5 streetwise ways you can improve your photography and get inspired
As photographers, we all know that knowledge is more important than gear. So, if you’re are passionate about photography, improving your skills, and gaining valuable knowledge – read on. I’m going to share with your 5 streetwise ways you can improve your photography and get inspired.
Whitby fishing boat
1) Join your local camera club
If you thought that camera clubs were full of old dudes with beards drinking tea, well think again!
If you’ve never been to your local camera club, you will be amazed at the depth and wealth of knowledge those guys have. My local club also pay professional photographers to give talks, so what are you waiting for?
Many camera clubs also have specialist sub-groups who focus on a genre or subject.
2) Join specialist online forums
If you live somewhere miles away from the nearest club and don’t want to start one, the internet is full of passionate specialist interest groups on photography.
Just sign up and be a part of the community. In exchange you will have access to lots of information, you can chat with other photographers who are happy to help you improve your skills. Make sure you share and get involved – listen to constructive criticism and read a lot !
Whitby
3) Attend local photographers meetups
Weather you’re a strobist or a car photographer, local meetups are a great way to make new friends and learn stuff. They do tend to be based around a specialism or genre, so spend an hour on Google and you’ll be amazed what’s on your door step.
If you’re nervous, take a friend and remember to introduce yourself and get involved.
Catton Hall
4) Assist more experienced photographers
One of the best ways to learn for free and get privileged insight into the world of professional photographers is to assist one.
Find local professionals and offer them your help assisting for free. Even if is making tea, holding lights or carrying heavy equipment around all day – you will still gain massive experience of being on the set with an experienced photographer.
There are a few rules you should follow:
– Don’t ask too many questions during the photo-shoot, if you need to ask do it after or during break.
– Don’t take pictures with your camera during their photo-shoot, try to make observations. In fact observing is one of the best lessons
– Never be late!
– Don’t get too involved and don’t try to do things when you haven’t been asked.
– Always be there when you are needed
After the shoot it’s worth asking the photographer to give you advice or get an honest review of your work.
5) Visit photography festivals
Photography festivals are an amazing opportunity to attend talks, workshops, portfolio reviews, meet other photographers and many events are free. Here’s a list of a few left for this year:
October
• Newcastle Photo Fest, Newcastle (UK), 20 – 26 October
• Brighton Photo Biennial, Brighton (UK), 4 October – 2 November
I don’t really like to put myself in any genre of photography and ideally I say – “I just take pictures of people”. It doesn’t matter if it’s a record cover for musicians, look-book or campaign for fashion designer.
Philosophy:
You need to take your time to produce anything. There is no time limit to create things, there is no need to rush if you want to become a good photographer, take little step at the time, think what you can improve and then take another step until you get to the top – but remember there is never top. Photography is life time project there is always new challenges. Don’t waste your time doing things you don’t enjoy and just follow your soul.
Saltburn Peir
Influences and Inspirations
• Szymon Brodziak >> http://www.szymonbrodziak.com/
Great style and imagination. His images tell me that I need to work harder to be where I want to be.
• Joey L >> http://www.joeyl.com/
Amazing lighting technique, fascinating personal projects, top video tutorials and fact that he get so far at young age.
• Andrzej Dragan >> http://www.andrzejdragan.com/
Different Look at the photography, professor of quantum physics