When I first attempted to get better at photography I would always wait for the right moment to take photos. For example, I went to the park all day during spring break to take photos of the birds. Here is my favourite photo for that day: Then I went to take photos during the summer they all looked like this: for about a while because I could not figure out what I was doing wrong. Not only where they all way too white but also I had no idea how to take better photos because I was always waiting for the right moment to take a photo or something interesting. I kept messing up because I had not taken the time to get to know my camera or understand different photography concepts that would make my photos better. I see this again and again with other aspiring photographers who want to wait till they can save up for a red or the Canon 1D mark 11 when they could just pull out their phones to practice or get a less expensive camera so they could start right away. I see this with other people who want to learn skills like a new language. Instead of waiting to be able to take a trip to Spain to immerse yourself in Spanish. You can download a language learning app like duo lingo and start learning a few minutes a day. Then once you get to go on your trip you will at least be okay at it. This could also happen to people who are starting a sport who want the same gear as the professionals when they could start and try to get better right away. This could also happen with aspiring artists who want to wait until they have the right supplies or writers who want to wait until they feel inspired to write something. The problem with doing this is you are delaying your progress, the gear professionals use is probably not going to make you better when you are just starting because you are new and don’t know everything about what you are doing. The best sketch artists can make better art using a regular pencil than someone who is just starting to draw using the best tools. Start by using what you have, once you can afford better gear or the right moment you will actually be prepared. -If you don’t have anything to take photos with start by saving while learning all you can about photography and possibly borrow a camera. -if you don’t have a soccer ball and you want to play soccer, make one -If you don’t have a pen or pencil and you want to tell stories, use your voice. The main idea here is to work with what you have and use it. That’s how you improve not by making excuses. Every professional anything was new at some point. I created a challenge for myself to start using what I have and to always try and find something to take photos of. I don’t have studio lights so I used candles and it was rainy and dark outside so I took photos of cookies indoors. And I don’t have access to a photography course so I lean online inspired by Casey and learn from Peter.
Taking more photos and being creative with what is around me has allowed me to take more good photos. I hope that you take whatever skill you are learning or possibly just starting out. You start finding new ways to be creative with what you have and practice more often instead of waiting for the right moment because whatever your right moment is for you. If you practice you will be ready to do your best when it comes. Hayley C
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