Whether you’re a career photographer or simply a hobbiest, finding ways to improve your pictures is likely at the forefront of your mind. It can often seem impossible to up your photography game without having to spend an age editing your pictures, and such a poor solution fails at improving your skills, too. Luckily, learning how to increase your photography skills needn’t be as difficult as you might expect, as there are several simple tips and tricks that you can make the most of to see a real difference in no time at all. So, if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on to uncover 4 of the best steps that you can follow to take your photography to a whole new level now!
via pexels
#1 – Upgrade Your Equipment
The thought of upgrading your equipment may encourage your pockets to shrink due to the associated costs that are generally required in such a task, but this doesn’t have to be the case. You don’t need to head out and buy a whole new camera, as you might be able to up your game by simply investing in a few helpful accessories that cost a considerable amount less! For example, many people struggle with a steady hand when taking photographs, and this can have a negative effect upon the pictures (or videos) that you take – however, you can easily purchase a camera stabilizer that encourages your lens to remain still with smooth movements despite any jolting movements that you make. Searching for a portable/collapsible light reflector that you can carry with you on location can also be of real benefit, as extra light allows you to capture every detail and makes colours really pop.
If you want to take it one step further and improve your photography game like never before, investing in a drone such as the DJI Mavic Air 2S will transform your capabilities. You’ll be able to take aerial shots, reaching places that you may never be able to physically access without the assistance of your new gadget, so it’s definitely a worthwhile accessory that can improve your portfolio and add a unique aspect to your work.
Sometimes just having the right case and cover for your camera can help you to take your photography more seriously, and a neck strap will inspire you to take your camera out with you more frequently therefore increasing your opportunity to snap a few shots. Never doubt the importance of photography accessories in your quest to improve your pictures!
#2 – Never Stop Searching For Inspiration
Sitting inside, waiting for an amazing photography opportunity to slap you in the face is going to be a long and miserable process, as you need to get out there and start searching for inspiration as often as you can. If you enjoy landscape photography, take weekly trips out to nearby natural beauty spots to scour for potential locations. Research online for other places that you can visit that maintain a wealth of different featureful outdoor spots, and spend the day wandering around with your camera in hand!
If you enjoy portrait photography and love nothing more than snapping the perfect picture of an eye catching face, scrolling through model sites and even social media can connect you with talented individuals who can soon become your muse. Perhaps high fashion is more your thing? Book yourself a (virtual) ticket to one of the many fashion weeks that explode onto the scene every few months, and be sure to stay up to date with popular clothing magazines to view the latest trends and crazes for ultimate inspiration.
Another brilliant tip that can be of benefit for every photographer is to avoid FOMO like the plague – accepting invitations, whether they’re for dinner, days out or even a simple walk, will open up a bunch of opportunities for you to take some creative unplanned shots to add to your portfolio.
#3 – Follow Other Creatives
Though you may be completely involved in your own world of photography, making an effort to follow other creatives can actually help your picture game more than you might imagine. As previously mentioned, social media can be the ideal platform for you to source different creatives from models to stylists, other photographers and so much more.
Taking the time to seek out other creatives can be a brilliant way to up your game, as you can use them as both inspiration and guidance in your quest to improve your skills. Many popular and professional photographers post how-to guides as well as handy hacks that you can utilize to better your photographs. Models and stylists may request collaboration with upcoming photographers that you can get involved with, and this can be a great way to get your name out there if you’re looking to pursue a successful career.
It’s important that you don’t make the mistake of comparing yourself or your capabilities to any other experienced creatives that you find, as they likely had access to a variety of pathways and opportunities that you can’t obtain. You and your individual style are totally unique, so never try to live up to someone else’s expectations it compromises your aesthetic or preference.
#4 – Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
If you’re getting bored with visiting the same places or shooting the same models, you needn’t be afraid to experiment in order to break free from your repetitive cycle. Limiting yourself by failing to step out of your comfort zone can have a considerable impact on your photography as a whole, so it’s vital that you don’t confine or control yourself in such a way that will detract from your finished photography. You never know what wonderful things may happen when you loosen the reigns and spread your wings to fly elsewhere, as you may end up identifying a whole new niche that suits you better than any other aesthetic previously has!
Don’t worry if some of your experiments don’t quite turn out as pleasing as you initially expected, as the whole process is a big learning curve and you need to make mistakes in order to learn and grow. Avoid beating yourself up and simply add those shots to your inspiration bank, as you never know when they may come in handy in the future. Even making the mistake of sticking to one specific setting on your camera can impact negatively upon your pictures, as you need to experiment with different contrasts and focuses to make each photograph stand out and peak the viewer’s interest.
Upping your photography game isn’t a short time process, as it may take several months for you to figure out how you can take your skills to a whole new level. When it comes to snapping the best pictures, having sufficient equipment to tackle each and every scenario will lay the foundations for brilliant work. Utilizing stabilizers and light reflecting sheets can make your photography take on a more professional feel.
Always remain on the lookout for inspiration that you can use to create new and exciting styles, and never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to experiment and trial as many different shots as possible. Follow other creatives that can guide you in the right direction and offer handy tips and tricks, as those who have years of experience in the industry can offer a wealth of knowledge to benefit your photography. There’s no time like the present to begin evolving as a photographer, so what are you waiting for?
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