Several years ago, I started blogging for my original photography site. One of the articles I wrote up, was a short blog that included a list of ten things to help make an individual a better photographer, and I intended to be able to keep doing a list of “top tens,” for my readers. However, due to my university schedule at the time, I was unable to make that work out.


Now that I have more time due to the lack of university, I am able to make that up by doing more photography work. I also am hoping to add some of these “top tens,” in as a usual blog routine of mine.


So here’s my Top Ten list of things I’ve learned that’s helped me become a better photographer. They are in no specific order, but are things that that I found helped make me a better photographer. Hopefully, they help you too!


TOP TEN

  1. Get Outside and Shoot: It doesn’t matter what you’re taking photos of, just capture the images. Practice, practice, practice, and practice some more. Be sure to review your work and see what you like and don’t like. It’s always a joy to go back months, and years to see what you’ve accomplished. You can always learn from this.
  2. Try: You can never learn something if you don’t try. In fact, you’ll never get anywhere unless you try. Just try to be, and do your best. Ignore the critics, you are your own worst enemy anyways… Who cares what everyone else thinks. At least you’re trying!
  3. Learn: Learn the various rules in photography. Especially, the “Rule of Thirds.” This will help you set up your images, and eventually with practice you’ll be able to set images up in the format without a camera in your hand.
  4. Be Yourself: Your style is your own. Accept it. Don’t be shy, and try to copy somebody else because you’re afraid that your style or image will not be approved of if it’s not “trendy.” Just adapt, love yourself and your work. That’s the beauty of photography!
  5. Time: Just because you’re busy and you don’t have much time to invest in your hobby of photography, or your freelance career in photography; does not mean that you can’t still enjoy what you do. Learn to manage your time, and value it. I work daily on my freelance photography regardless to the fact I am rebuilding a stall and turnout lot for my horse that the May floods destroyed. And guess what? I still find time to take photos. Granted, it might not be the time that I want, but it’s still valued time. Any time capturing photos, is time I am working on my craft.
  6. Document: Documentaries are a great way to pick up a different take on life. Not only will you learn something new, but you might find ideas, angles, or come up with some sort of image that you want to create. This goes for books, movies, and television shows too. Constantly document and you’ll never fail. You can also jot these thoughts or ideas down and make this worth even more.
  7. Observation: Keep a weather eye out on your horizon. Be aware of your surroundings. Even if you don’t have your camera with you, you can still remember where you were and the time and try to create something that sparked an idea for you. Not only that, the world is full of people. 7 Billion and counting. The city or street life may be a great new challenge for you to capture an image on your way to work.
  8. Have No Fear: Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself by trying a new genre, props, editing techniques, new angle, or even new equipment. And better yet, don’t be afraid to try to create your own makeshift studios. Again, keep learning and trying.
  9. Collaborate: Look at other photographers’ work. Even just in your area. See what they are doing. Collaborations are a lot of fun, and great ways to learn, challenge yourself and who knows what might come of it. Who knows what could happen? Maybe catch a seminar that they are having, or an art show. It’s not only a great way to learn, but it’s also a great way to understand how competition works in your area, and how you want to market your company or brand.
  10. A Manual? What’s That?: Read your camera and equipment manuals. It will come in handy… Sooner or later. Better yet, do yourself a favor and keep it tucked in your gear bag, or in your vehicle with you. You never know when you may run across an error and need it. Sure, you can pull it up online, but it’s a lot faster this way. Besides, you might be an area with little to no cell phone or wifi reception! Yes, those places do still exist. Technology is great… When it works!!


And that’s it! That’s my top ten things that I’ve learned that has helped me become a better photographer.

Never stop exploring.


-B