Every year that comes, we make endless lists of resolutions. We are very intelligent, to propose things even if we do not always respect them. After the New Year’s hangover, I offer you a challenge you can undertake, a list of photography exercises not only to improve you as a photographer, but to enjoy your greatest love.
I propose a list, from there I will take the ideas that you like the most and the ones that are most realistic, the goal of this list of exercises or objectives is that you fulfill it and that fulfilling it does not become an obligation, but a enjoyment. Make it your quiet corner, your wish list, not your obligations. That you expect to have some free time to see what you can do from this list.
- My advice is to go to your favorite notebook or a piece of paper the ideas you want to create.
- To keep them in sight and.
- If possible.
- Make a list that you like.
- Even if you don’t believe it.
- That influences ?.
- And now we do.
- Come on.
The one who claims to discover a new author, says that he delys into himself, his work, his way of understanding the world and how he sets it up, chooses the one you want, it’s up to you how you find it. The task I propose is that you know part of his biography, how he started, if you study or analyze his work, you will be surprised what you can learn or how it can inspire you.
One idea is to watch a documentary or movie if reading makes you lazier.
Choose the one you like the most, not only to learn, but to enjoy reading, to inspire you, to delight you with its images, the one you wait for at the end of the day to delve into its pages. don’t tell him) that in the blog we usually make literary recommendations, take a look at it, you will surely find one that suits you.
Reading may not be your thing, there are also photo albums, which barely have lyrics but are full of beautiful photographs.
If I had to tell you some, although they are specific in terms of subject matter, it is clear to me, the most inspiring ones I have read this year, are Nature Inspiration of Marina Cano and Natural Landscapes of Portfolio Natural, and in both cases Although these are not the disciplines that I usually practice, they have been very motivating for me and with useful comments, advice, reflections and inspirations for photography in general , both were for me a snapshot of photographic energy, a great deal of inspiration.
It’s hard for us to get out of our comfort zone, that’s the way it is and staying in it isn’t bad if you’re happy, if you’ve found everything you need in life, if your happy veins shine, but you’re usually not used to it, right?Also, staying in a place for a long time, no long as you love it, can end up boring you.
Another reason to get out of this photo comfort zone is that, especially at first, when you learn, you don’t know what you really like, you have no idea of your ideal discipline, which will bring out the best in you. You.
You can start by taking portraits and you like it, and you feel good, but you can always try, for example, macrophotography and then you realize that you have found the love of your life (photographically speaking, of course?). That’s why I recommend you take a look at these 22 photographic disciplines and choose at least one, the one that attracts you the most, without fear you will see that we have help for everyone on the blog. Once you’ve chosen one, take the time to try it, experience it, and see how well you’ve done. And who says a lot of people say depends on the time and desire we have.
Now, if you see that you don’t enjoy, that it’s not your thing, try something else, don’t put the agony out, it’s about enjoying!
And coming out of your comfort zone, I ask you, what focus do you usually wear?Do you always wear the same lens, do you have a choice?
You usually get used to a focal length, the one that best suits the photos you take, with which you feel more comfortable, etc. Today I propose, keep in mind that you have a whole year ahead, that day, at least one day, you go out without that focus, take a completely different one (if possible, of course), you will discover another way to take photos.
Have we all ever had this photograph that resists us, the silky effect, the sweep, the discreet, a stolen portrait, birds?Each will have a different hawthorn stick. This year you can offer to resume this exercise, if you have spent some time, practice and what you learned during this period will surely help you see an improvement and see that, in the end, it is all a matter of repetition.
Then compare the results to see if it really is. If you can’t think of any photo you want to overcome, just do the comparison exercise. Find some of your first photos and compare them with your photos now. Notice the differences, you can even ask a friend (if he understands the subject better and gives you his opinion on both, if he sees any difference, etc. ). It will also be used to see how you evolve. It’s going to be a motivational injection.
And why not? Sometimes we find it very difficult to make ourselves happy, we all give them to our children, to our partners and, in many cases, we forget each other, if your greatest love is photography, why don’t you give yourself a gift?I’m sure you’re right. In addition, there are options for all budgets, see:
And if you want accessories for a specific type of photography or a type of photographer, you’re sure to find them here.
