Today I cover Photography Manifesto Rule #2, To Be A Half Way Decent Photographer You Must Dedicate All of Your Available Time To It. That this does not mean focusing on it 24/7, instead I urge you to keep a photographical eye on in-between moments.
The Big Ideas with Time Stamps
00:01:33 Dedicate time to photography.
00:05:43 Learn to use camera as tool for storytelling.
00:15:27 Pay attention to the world.
00:17:18 Focus on composition, not gear.
00:20:41 Shoot, don’t watch gear reviews.
Resources:
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Dedicate time to photography.
Being a halfway decent photographer requires dedication and time. It is not enough to simply buy an expensive camera and press the button, hoping for the best. To dedicate all of your time to photography means to think and see photographically in the gray areas and in the in-between moments. This can be done while driving home in the evening, while grocery shopping, or while walking the dog.
When starting out in photography, it is easy to get lost in the technical aspects of the craft. It can be difficult to understand the settings and how to make a photo that is neither too bright nor too dark. For those who are struggling with the technical side of photography, help can be found at Perfect Camera Settings dot com. There, one can find a free camera settings guide with examples of professional photos and the camera settings used to create them.
The key to being a halfway decent photographer is to dedicate all of your time to it. This does not mean to ignore all other responsibilities, but rather to think bigger. It means to pay attention photographically in the in-between moments and to always be aware of the possibilities of capturing a great photo. With dedication and time, anyone can become a great photographer.
Tools for storytelling through photography.
Photography is a form of storytelling, and the tools for telling great stories through photography are many. According to the podcast, the first tool is to learn how to use your camera as a tool. Knowing how to use the camera to take basic exposures is important, but it is not enough to make a great photograph. It is the little details that make the photograph come alive. It is the composition, the moment, the creativity, the light, and the interaction with the subject. It is also the emotion that is conveyed through the photograph.
Another tool for storytelling through photography is to pay attention to the world around you. It is to look for the mundane and see it in a different perspective. It is to wait for the perfect action shot and to capture the emotion of the moment. It is to look at the world through the lens of your camera and to see it from a different point of view.
Finally, the last tool for storytelling through photography is to freeze time. It is to capture the perfect moment and to tell a story through that moment. It is to capture the emotion and the beauty of a moment that can never be repeated again.
Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling, and with dedication and practice, anyone can become a great photographer. By learning how to use your camera as a tool, paying attention to the world around you, and freezing time, anyone can tell great stories through photography.
Pay attention to the world.
The first step to becoming a great photographer is to understand how to use your camera as a tool. Knowing how to use your camera’s settings and features will help you to create the best photos possible. It is important to understand the basics of photography, such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and composition, in order to take the best photographs. Additionally, it is important to understand the types of lenses available, as they can greatly affect the outcome of your photos.
The second step to becoming a great photographer is to pay attention to the world around you. As the saying goes, “the world is your oyster”, and it is important to take the time to explore and appreciate the beauty of the world. Whether you are driving, walking, or simply sitting in your backyard, take the time to look around and observe the world. Notice the details, such as the architecture of buildings, the colors of the sky, and the movements of people. When you take the time to observe the world around you, you will be able to capture moments that others may miss.
Finally, the third step to becoming a great photographer is to freeze time. Photography is the art of capturing a moment in time, and it is important to remember that the moment will never be the same again. By freezing time, you can capture a moment that will never be repeated. When you take the time to observe and appreciate the world around you, you will be able to capture moments that will be remembered forever.
By understanding how to use your camera as a tool, paying attention to the world around you, and freezing time, anyone can become a great photographer. Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling, and with dedication and practice, anyone can tell great stories through photography.
Shoot, not watch gear reviews.
However, it is important to be mindful of how you spend your time as a photographer. Watching gear reviews, although fun, is not the most productive way to improve your photography skills. Instead, it is more beneficial to shoot and to pay attention to the world photographically.
When you shoot, you can learn from mistakes and successes. You can identify what works and what doesn’t. You can learn how to use your camera more effectively. You can also learn how to use light and composition to create great images. Additionally, you can practice timing and learn how to freeze time.
It is also important to pay attention to the world photographically. Pay attention to light, composition, symmetry, and timing. Look at photo books and critique images. Ask yourself questions about the photos: Do you like this photo? Why do you feel that way? What is it specifically about the photo that you do or don’t like? What are they trying to say here? How would you take this photo if you were trying to tell the same story?
You can also learn by listening to conversations with photographers. Listen to podcasts, watch photography round tables on YouTube, and watch photographers go out and shoot. Hear their thoughts and their thought process.
Finally, it is important to remember that not all photography-related activities are equal. Watching gear reviews may be fun, but it is not the most productive way to become a better photographer. Gear reviews can be helpful if you know what you need and what your current camera is missing, and you are ready to invest in a new camera or lens. However, if you are not actively looking to purchase a new camera, watching gear reviews is a waste of time.
In conclusion, the most productive way to become a better photographer is to shoot, pay attention to the world photographically, and listen to conversations with photographers. Gear reviews can be helpful, but only if you are actively looking to purchase a new camera or lens. Otherwise, it is a waste of time. So, shoot, not watch gear reviews.
Focus on composition, not gear.
As a photographer, it can be easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest gear. We read reviews, watch videos, and compare specs to determine which camera or lens is the best. While there is certainly a place for this, it can become an obsession that takes away from the most important part of photography: composition.
Composition is the art of arranging the elements in a photo to create a pleasing image. It involves understanding light, shadow, moment, viewpoint, and other factors. It does not require a camera or lens to be successful. In fact, some of the best photography advice I have ever received was to take a walk without my camera and just observe the light, shadows, and other elements of the scene. This can help you develop an eye for composition and become a better photographer.
Another way to become a better photographer is to read photo books and critique your own photos and the photos of others. This will help you gain an understanding of how to create a compelling image and how to tell a story with your photos. It will also help you to understand the creative process and how to use your camera as a tool to create the images you envision.
Finally, it is important to remember that the camera is the least important part of the image. Everyone has a smartphone these days, and those phones are capable of taking technically perfect photos. To stand out from the crowd, you need to focus on composition and storytelling.