BE OPEN TO NEW PERSPECTIVES
Being a photographer and being open to new perspectives are two different things. Perspective is the fuel that keeps you going. I have a friend who never stops taking different shots of the same location and each time he photographs that particular location, he comes up with different angles and beautiful shots.
As a photographer, what needs to be done is to find new ways to photograph the same location or image. i.e. whenever you take a shot of a particular place, person or thing try to go back look for different angles of shots that will birth fresh stories. Also, try to shoot with different lenses, lights, from different angles to create series of stories. Get crazy about it.
COMPETE IN A PHOTO CHALLENGE
One thing competing in a photo challenge does for you is to foster your thinking ability to meet up with deadlines; by so doing your ability to work on a theme or topic increases and it becomes easier for you to shoot. Some of the challenges might offer different genres or styles of photography or even the basics but this will give you the ability to explore a wide range and improve your photography skill.
CREATE PHOTO ESSAYS
Have it at the back of your mind that the gift of photography is storytelling. Create compelling storytelling images be it traveling images, festivals, etc. Put the images together in a photo book or in a digital format.
ENGAGE IN PERSONAL PROJECTS
This is so true and will inspire your new works. I took it upon myself to document as many stories as possible and it’s opening my mind to new perspectives. Having a personal project is what every photographer should engage in no matter their level of expertise. This opens different phases for photographers. As a beginner, it helps them develop their creativity and bring their ideas to life, while for professionals it breathes an atmosphere of valuable ideas to re-energize their passion and consciously challenge their skill set. Your project can be built around a topic.
READ FROM PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGS
Yes, just as you’re reading from this site which will help you develop your ideas and increase your knowledge of photography. Reading from online photography posts gives you tips, and tricks that you can benefit from.
