what i’ve picked up here & there, and mostly by trial and error, in the past year or so. i’ve wondered why i’ve begun to feel differently about my photography (in a good way), and i have concluded that it is because i am taking pictures all. the. time. i mean it. like constantly. after a year of having a camera virtually attached to me, i have finally begun to get into a groove. but, i know that i am only beginning to scratch the surface. still, the journey so far has peeked my interest even more and given me a taste of what i really want… to write & photograph all the time. for real. and make money. yes, my confidence has also grown as a photographer, and i owe it all to the fact again, that i’m taking pictures all. the. time.
so, here we go. a few tips from liz…
number one
take pictures! take them daily. all day long. everything you see. click away. be annoying about it. but, if it’s what you love, if it’s your passion. keep on clicking.
number two:
believe that you are an artist. tell yourself today that you are an artist, a photographer… because you are. no one sees the world exactly like you do. no one notices what you notice. and no one can share what you share. so embrace your calling to be an artist. because you already are one.
number three:
begin with the basics. so, what’s in my bag? well, it is actually pretty basic. sure, i’d love to have tons of crazy awesome photography equipment, but right now i don’t need it. it’s easier to get started with just a little bit of gear. not too overwhelming. besides the first thing to work on is composition – creating a good image. it’s best to play around and experiment in order to know how you work, what kinds of pictures you enjoy taking (still like, close-ups, landscapes, action shots, nature, concerts, etc.). find your niche first, i say. then you can upgrade your gear.
my photos are taken with:
- nikon 3200 dslr
- AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm
- iPhone 4S
and i edit my photos with:
- apps on my phone (a whole blog post on this coming soon!)
- photoshop (mainly to resize my photos & make them suitable for the internet)
- iPhoto (to crop, enhance, straighten).
- much more about editing photos coming later in another post!
the only thing on my wish list is this:
so, this is just the beginning. as i gather my info & thoughts & tips, i’m hoping that you will think of things you do/use and let me know. i’m no photography teacher. i’m a student of the art, just like you. and we all have something to share & give. so, if you have any tips, leave a comment & let me know. you can comment below or email me here: elre74@yahoo.com
i’m so excited about this photography journey with y’all!
now, here’s your quiz for the day!
question: what did i say at the beginning?! what is my number one tip?
answer: you got it! TAKE PICTURES! start snapping photos of any and everything. take multiple shots of the same thing, but adjust where you stand or how you focus. be bold & try something different or weird. but most importantly, take pictures of what speaks to you, of what is beautiful to you. get to know yourself & your camera.
and in a few days, i’ll have some more tips for you on composition, or how to make your photos even more amazing. but, today, we began with the foundation… you, the photographer.
so, why are you reading this still? close your computer, grab a camera, & get out there! you’re an artist!
more photo tips, a la liz, coming soon!
Great quote! inspiring post
thanks christy! that means alot coming from a great photographer like you! 🙂
Positive energy post!
You have the main part down, which is practice, practice, practice. I have also only been shooting with my professional gear for about a year now but I have gotten so much practice in that one year (travels, New York by itself, friends) – it still amazes me. Trial and error, one of the most important parts of a picture.
I agree with you that composition is a crucial element of photography, but it certainly (and unfortunately) is not all to the game… exposure time, aperture, lighting – all of these factor come into play… I know of the 35mm lens, it’s a neat thing. I was thinking about getting it, too, but then decided for the 50mm portrait lens (f/stop 1.8, very very nice, you’ll see). It’s a bit cheaper than what you want and for me it’s fulfilled a great purpose. I am thinking about wide-angled lenses next. You should try to rent a few lenses and see what you might like, it’s really helpful!
Great tips, Laura! Thanks! I know a few people who have the 35mm and really like it, especially because of the auto-focus. Of course, you are right, there is so much more to consider when taking photos. My aim, right now, is to give tips to people who have a camera & a phone, and want to “beef up” their photos – like point-and-shoot people. Plus, I’m not an expert on all of the other things yet, at least not enough to share my tips on them 🙂