If you’re at all like us, then you understand how consuming photography can be when you first pick up a camera. We, the Click it Up a Notch team, decided to each share a bit of photography advice that we wish we had when we started.
-
No.01Courtney
When I first started photography I wish I had known that not every photo I took would or needed to be technically correct. I put a lot of pressure on myself to create perfect images each and every time I picked up the camera.
It has taken me a long time to remember that I got into photography to photograph my family and the light isn’t always perfect, the composition isn’t always creative but I’m capturing the moments.
Yes, each time I pick up my camera I strive to create a beautiful image with great light and composition but I no longer feel like I failed if I didn’t capture that shot.
Photography is an interesting journey with ups and downs and we need to be patient with ourselves.
-
No.02Beth
When looking back on my journey with photography, there are a few things I wish I would have known. While I have learned so much and developed my technical skill over the years, I have also developed my emotion when it comes to photography.
More specifically, I wish I would have known that it is okay to feel uninspired at times and that it’s natural to not want to photograph every little thing. As creatives, sometimes we feel that just because we love photography, we should love photographing everything.
In reality, each photographer is inspired by something different. While others may be inspired by a beautiful sunset, I am inspired when I see natural light pouring through my window or when I see honesty.
When I look back, I wish I would have known that it’s okay to not feel guilty when I don’t feel the urge to pick up my camera or bring it along when I go somewhere. We are all inspired by different things, and that’s what makes us unique. And when we save our passion for the times when we are truly inspired to pick up our camera, that is when our best photographs are created.
-
No.03Trisha
When I first started my photography journey I wish I’d known that I would eventually ‘get it’. It certainly didn’t come overnight & took a ton of practice & consistent shooting but eventually I would come to a point where I would get it & be proud of images & actually enjoy photography because it felt like a gift I was giving myself.
-
No.04Laurie
Other than knowing that photography were more a journey, not a destination. I wish I had known how to find my voice as an artist sooner.
I know now that it isn’t just about an editing style like a clean versus a matte finish, it’s about the way you use light, exposure, and processing together to make your vision a reality for other to see.
Read more: 4 Tips to Finding Your Photography Voice
-
No.05Maria
I really wish I had known that success in photography doesn’t mean you need a portrait business. Success is whatever you want it to be.
Like so many other photographers, I thought “success” was having a portrait business because all the photographers I looked up to owned one. However, a few years (and tears) later I knew that my heart was telling me that type of business was not meant for me.
I took a step back to reevaluate my goals and ultimately decided to pursue different avenues for my photography and have never felt more fulfilled.
Success can be as simple or complex as you want it to be and it doesn’t have to involve owning a business.
-
No.06Marissa
What I wish I had known when I first started out was that a photo doesn’t need to be ‘perfect’ to be worth keeping… For me, emotion will ALWAYS win and that’s perfectly ok. :)
Also, I wish I would have BELIEVED when I first started photography was that it really does take 10,000 clicks to find your style and to learn your craft, so be patient and just keep clicking.
Thanks for the insight and understanding!
All of these are so true. I remember starting out in a studio and I didn’t understand why people wanted some of the silliest things photographed. I get it now. I appreciate everything in this list of tips. I really appreciate knowing that it’s ok to go into this without the ultimate goal of a studio. I did studio photography for years and while I loved it, I feel like my creative flow was greatly restricted because they want you to get through sessions quickly. You never get to have that incredible newborn session where the baby is fully asleep and you can go through flow posing and get those adorable photos of them all froggy style. Thank you for this.
Fantastc article! Very true.
I am finally on track with my photography journey. I’m beginning to understand what it is that makes my heart happy in a photo, but there have been times when I have thought I’d never get it. I’m glad to hear that professionals have felt the same way too!
Thanks all of you! :)
I so needed to read this tonight. Recently I’ve even thought of hanging up my DSLR and forgetting it totally. I try so hard to get the shots I’m dreaming about but having read this article tonight, I realise I probably have another few thousand clicks to go! It doesn’t help that I constantly compare my work to others instead of focusing (no pun intended!) on what I personally want to achieve. Thank you for the insight!
Love these! Especially number six. Thanks for the content! Jenn :)
Great info put together well and spoken from real experience. Thankyou definitely inspiring
What a stunning post !! Thank you so much for sharing ! Here is mine below :
When I first started photography I wish I had known that :
• I will never know everything there is to know. To learn something new everyday for the rest of my life is pure perfection, and that life will always be a journey with challenges, variety and colour.
• Success does not come overnight, it is a slow process of working smart and hard.
• To be comfortable with your camera, clients and self takes time so don’t rush the process.
• Remember that we all started somewhere, whether in our garage or home studio, so lend a hand to other photographers who need an ear or guidance.
• Give back to your community or local charities, if you cannot afford money then give your time, your expertise or knowledge. Every little thing is greatly appreciated.
• Learn from your mistakes, keep an info file where you can make some notes or file away interesting articles which you can refer to do.
• Have a vision board next to your desk so that you can visualise your goals and dreams everytime you are there. Soon your dreams are realised.
• It is ok to ask for help whether from another photographer, your friend or your support network. Facebook and the internet have wonderful forums which can help.
• It is ok to pack your camera away for a few days and just sit and WATCH life instead of photograph it . To enjoy how people interact with each other, how the sun breaks through the clouds, how a lonely ant tries to take a food morsel back to its home.
• It is ok to not want to be a photographer sometimes, but rather to be a painter, poet or rock star. Being a photographer, does not stop you from wanting more, doing more, being more. Your world is your oyster.
• No matter how far you come, how much money you may earn or wonderful equipment you may be using, always remain true to yourself, your craft and remain humble.
• Don’t beat yourself up when you stumble or feel down. Give yourself a few days to work through the lows so that you can move to the high again. Life is always hills and valleys.
• Exercise – your body and your brain. This does wonders for your creativity and your overall sense of well being.
• Be kind and be patient.
Thank you Jennifer!!!! I feel I am trying so hard to have a perfect picture that I forget to have fun. I am not doing this to make money but to learn to take good pictures even if it is our dog – who loves her picture taken. Now to tackle photos in the snow. You have given me permission to be real and to enjoy the steps along the way thank you again
Nada mr nutre más que los trstimonios y experiencias de itros fotógrafos con los que uno de identifica, graciad por compartir, thanks!
I wish I had know that to get better at photography I had to actually put pick up my camera and start shooting. I spent way to much time and money going conferences, watching videos, and reading magazines instead of just getting out and shooting. Then, when I came home with the images they just sat on my computer for weeks because I didn’t really know what to do with the raw images I captured. But, I persevered and now my photography world have exploded. So, just get out and shoot!
Michael
Thanks for taking the pressure off! I’m such a novice at photography but I won’t beat myself up so much about it. I will just make the hobby I want it to be and enjoy it. Have a lovely day!