Why You Can’t Please Everyone: Lessons from a Photoshoot

March 19, 2023March 19, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

Hey there, fellow creatives! Adam Scott here, and today I wanted to share with you a recent experience I had during a photoshoot for a t-shirt company. I was hired to photograph their t-shirts and we went over all the details, talked about models, and reviewed all the requirements. Everything was set, and I was ready to go.

The day of the photoshoot was fabulous. The models were great, the lighting was perfect, and honestly, the photos came out amazing. I was confident that the client would be thrilled with the results.

But, as they say, sometimes things don’t go as planned. The client didn’t like the photos and gave me a 1-star review on my delivery. At first, I have to admit, it really bugged me. I put so much effort into the shoot and felt like I had done everything right. So why didn’t they like the photos?

But after some thought, I realized that you can’t please everyone. Just because someone doesn’t like your work doesn’t mean your work is bad. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and as creatives, we have to accept that not everyone will love our work.

What’s important is that we do our best and at the end of the day, we are proud of our own work. We shouldn’t let negative feedback bring us down or make us doubt ourselves. Instead, we should use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Of course, that doesn’t mean we should ignore feedback altogether. It’s important to listen to constructive criticism and use it to improve our skills and work. But at the same time, we shouldn’t let it affect our confidence or stop us from creating.

So, my fellow creatives, let’s remember to always do our best and be proud of our own work. Let’s embrace feedback, both positive and negative, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. And let’s keep creating, because at the end of the day, that’s what we love to do.

Cordelia

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 / Adam Scott / 1 Comment

Yesterday, without warning or any signs, my beautiful dog Cordelia suffered a seizure. It happened sometime after 10am, and I noticed it when I got up to let her outside for the second time that morning. She had lost all balance, couldn’t really walk, and when I did get her outside she started having convulsions and threw up. I didn’t know what to do, which is weird because I have been trained in emergency management in past jobs and positions. Usually, I am the one calm during a crisis, but not on this day.

Cordelia came into my life almost 10 years ago. By every fact I had no right owning a dog at the time. I was an absolute wreck of a human being. I was going through a terrible divorce, I had almost no money to my name, and I was emotionally all over the place. But I was living in a house that was 1800 square feet all by myself and I was very lonely.

One morning I saw a Craigslist ad with a few pictures of Cordelia. The ad read that she was free to the 1st male she liked. Given that, at the time I couldn’t afford adoption fees a free dog sounded great. So I got in my car and started to drive, but with each passing mile this little voice in my head started telling me what a terrible idea this was. At one point I even pulled over to the side of the road, and debated turning around, but I didn’t.

When I got there her current owners opened the door of their home and out trotted Cordelia. She ran down the steps and I still remember her running down the dirt driveway to meet me. Her current owners told me how two other males had come before myself, and Cordelia wanted nothing to do with them, but she clearly liked me so she was mine. They never really explained why they were getting rid of her, other then to say that they didn’t have the time to care for her because of their children.

So I coaxed Cordelia into my car and we drove home. That was the day she became mine.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had no idea the impact Cordelia would have on my life. Before Cordelia I was in a pretty dark place. I wasn’t eating, and pretty much slept all day. Over the course of a few weeks I had lost 20lbs just due to not eating anything. But now I had this little fur ball to take care of. In the mornings she would jump on me to wake me up and tell me it was time to go outside. She accompanied me to Geek and Gamer Fitness, my gym, and would lay comfortably in one corner or another while I taught group classes. She was mine and she was rarely far away from me.

Eventually my time in WA came to a close and Cordelia and I packed up all our things and moved to sunny southern CA, but when we got there things did not feel right, so when the opportunity to go on a month long road trip popped up she and I packed a bag, jumped into the car and headed out to explore. We hit up Mammoth, Bear Mountain, The Grand Tetons, Yosemite, Moab, and even Vegas. We hiked up mountains, splashed through rivers, and slept out under the stars with a fire going. It was absolutely perfect.

Eventually, however, we had to return back to the real world. I was out of money, again, and so I needed to get back and earn some money so the two of us could eat. I took some weird jobs here and there, but no matter what I did, every night when I came home from work she would be there to greet me with her big tail wagging.

After awhile one of those jobs asked me to move to FL, and I took the opportunity. Cordelia and I packed up what I had, which wasn’t much at the time. 9 boxes of books, 2 trash bags of clothes, a mattress, and a couple nick knacks and assorted keep sakes. It wasn’t anything anyone would be impressed with, but we hit the road and drove cross country till we reached Jacksonville FL.

