Who doesn’t want to become a better photographer? No matter if you are just starting out or have been doing it for a couple of years. The one thing we can agree on is we all want to take better photos.
Is there something you can do today to change your Photography forever? Will it help you improve your photography today? Sure, it might. However, these tips are more for the long term. While some of you might see an instant change. For most of us it will take a little bit of time to see the full effect.
Below you will find five easy things you can do today that will change your Photography Forever. You won’t need expensive equipment. You won’t even need to live in the most photogenic area. Let us help you with your photography journey.
Always have your camera with you
This should come as no surprise. One of the easiest things you can do today to improve your photography forever is to always have your camera with you. No matter where you are going.
It doesn’t matter if you are just running to the store. On your way to work. Wherever you might be heading. You never know what you might come across.
Just have your camera ready to go. I bring my camera everywhere I go. It is usually sitting on my front seat or in my bag. All I have to do is pull over and start taking pictures.
This will also help you learn your camera a little more. Plus it might help you become a little more comfortable taking photos in public. I know for me I can feel a little weird taking pictures. We just have to get away from that feeling and just do it. Forget what others think we are doing and if they ask we can show them.
Use a Tripod
Besides the camera the most important piece of gear every photographer should own is a tripod. If you haven’t been using one you should start today. This will help change the way your take pictures forever.
Check out our post on Ten reason why you need a tripod.
By using a tripod you have to stop and think for a second. You can’t just freely move and snap away. You have to set up your composition. You have to pay attention to the whole scene.
Shoot in Manual Mode and Raw
You should already be shooting in manual mode but if you are not, what are you waiting for? Manual mode gives you the most control over your photographs. You can change the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Being able to adjust those three things gives you the best possible chance to have an amazing photo.
Now you should be shooting in RAW format. Not sure why? It may not help you today but it will help you out in years to come. When you get better at editing your photos you can pull out your older RAW files and edit them. RAW files hold more information than JPEGs do. So you can have more control over the color, lighting, contrast and more.
Do a photography project
You can do the classic 365 or just a 30 day project where you take a photo everyday for a set period of time. However, instead of doing something random each day give yourself a theme. Shoot the moon phases, take a picture everyday of a flower, pick a color, or just pick your favorite park. Try using the same lens or settings.
Photography projects can be fun and you can learn a lot about your camera and yourself. Just remember to pick something that you can stick to.
Slow Down
Slowing down when you are out taking pictures is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you. I wish I would have known that when I first started out. I would bounce from place to place, snapping away. I wouldn’t stop for a second and take a look around.
I missed so much from moving too fast and not slowing down. Even if it is just a little bit. Take an extra minute or two at your current location. Grab that tripod and set it up with the perfect composition.
We are all moving at a fast pace. Stop. Slow Down. Take a look around. Picture the scene in your head and capture that image. Maybe you have to wait a minute or two for a subject to come in or out of view. Just slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
BONUS: Do your homework
Another thing you can do today to change your photography forever is to do a little homework. Much like you are reading this for advice and help. Gather as much knowledge as you can. There are so many great websites and YouTube channels that are full of helpful information that can help you become a better photographer. Take a trip to a local art museum or check out a small gallery. Try to soak up as much knowledge as you can.
As you can see you don’t need the newest camera or the most expensive piece of gear. The main thing you need is time. If you start doing the five things above, it will help change your photography forever.
Do you have any tips you can add? Is there something you did that helped improve your photography? Let us know in the comments below.
Still trying to absorb as much photography knowledge as you can? Check out our post about Photography terms you need to know. Or check out our photography starting guide. Photography is a fun hobby that can get you back out in nature and exploring the world around you from many different angles.
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