5 photography tips from an amateur // Not a post story

Disclaimer:
I'm not anywhere near pro, there are way better photographers on Steemit. And I’m not sure I’m the right person to deliver any photography tips, but there's a couple I try to keep in mind as I shoot.

Since there’s many other photographers who are giving technical tips – I thought I’d give a few practical ones.

// Just go shoot & practice

 

 

Someone mentioned in the comments of one of my last posts about "practice". I absolutely agree, photography is practice,practice and lots of practice.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours failing, and even after that I’m still an amateur. I spend a lot of time out in the mountains, so most of the time - “you get what you get and can’t get upset.” But I’m used to having my camera on me and clicking away. Many of my photos don’t turn out, some do, but most don't. Don't get discouraged, just keep at it. In fact I have thousands of photos I wouldn’t show anyone. But there’s usually one that’s workable (at least I hope.)

Tip 1: I’ve learned not to try to take the perfect shot, but to take many of the same shot over and over in slightly different ways, and different compositions. Move to the left, to the right, shoot it in portrait, in landscape. You get the idea.

// Find new inspiration

 

Personally I give myself tasks, like only shoot up or only shoot from the chest, shoot only in one city block. Or crouch down – I can’t count number of times people have looked at me funny for lying on my belly on the pavement (standing up with gum stuck to my shirt.) Sit on a bench, and just shoot what passes by.

Tip 2: Set a task – give yourself a job and stick to it. I guarantee it’ll give you more to shoot.

// Have patience

 

 

A photographer friend of mine used to tell me. "When in doubt, wait longer." It's good advice. Too often I see people, walk up, snap a couple of quick shots and then leave. Waiting a couple extras seconds could mean that something is perfectly centered or a sunset looks a little different. Waiting a couple extra minutes means a lake is like glass, rather than full of waves. A couple of extra hours could mean that animals show up.

Tip 3. Just wait. Time rewards photographers (except maybe sports photogs).

// Ask

 

This is something I'm terrible at, and I have to force myself to do. Most great portraits come from just asking someone if you can take a picture. It's scary walking up to someone you don't know and asking if you can take a picture of them. But some of my favorite portraits have come from just taking the time to ask.

Tip 4. Talk to people.

// Genius steals

 

If you see a style you like, try to emulate it. Get the same lines, try for the same composition. And then give it your own twist. All artists are inspired by others, the great ones find their own versions of what has come before. I'm not saying copy things directly - but it's ok to be inspired.

Tip 5. Be inspired by others.

One last technical tip, I learned waaaaaay too late:

If you don't already. Shoot RAW if you can. Editing is a photographers friend, and without access to all the data you're working at 1/4 power.

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Anyhow - I hope you find something in here useful, or at a minimum makes you get out and shoot something soon. Oh, and a big thanks to @jrswab for pushing me to write something a little longer.

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All photos are taken by me. If you like the photo or/and story drop me an updoot or a comment!
If you want to see more make sure you follow @jfolkmann
Thanks!