I was sitting with the kids the other day and our son said “Mama get your phone and take my picture”. This made me chuckle. When I was eight I already had a Barbie camera that I received as a birthday gift. This camera traveled with me when we drove from Indiana to California. I also remember our Disc Camera, Polaroid and the ever popular disposable camera.
As a child we had a very nice Cannon that was purchased for my parents trips to England and the same year Israel in the early 90’s. This same camera was used on their second trip to England and Israel that they took me on in 1999. My first Blue Ribbon and Honor Photo for 4-H was with this camera.
It was not a basic camera but I was so new to learning the technical aspects of the camera I could not tell you all it had to offer. I do know it still took film. I had heard once that it could take 100 shots to get that 1 special Photo and because of this thought I often just snapped away going through loads of film and not having many photos to show for it.
My first photography class used an old school black and white camera. I am guessing they were new with the first class of BHSN, circa 1973. We had to roll our own film, something my children will never have to do. Besides what was taught in the dark room, my teacher did not provide a lot of instruction in how to frame a shot or tips and tricks of a good photo.
I have compiled my list of things I wished I had been taught when I started taking pictures. I think it would have helped me in the early days.
Know your purpose
As a child my mother took us to Olan Mills every other month to get our pictures taken. They were stiff and looking at them today you can tell how unnatural we felt. My goal is to have fun taking photographs. I enjoy taking nature photos and photos of my family. My goal is to take unique spontaneous pictures that capture the mood and personalities of the moment.
Take more than you need
I read where someone said take only the shots you need so you do not have to edit later. If you are new to photography or if you are like me and lack confidence in your work by all means take more than you need. This will ensure the best shot and it never hurts to practice. Besides when I am photographing my family I can guarantee it will take more than one shot to get everyone looking where I want them too.
Keep your camera manual handy.
Every so often I whip out my camera manual and flip through it. I have actually had this camera for over ten years and I still use it as a reference. If you are like me and also use your camera on your phone look into some of the features it offers.
Shoot in Color then Edit later
I prefer to shoot in color and then review my images and see what looks best altered to black and white or sepia. This reminds me, do not be afraid to edit. You will always have the master image. Play around with cropping and editing. Be thoughtful but have fun. I paid for photo shop and found that Photoshop Express is great for editing on my phone. The “Text on Photo” app allows me to take my image and add words and designs right to it.
What style of photography is your favorite? Be on the look out for part two in my Simply Photography series.