20 Months behind the Lens
Well, as the title says, it's been almost 2 years since I started photography. This post is a collection of thoughts and lessons I learned along the way, which might help someone on the same path as me too.
Gear doesn't matter (as much as you think)
Probably the biggest lesson I learned is, that it doesn't really matter what you start shooting. For me, it was important that my camera had a manual mode, hence why I bought my Canon 1100D back in 2021 January. Does a better Sensor, Lens, or Camera lead to better images? Maybe, but trust me, in the beginning, it doesn't matter as much as you think.
It is more important to get out, and shoot everything and in every condition. The more you experiment, try out things, and fail, the more you learn.
Try different types of gear, if possible.
But you just said in the previous paragraph that…shut up. Let me finish. Trying out different gear doesn't necessarily mean buying a new Camera every month. In my case, it meant going to a flea market and picking up my first analog camera for around 20 euros, or digging up the basement for our old digital cameras we used for our vacation photos.
As you try out different cameras and formats, you will see how one experience will affect the other. Just shot digital? Try one roll of film. Don't have another camera? Use your phone instead for a week. You will see significant improvements within weeks!
Don't get stuck.
This is a lesson that also porn thought us in recent years, but applies actually to many things, stepbro. Don't get stuck on what you shoot, in what conditions, or what subjects, especially in the beginning. It's overcast and there are no shadows at all? Be creative! Already dark? Try the flash! No model/subject to shoot? Try street photography. There is literally no excuse to not take pictures.
Often overlooked, but don't get stuck on the people or other artists you draw your inspiration from. Do some research, and check out other artists and styles, you might be surprised how big of an effect this can have on your work!
Find your own visual style.
In this day and age of Social media, it is almost impossible to create something no one has done or shot before, just due to the fact that there are so many platforms to share images and get inspiration from. This has its pros and cons, but try to use it to your advantage.
Your work will get more recognized if you try to create something in your niche that no one or not many people do, whether it's shooting in a different style, or editing your images a certain way.
Put in the Work
As it is with everything in life, you will only grow when you are willing to put energy and effort into it. Approach people, you want to shoot with, reach out to brands you want to collaborate with, and get your work out there. Do as many shoots as you can, even if it's just yourself walking around the city taking pictures of the scenery.
Your style will evolve much quicker and you will learn from your mistakes faster when you spend more time behind the lens, and that's why this is probably the most important point on this short list.
These are all things I learned in the past 20 months, mostly organically, and will hopefully help you on your way to becoming a better photographer! Have a lovely day and take some great pictures!
