People often come to my Gallery or call for advise on how to get started in photography. They have an interest and relatives or friends have told them that they have 'a great eye'. But what next? Take a course? Go to a workshop? Where to begin?
Based on my experience, I always recommend two things. First, choose a subject you have a passion for; a subject that makes you feel good inside when your photographing. It could be the local Farmer's Market, cats, flowers, people, gardens, wildlife, the local park - whatever turns your crank! Secondly, set yourself a small goal based on that theme. This will give you a focus. That goal might be a five minute slide show to music which you could then share with your family, friends or local Seniors Centre. Nowadays, you can even publish a single coffee table book for less than $100.00 which you might give to your parents or partner for Christmas.
The completion of a project will help build confidence and provide valuable feedback. Then choose another project and before long you'll be on your way!
Last week I went to the house for lunch and noticed a bowl of beans on the counter. I was so taken by the colour and abstract quality that I ran downstairs and got my camera. I thought to myself, wow, I could do a photographic study on food. What a mouth-watering slide show to music that would make! Hey, why not?
The above image was made with a 100mm macro lens; ISO 200, f-16 for good depth of focus, and a shutter speed of 1 second.
So there you go. Choose a subject and get started. Let us know what happens!!
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