The job I had taken in Jacksonville turned out to be kind of a scam, and the apartment we were living in was not in the greatest neighborhood, but some of my favorite memories are in that tiny little bedroom, with Cordelia on the bed laying next to me while I read one of my many books. It was just me and her…until it wasn’t.

I don’t think either one of us expected what happened next, but suddenly there was Leslie. She didn’t care that I was a messed up, emotionally fragile, broke, man. She saw a cute guy that she liked, and a beautiful puppy that she immediately loved. She didn’t ask anything of either one of us. She loved us as we were, even when we were homeless, penniless, and damaged she loved us. Leslie brought us into her life, and introduced us to her parents, Edna & Ruban, and they too didn’t care about any of our flaws. They saw two souls who had each other, and just wanted to be a part of their lives.

One Christmas we were visiting Edna & Ruban and Edna had decorated for the holidays. This meant that she had several nativity sets spread out all over the house, including the living room table. Now Cordelia loved Edna and Ruban and this meant that her tail was wagging. He big giant fluffy tail that had a mind of it’s own, and before anyone could stop it her tail hit one of Ednas nativity sets and it crashed to the floor and broke. I was mortified, as was Leslie, Cordelia had no idea what happened, and was just confused why no one was petting her. Edna being the woman she is told us not to worry. She swept up the broken pieces, hugged both myself and Cordelia and told us that we were more important then any decoration.

We had found our family. People who loved us and cared for us regardless of our past, our mistakes, and our flaws.

Over the years Edna and Ruban have taken in and cared for Cordelia when Leslie and I were out of town. They loved her as her own, and were always willing and excited to take care of her and see her. They will never know how much their love has meant over the years.

In 2019 Leslie and I decided to get married in a small ceremony here in Orlando. We invited only our immediate family and a few close personal friends. As was right and fitting Cordelia was our Flower Girl, and we had even made a small flower ring for her to wear. During the ceremony we asked our friends Chad and Carrie to hold Cordelia while we got married, but Cordelia was not happy about this. She made it very clear that she was going to stand up there, together with her people, and no one was going to stop her. So there we were…What started out as just me, and then Cordelia, suddenly became three. We were a family. We were whole.

Leslie and I have so many memories of Cordelia. Most of the photos on our phones are of her, and we have enjoyed every single moment we got to spend with her. She was loved by so many people and she happily accepted pets from anyone who was willing to offer them to her. She has been one of the best things that has ever come into my life, and I can honestly say that she saved me. She loved me when I was absolutely unlovable, and she didn’t care. I was hers, and she protected me.

When the time came it was swift, sudden, and unexpected. Leslie and I held her close and told her how much we loved her as the drugs took effect and she crossed over.

Now me, personally, I am not sure if I believe in any kind of afterlife, but I remember a story of a man who lost his dog to death. After his dogs death there was a hole left in his heart that was never really ever filled, and he carried that hole with him for the rest of his life. When the man finally died and crossed over to the other side he was greeted by an angel who smiled and said that he was glad the man was finally there, because someone had been waiting for him, and with that the man looked up and saw his dog running towards him. After so long apart they were finally together again and the hole in his heart was filled.

If there is an afterlife, I really hope that Cordelia will be there waiting for me on the other side. She has left a hole in the hearts of me and Leslie that I don’t think will ever be able to be filled, but maybe, just maybe someday, Leslie and I can see her running towards us after a long time waiting.

I miss you girl, and I hope you know how much I loved you. Thank you for saving me.

The Social Media Blues: A Photographer’s Journey Through the Numbers Game

February 10, 2023February 10, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

As a photographer, I’ve always had a keen eye for capturing moments and telling stories through my lens. And let me tell you, it’s a real hoot and a half when those stories end up on social media. I mean, who wouldn’t want to share their incredible photography skills with the world, right? That’s like asking a dad if he wants to tell a dad joke. The answer is always yes!

But let’s be real here, the social media aspect of photography can be a real pain in the camera. I mean, I’ve been building my online presence for years now. I was an early adopter of social media, back when it was cool and hip. I posted quality images and reels that I thought people would love. I even added a touch of humor, like a good dad joke, to keep things light and entertaining. But despite the fact that I have almost 3000 followers, I still only get maybe 15-20 likes on a post and hardly ever get any comments. It’s frustrating, and I honestly feel like I’m shouting into the void.

But here’s the real kicker, I know that I shouldn’t get caught up in the numbers game of social media. I mean, it’s like the old saying goes, “Why did the scarecrow win an award?” Because he was outstanding in his field! See what I did there?

