Hi Guys, It’s been a minute (my bad, I missed you too). So I get asked often, how do you know being a photographer is for you and truth is, sometimes you don’t. There are so many moving components in photography and the art/science that surrounds it that it’s sometimes impossible to know if its for you but here are a couple of things I’ve figured along the way that might just make the decision easier.
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE CAMERA:
Oh if I could sing this I would. Cameras are not the epicenter of photography (they really aren’t and I know we at BOP Networks post a lot about them but they honestly aren’t). Photographers are the epicenter of photography. Most often than not, getting into photography, you worry about what camera would be the right first camera to buy and what lens but in truth, its easier to focus on you and develop your skill to the maximum. The camera in your hand is only a tool and if you’re the walking, working (get it?) embodiment of photographic knowledge, then it wouldn’t matter what camera you use.
- THE ART OF LIGHTING IS A SCIENCE;
Ignore the catchy subhead for a minute and listen. Lighting in photography isn’t a creative sport where the laws are fluid and you can get away with anything. Lighting is a bit more complex as lighting is a science (more specifically, its Physics). Understanding the inverse square law will save you a lot of time and help in your journey.
- CREATIVITY CAN BE LEARNT;
There’s no doubt some people are born with a predisposition to being creatively inclined but the truth is creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and trained. The concept of the photographer’s eye (the ability to see picture frames when you walk into a room) is one I was introduced to in 2019 and I’ve been working on ever since. Creativity is a skill you harness and try to grow. One would argue that in the age of social media, its easier to source creative materials across cyber space and train yourself to become better at seeing and creating work that you’re interested and passionate about. Also, its easily to cross the line of creative theft, it takes a true creative to see something and put their own spin on it; BE A TRUE CREATIVE.
DECIDE WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU WANT TO EXPLORE;
DECIDE WHAT GENRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY YOU WANT TO EXPLORE;The beauty of photography is in its vast array of genres. From Portraiture to Aerial Photography through to Editorials and Landscape, there’s a niche for anyone and everyone who wants to learn professionally or as a hobby. For those who want to get into photography professionally though, it is important that you pick a genre that you’d like to specialize in and focus on honing your skills in that space. Knowing where you’d like to grow from the start puts you a step ahead of those who are learning what is referred to as ‘General Photography’.
Exploring these tips and speaking to a photographer mentor are crucial steps to take before you finally decide to invest in the imaging industry but from experience, I can tell you “It’s worth it”.
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Headed Image by KODE Blacc
