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Unleash Your Creativity Through Photography:
Photography is more than just capturing moments. This article, 7 inspirational ways to practice photography will give you some valuable guidance in learning the art of photography. You’ll, discover that it is aa means of self-expression, and a journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a newbie with a smartphone, there are countless ways to find inspiration and elevate your photography skills. In this blog, we’ll explore seven inspirational ways to practice photography, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Embrace the Golden Hour
If you are new to photography you may be wondering, when is the golden hour? The golden hour is that magical time just after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and perfect for photography. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, casting long, soft shadows and creating a beautiful, golden hue. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture stunning portraits, landscapes, or any subject you’re passionate about.
The Golden hues create incredible skin tones, highlights, and remarkable shadows. When you are shooting during this time of the day, vary your elevations, angles and camera settings. Doing this will allow you see the different effects that can be accomplished with the available lighting.
Pro Tips: Wake up early or plan your evening outings to make the most of the golden hour. Be conscious of time… the “golden hour” got it’s name for a reason! Experiment with backlit shots and silhouettes for added drama.
When planning a photo shoot during the golden hour, pre-plan your outing in advance as much as you can. Check your local sunrise and sunset times, and of course the current weather conditions at the time of the shoot. This will help cut down on wasted time. Time is your friend and enemy so be efficient with the time you have.
Must have’s for your bag: wide angle lens, 50mm lens, and a tripod. Get used to taking a tripod with you on all your shoots. I think it is the most valuable accessory to have in my bag.
Another great tip is to use reflectors to give you some control over the lighting direction. Sometimes the perfect setting isn’t aligned with the direction of the light and shadows. By using a reflector you can alter the direction and intensity of the available light to enhance your subject, and help you get the perfect shot.
2. Explore Your Neighborhood
You don’t need to travel far to find captivating subjects. Your own neighborhood can be a treasure trove of inspiration. Take a walk around , and you’ll be surprised by the unique architecture, street art, or even the faces of your neighbors. Plant Life, neighborhood pets, wildlife all will be in view for you. Use these 7 inspirational ways to practice photography as an opportunity to practice and rehearse close up photography, motion photography, and different angles of approach.
Pro Tips: Try capturing the familiar in a new light. Look for interesting textures, patterns, and colors that you might have never noticed before.
Be versatile: don’t always shoot from the standing position. Try shooting your subject from various angles and elevations. This will give you a better perspective of how to “see a photograph before you take it”. A great rule of thumb is to take 10 different shots of one subject…none being the same.
3. Capture Everyday Moments
Sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that hold the most beauty. Your morning coffee, a child’s smile, or your pet’s playful antics can be incredibly inspiring. These everyday moments are a reflection of life’s beauty, and photography allows you to freeze them in time.
Become aware of your surroundings, what is happening, or something that is always there. Pay close attention to the lighting in the moment. Again, take multiple shots from different angles and elevations. Your composition skills will start to hone themselves. With practice, you will begin to experience things from a photographic visualization. Now magic will start to appear in your viewfinder.
Pro Tip: Use candid shots to capture genuine emotions and interactions. These photos often tell the most compelling stories. Experiment with different camera settings. Try different ISO, Aperture, and Shutter speed combinations to learn how depth of field can contract your images.
4. Learn from Others
Photography is a communal art, and learning from others can be a tremendous source of inspiration. Join photography clubs, follow Instagram accounts of talented photographers, or attend workshops. Seeing the world through someone else’s lens can open up new perspectives and techniques.
I like to try and duplicate techniques from other photographers. This method of practice can really open your eyes as to what is possible with your camera and your vision of the photograph you want. By trying to duplicate others will broaden your abilities and give you some amazing results. Don’t worry about “plagiarizing” another photographers work because no two people see an image the same way. A perfect example is to look at wedding photographers portfolios. Most of their photograph work has been done by others, but with a different mental perspective that gives variation to every shot. That is what makes it “art”.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your work. Constructive criticism can help you grow as a photographer. This goes for your good work and your not so good work. get as much feedback as you can get. It will only make you better.
5. Experiment with Different Styles
Photography offers endless room for experimentation. When you are getting started, it doesn’t matter if you have a great DSLR camera, or using your smart phone. Experiment with styles of photography. Black and white, , abstract photography, portrait, landscape photography, or macro photography. Maybe something more commercial like wedding photography. Just get your feet wet and try different things. Each style has its unique challenges and rewards, making it a fantastic way to explore your creativity.
By not limiting your early experiences, you will find that your preferences magically leads you to a niche that fits you and your photographic style. There are so many different types of photography. You will discover many that not only are fun but actually are a profitable! So, if you so choose to become a professional photographer selling your skills and abilities can be fun and great for the bank account.
Just do yourself a favor and don’t make it just about the money…this is an art form and deserves the respect as such.
Pro Tip: Challenge yourself to try a style you’ve never attempted before. You might discover a hidden passion.
6. Get Closer to Nature
Nature has a way of inspiring us with its breathtaking beauty. From colorful sunsets to intricate details of plants and animals, the natural world is a paradise for photographers. Find a nearby park, nature reserve, or even your garden to get closer to nature.
A great method for nature photography is to think “simplicity”. What I mean by that is to don’t overwork, or force a shot. The more natural it is, the better the outcome. Look for a feeding bird or butterfly. Nothing could be more simple than to make a little adjustment to your depth of field and let nature create your shot.
Pro Tips: Patience is key in nature photography. Wait for the right moment and be prepared to capture it when it arrives.
Weatherproof your camera and lenses when you are shooting in the outdoors. Rain is never friendly to cameras and lenses. You can use a clear plastic bag to help keep the rain out, but there are some really nice camera/lens covers that are inexpensive and designed to protect your valuable commodities from a rain disaster.
Try using a sling bag or fanny pack to carry your equipment when out in nature. It isn’t as bulky as a backpack and it makes for quick and easy lens swaps, or accessories for your smartphone photography.
7. Document Your Personal Journey
Your life is a unique story waiting to be told through photography. Create a visual journal of your personal journey, whether it’s through travel, family events, or your day-to-day life. Over time, these images will become cherished memories.
By logging the moments that you are shooting for practice, you will enable yourself to duplicate your efforts. This is like “muscle memory”…once you have done something a few times, and understood how you did it, you will be able to do it again and again. This will create an ability to know how to shoot a subject making all your efforts easier and consistent.
Pro Tip: Write a short caption or description with each photo to capture the context and emotion of the moment. Keep a water proof pocket notepad and pen in your bag at all times. Keeping a record of your techniques, camera settings, and conditions at the time of the shoot gives you the ability to do some valuable self critiquing when you sit down and view your results.
In conclusion, photography is a beautiful art that anyone can enjoy. These seven inspirational approaches can help you tap into your creativity and create memorable photographs. Remember, it’s not about having the latest equipment or the most technical knowledge; it’s about capturing what moves you and sharing it with the world. So, pick up your camera, or your smartphone, and start exploring the world through your mind’s eye!
Happy shooting! 
