10 Thoughts on Photography I Must Tell You...
By Michelle Peters
9 April 2007
1. Always.
We can all take a page from the company manual from that very large retail chain store and use this motto. ALWAYS carry your camera with you. To the store, to work, to the park, to dinner....I mean everywhere! You never want to hear yourself say, "Oh that's the perfect shot! I WISH I had my camera with me!". I learned my lesson with this one early on in my obsessed hobby. I am now NEVER seen without it. Some people have remarked about it, but I simply ask them how many times have they said, "Oh I wish I had my camera!". There ends the conversation.
2. Stop and smell the roses.
If you are driving along and see something that catches your photographic eye, STOP! Even if you are running late. It is a much better feeling to get that shot, than to get to work 5 minutes late anyhow! If you don't get the picture you will always regret not stopping to capture the moment. Better yet. Perpetually leave 15 minutes earlier than you need and take your time. Then, if you see a great photo op, you can stop and not be late. And even better yet. If you don't have any photo ops come by, you will always be early or on time. I have also learned to take different routes to work, or the grocery store, or any place you frequent. The scenes change with the seasons and time of day, so you never know what you might come across. And that sneaky inspiration can strike at any time!
3. Ignorance is bliss.
Do not look at the screen! Look away from the screen! Don't look at that little LCD screen after every shot you make. Just shoot. Look later. It takes you away from the spontaneity of the moment. And for heaven's sake, do not use the screen to compose the shot either! First, you look ridiculous to bystanders, and secondly, you are likely to create camera shake and geet blurry images because you are holding the camera out in the mid air. Also, if you are trying to use a zoom option while looking at the screen, you will get nothing but blur. Use the viewfinder!
4. Two-thirds of The Thirds.
The Rule of Thirds is not etched in stone. You won't be chased around by the camera police if you don't use it. You may not always need to use it to accomplish fantastic shots. HOWEVER, it is a reliable tool in composition of an image. My 'rule' is to "Use the Rule of Thirds about 2/3 of the time'. Sometimes, you need it, sometimes you just don't! In the beginning you may find you use it quite a bit with good results. After some practice, practice, practice, you will find that you have developed an 'eye' for what looks good.
5. Techno-savvy.
Buy the most up-to-date camera and equipment that you can afford, but if you are just starting out, you may want to be a bit 'cheap' until you get a feel for what you like in a camera. The technology in our digital age advances fast, so by purchasing the best you can, when you can, gives you a step ahead when you are trying to get the best shots. They say the camera does not make the photographer, but I say, it certainly can't hurt! You can also trade up to newer equipment easier in the future if your camera isn't from some cheap online discount knock-off. And support your local businesses when you can.
6. Carry Spares.
When you buy your camera, absolutely purchase an EXTRA battery and an EXTRA camera card. Those are two necessities that you must carry with you at all times as far as I am concerned. Wouldn't you hate to be in the perfect place, with the perfect scene, situate yourself to take the shot, and BAM, the battery dies. The worst I've experienced is having to run back to my car 'cause my spare was in my jacket pocket instead of my camera bag by mistake. Oh, and just as bad, the card is full? Dang that would annoy me! I had it happen once. The next day I bought 2 backup cards. And don't waste your money on a card less than 512mb. These days they don't hold near the pictures we'd all like.
7. Shoot for You.
The world is full of critiques. Everyone has an opinion these days and they aren't afraid to say it out loud. But keep your images to YOUR liking. Critiques are just that. A suggestion of someone else's vision of your photography. Take them in, but not to heart. Take pictures to make 'you' happy. If other's find fault, and you agree, great! You just learned something for next time 'round. If others find your work pleasing, than that is the bonus!
8. A Single Daily Dose.
Take at least one picture each day. Sort of a photo diary (or Phlog if you please). Even if you don't feel into it. Just pick up the camera, point it at an object or person and click the shutter. If you still don't feel into taking a few shots, then you are only out for about 30 second of time. But, more than likely, you will suddenly get that funny tw tch on your trigger finger and away you will go to find more.
9. Back It Up.
Computer hard drive failure. Quite possibly the worse phrase for a digital photographer to read their computer screen, or to hear from the lips of their friendly neighborhood technology geek. Use CD's to back up your hard drive and save your pictures. To loose 3 years worth of moments and memories due to some slip of the digits would be a tragedy. Back them up every time you add more. I say this from very sad experience.......
10. Room for Improvement.
Never assume or imply that you know it all. I certainly don't. None of us can know everything about every aspect of digital photography. Some may have their expertise, but there is quite simply not a 'Jack of All Trades'. Learning is forever. Constantly be on the lookout for new and exciting technology or equipment. If a particular photo interests you, find out how the photographer did it and attempt it for yourself. Join your local photography/camera club. Your work is only as interesting as your technique and subjects. Always strive for something new a different in your repitoire.
~Michelle M. Peters
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