Yes, yes, you read well. It will be a photographic exercise but also a personal one. To get to know you better, because a vulgar selfie in the bathroom mirror isn’t worth it, no. It is a self-portrait in conditions, with your camera, planned, in an environment. who’s talking about you. To get it right I recommend reading this article. If you don’t have tripod don’t use it as an excuse, it’s the ideal choice, but you can also use wit and use any firm surface, floor, table, chair, etc. ?All you need is you and your camera.
If I told you that you print your photos from last year, it would probably seem more like a tedious task than something you really want to do or that really motivates you.
That’s why I’m going to propose a simpler but more effective exercise. Print your favorite photo from last year, or the last ones you took and didn’t print, for example. And send it in large-format printing, beyond the 10×15 or 13×18 that are the most typical. The size and format depends on you, because you always have the perfect place to hang it in your house, or with the person you will give it to. Ideas you have a lot here.
This exercise will help you because you will have to decide which photo to print, which is already an exercise in observation and learning and will help you see your printed photo, how colors, exposure, etc. , so I recommend that you take it to a trusted site and better if you print it on professional paper.
I know that some of you have difficulties because in the place where you live there are usually no photography exhibitions, however we are talking about the duration of an entire year, if you are getaway you can plan it with this option in mind, during your holidays, in a nearby village, enjoy the visit you make to friends or family, etc. At least try, the difference between watching a virtual exhibition like Flickr, Instagram, 500px, etc. , and contemplating a physical exposure is appalling One experience has nothing to do with the other. At least once in your life you have to enjoy it.
Once there, look at the photos individually and together. The photographs of an exhibition are carefully selected, the layout is not coincidental, the relationship between them, the format, etc. Everything has an intention, an aesthetic and a message. Take the time to look at these details and think about them. Without a doubt, this is a great exercise that you can learn and enjoy very much.
I know, as they say in my country, that it’s tearing down the house, but I don’t know if you know that this summer, to celebrate World Photography Day, we shared an article that collected all the essential articles from the photographer’s blog.
I’m not going to ask you to read them all, open them one by one and read them. No, it’s not about that, but keep that in mind, take a look at it and open the ones that really interest you. If you’re new to photography now and you’re looking for light (and not exactly the sun), you should know that you could use reading them little by little. It is a way to access basic content in an orderly and logical way.
If you are already promoting an experience in this world, I recommend that you place it in a place that you can quickly access, so that when you have a question, you can go to it. Take a look now, so I can find out better, what he can do for you.
I know that it is not an exercise that is accessible to all, to offer them a photographic getaway of those who take away their feelings, as they say in my country (my country again, I am afraid to be nostalgic today), it is not within reach of all pockets. But if so, offer it as your vacation this year. Now you have time to plan your trip.
Now, if you are a common mortal like a servant who has spent years saving for the same thing, in another life; Q, to be able to make a trip of these, do not get frustrated, I am convinced that impressive places await you a few kilometers from your house, as an anecdote I tell you that when I read this book that I have reviewed (and that I have already spoken about) it amazed me a photograph, my surprise was capitalized when I discovered in the footnote that it had been taken in my city, where I was born. that my eyes are so used that it doesn’t seem photographic at all. Right, right?
It is clear that sometimes you have to change your gaze, see with different eyes, regain your naivety, as if it were a new place. If you can’t escape outside, do so inside. Instead of lugging your luggage, unload your backpack bias;).
My advice is to go wherever you go accompanied by people who share your same love, or at least be patient to wait whatever it takes for you to take a photo, don’t forget it’s a photo getaway. It’s about enjoying it but also being able to enjoy your camera however you want, it’s better to escape without anyone else or very close to home than to go to the other side of the world with someone who despairs every time you stop to take a photo.
Well, here’s my proposal. I think it’s a very affordable and realistic list, although this is something you’ll have to decide, if you want to delete or add an exercise customize it, for now I put it in my office. Because I offered to do it, what if you don’t believe me?
Indeed, I skipped the number 10 but this article was written by me, I spent many hours (and gladly) selecting the essential elements, therefore a task more than accomplished;).
If you liked this article or know someone who may be interested, do not hesitate to share it on your favorite social network, let’s all enjoy what we love the most.
Good photography! Happy New Year 2019!