Encouragement

I began taking photography a bit more seriously beginning this year. That means:

• I read my camera's manual -- How do I change the ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed? What do all the different shooting modes do?
• I googled and asked my photography friends and brother-in-law about the relationship between ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed.
• I started compiling a list of photography terms that I came across while reading about photography. See that list here.
• I took a closer look at the photos of my favorite photographers -- What draws me to their photos? What features of their photos define their style?
• I asked myself, "What is my style of photography?" 
• I set a goal to take a photo a day.
  
• I asked myself, "What is my goal in pursuing an interest in photography?" 

After doing these things, I felt a bit more confident using my camera, felt more comfortable talking to people about photography, and had a better idea what to expect of myself. I knew that since I wasn't intending to go pro, it was ok if my photos didn't look like the ones online. They are "pro" for a reason! It made me feel better about the photos I was able to take.

Of course, I wasn't always comfortable in my own "photographer's skin", so to speak. At the beginning of the year, I took photos like the ones below (these are my least favorites) (they're watermarked with a site that I no longer blog at):

Lighting is terrible in the shot of our son, and 
what's up with the ominous feel of the puppy sleeping at the hubby's feet?

This is a cute shot of our son, but it's not tack-sharp. 
The orchid is also not tack-sharp due to major photo-cropping 
-- a lesson learned in composition.

I was rather discouraged at the time. Why aren't my photos like the ones I see online? Why aren't they "tack sharp", as photographers like to say? Why don't they "pop"?

In the second week of January, I read a syndicated article on BlogHer, My Take on Food Styling and Photography by Xiaolu of 6 Bittersweets. You must go to the BlogHer article to see how her photos transformed from snapshots to editorial-worthy in just two years!

I felt encouraged and inspired by Xiaolu's article because she reminded me that great photography takes time, work, research, and trial-and-error. No one's going to be handed a camera and become the next Ansel Adams overnight. Two years might seem like a long time in this instant-gratification-society, but two years is nothing compared to the many many subsequent years I'd have enjoying photography instead of fretting over it! It's only been four months since I really picked up my camera, and I already enjoy it so much more than I did in Janurary. Here are my recent favorites:

 

Certainly, I have OODLES more to learn! I haven't found my style yet, but just like writing, it will take time and will develop as I shoot more. I haven't even begun to understand and "see" light. And I am constantly working on seeing the photo before picking up the camera to shoot anything. 

So this post is my encouragement to everyone who has a "big girl/big boy" camera but is discouraged to use it or discouraged when using it. Remember the cliché, Rome wasn't built in a day. And finally, remember to have fun shooting! 

What steps do you take to improve a skill in your life, 
photography or otherwise?

Show some love. Leave a comment below and I'll definitely respond!
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Originally posted at expandng.com - Encouragement