Anyway, back to the point. I shouldn’t measure my success as a photographer based on the number of likes or comments that I receive. That’s like judging a book by its cover. But let’s be honest, it’s hard not to. I mean, who doesn’t want a little validation for their hard work?

So, to all my fellow photographers out there, don’t get discouraged. Keep snapping those pictures and telling those stories. And remember, social media is just one platform for sharing your work. Your true success as a photographer lies in your passion, creativity, and the memories that you capture. And maybe a good dad joke or two, because laughter is the best lens cleaner!

Mastering the Art of Nude Photography: 5 Essential Tips

February 3, 2023February 3, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

Last year I had dinner with a friend and renowned photographer. His work has long been an inspiration to me, and I even have several of his pieces displayed in my home. Over dinner, he shared a memorable story about a photoshoot he did with two models/actresses.

The models, during the shoot, proposed to switch things up and do some artistic nudes for the project. To my friend’s surprise, they began undressing before he could even process the situation. He had never photographed nude models before and felt intimidated, so he excused himself for a quick break and turned to Google for guidance, typing in “How to Shoot Nude Models”. Despite his lack of experience, he excelled and produced a stunning piece of art that now hangs in my home as a gift from him.

This story got me thinking about my own journey in shooting nude photography. My first attempt was with a digital camera and my first wife as the model. We were novice and the results were less than satisfactory. Many years later, I encountered another surprise during a Christmas boudoir shoot when the model suddenly stripped without warning.

Shooting nudes can be a challenge, and that’s why I’d like to share some tips for aspiring photographers who want to take on the task.

Communication is Key

The first and most important tip for shooting nude photography is to have an open and honest conversation with your model before the shoot. Discuss their comfort level, limits, and expectations to ensure that you are both on the same page. This not only helps to create a positive and safe environment for the shoot, but it also establishes trust and respect between you and your model. Further during the shoot check in with your model often. Ask them if they are ok with direction of the shoot, poses, etc. and above all make sure that your model feels safe enough to express discomfort, or ask for a change in direction. If a model “suffers in silence” you have failed as a photographer by not creating a safe place for the model to express themselves.

Respect your Model

Nude photography is not just about capturing images of a naked body, it’s about capturing the beauty, grace, and dignity of the human form. Therefore, it’s important to always treat your model with respect and professionalism. This means avoiding inappropriate comments or gestures, and ensuring that the model’s privacy and dignity are protected both during and after the shoot. I will NEVER do a boudoir or nude shoot alone, and neither should the model. I always encourage a model to bring a friend with them to the shoot for safety, and I also let them know that I will have a female friend joining us for the shoot as well. Safety should be your #1 priority for both yourself and model.

Lighting Matters

Lighting is an essential element in any type of photography, and it’s even more important in nude photography. Experiment with different lighting setups to find the right balance between light and shadow that flatters your model’s body and captures the mood and emotion you’re trying to convey. Good lighting can make all the difference in creating beautiful and tasteful images.

Get Creative with Posing

When it comes to posing, the possibilities are endless. Work with your model to find poses that are comfortable and flattering, and that convey the mood and emotion you’re trying to capture. Keep in mind that the model’s safety should always come first, so avoid any positions that could put them in an uncomfortable or painful position. Encourage your model to express themselves through their pose and don’t be afraid to try new and creative things.

Mindful Post-Processing

When editing your photos, it’s important to be mindful of the model’s privacy and dignity. Avoid excessive retouching or manipulation that could change the natural look and form of their body. Instead, focus on enhancing the lighting, contrast, and color to bring out the beauty of the images you’ve captured. Remember, your goal is to create beautiful and tasteful images that both you and your model can be proud of.

Shooting nude photography requires a lot of respect, communication, and professionalism. By following these tips, you can create a positive and safe environment for your model, capture beautiful and tasteful photographs, and grow as a photographer in the process. So, go ahead and try shooting nudes, you might just surprise yourself with the results!

A beautiful model posing in a lush green park with a confident and natural smile, showcasing her stunning figure and unique personality.

Why I Keep Seeking Approval from People Who Don’t Give Me the Time of Day: A Personal Journey

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 / Adam Scott / 1 Comment

Why do I do this to myself? Why do I put myself through the emotional wringer of seeking the approval of someone who clearly couldn’t care less about me? I mean, seriously, why do we as human beings feel the need to seek validation from people who don’t give us even the smallest bit of effort? It’s a mystery that has plagued me for far too long.

