So, this summer, when I’m not knocking out the books on my summer reading list or finally putting the finishing touches on my little girl’s room (more details on that to come), I really want to start learning how to take great pictures. I say start learning because from everything I’ve read or heard, you never really master the art of photography.
The one thing about reading blogs and spending time on Pinterest is that you quickly begin to see how much a really fantastic picture can capture your attention–whether it’s the on point lighting, dramatic colors, unique posing or random other combination of factors. And then, if you’re like me, you look at the photos taken by your own hand and realize what a novice you really are when it comes to picture-taking.
So, while I’m not expecting to turn into an Annie Leibovitz or Gordon Parks overnight, I’d like to get over the fear of switching off my camera’s auto mode, get comfortable with sticking the camera in someone’s face and start taking frame-worthy photos–pictures that capture a story or every day moments of life.
With everything else on my plate, I can’t see myself being able to devote hours and hours pouring over photography books, websites or instructional videos. But just like tackling my Mt. Everest of Organizing Projects, I plan to take it a little at a time and just start off by being more intentional about picking up the camera, trying different modes and reading over how to’s when I can.
If you’re in the same boat, here are a few photography resources that I’ve come across that I plan to check out. If you have any other good ones, pretty please share.
I’ll also be posting good photography tips and how to’s on my Say Click…Take a Pic board on Pinterest so be sure to follow it. Who knows, I may even try doing one of those monthly photo-a-day challenges that I’ve seen across the internet like this.
Roll call…how would you rate your photography skills? Where do you fall short when it comes to taking pictures?
I think my skills are average. I don’t understand the science behind photography. The f-stops and metering confuse me, so I end up using the automatic mode and doing lots of editing afterwards. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I just take a lot of pictures and hope for the best.
The science of photography–that’s exactly what I’m missing. I think I’ll have to take it one concept at a time. On a positive note, I’ve heard that if you keep at it, taking pictures in manual mode eventually becomes second nature.
Although I LOVE taking photos (especially of my grandkiddies), I definitely fall short in the skills category. I’ll look forward to your future tips!
Well, at least you have the first step down–practice! You’re a step ahead of me. :)