So, I was recently hired to take photos of a product that I’ve been using since I was 15. I was thrilled about the opportunity, thinking that this would be the moment that this person would finally take notice of me and be proud of me. Yeah, I know, I should have known better. But did I listen to that little voice in my head? Of course not. I went ahead and sent this person a sample of my photos, hoping for a response, a reaction, anything. And what did I get? Absolutely nothing. Zilch. Nada. It was like I was sending my photos into the void.

But, you know what they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, here I am, once again, feeling like a complete moron for seeking the approval of someone who has shown me time and time again that they don’t care. It’s like I can’t help myself.

Why do we as human beings put so much importance on the opinions of people who don’t make an effort in our lives? It’s time to take a step back and ask ourselves what’s really going on here. Our worth and value as individuals come from within, not from the validation of others. So, let’s stop setting ourselves up for disappointment and start focusing on our own self-esteem.

Seeking approval from others is a natural part of being human, but it’s important to understand that our worth doesn’t depend on the validation of others. We must focus on our own self-esteem and recognize that we are valuable and deserving of love and respect, regardless of the opinions of others. And if all else fails, we can always fall back on sarcasm to help us get through the tough times. Because, let’s be real, sometimes sarcasm is the only thing that gets us through life.

A self-portrait – This painting was hanging in The Orlando Museum of Art and I was drawn to it.

2023: A New Year Full of Hope and Possibility

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

It’s been a while since I felt this hopeful about a new year. Over the years, life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way, from financial stress to divorce and moving. But this year, something felt different. As I entered 2023, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope for what was to come.

I don’t want to jinx it, but January was a pretty good month for me. Although there were certainly some tough moments, overall, it was a positive start to the new year. One of the biggest highlights was having two big clients pay their invoices in full and on time. This was a big win for me, as it provided a financial boost and a sense of stability that I haven’t felt in a while.

In addition to the financial stability, my work queue is also filled with exciting new opportunities. I’ve been asked to do product photography for some fantastic companies, and before the day had even finished, I had already booked another client for double my standard rate. It’s clear that 2023 is off to a good start, and I’m feeling confident about the year ahead.

For many years, my word for the year has been “peace.” This is the first year in a long time that I feel like I’m finally closing in on that goal. The financial stability and new work opportunities have provided a sense of peace and calm that I haven’t felt in a while. I’m no longer worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills or where my next job is coming from. Instead, I’m focusing on the present moment and all the exciting things that the future holds.

Of course, I’m realistic enough to know that 2023 won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. There will certainly be tough moments, and there will be times when I feel overwhelmed and stressed. But I’m approaching the year with a sense of hope and positivity that I haven’t felt in a while. I’m ready to tackle the challenges that come my way and embrace the opportunities that the year presents.

So, here’s to a new year filled with hope, adventure, and peace. Let’s see what 2023 has in store! I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I’m confident that this will be a year to remember.

Unleashing the Beauty with a Camera: Capturing Gabrielle’s Journey to the 2024 Hooters Calendar Shoot

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

Photography is an art that requires both technical skills and creativity. Despite the convenience of having a camera on our phones, not everyone understands the complexities of photography. That’s why it’s always a joy for me when a friend reaches out to me for help with their photography project. And recently, my friend Gabrielle asked for my assistance in capturing her journey to the 2024 Hooters calendar model shoot. I was more than happy to help.

Gabrielle has always been confident and comfortable in her own skin, and she wanted to showcase that confidence through the lens of a camera. Our goal was to capture her unique personality and beauty in a series of photos that would make her stand out in the highly competitive world of modeling.

We decided to shoot at a local park with a lush beach background, which would provide a natural and organic backdrop for the photos. I started by taking some test shots to get the lighting and settings just right. Then, I gave Gabrielle some simple poses to start with and encouraged her to relax and have fun. She quickly got into the groove and started to showcase her stunning figure and gorgeous smile.

As we continued to shoot, I tried to capture her different expressions and poses, showcasing her versatility and range as a model. We also played around with different lighting and angles to create a range of photos with different moods and feels.

In the end, we came away with a series of stunning photos that truly showcased Gabrielle’s beauty and personality. The images captured her confidence, her stunning figure, and her infectious smile. I was thrilled to have played a part in helping her achieve her goal of becoming a Hooters calendar model.

Photography is a powerful tool that can help capture and showcase our unique beauty and personality. Whether you’re an aspiring model or just looking to capture special moments in your life, a great photographer can help bring your vision to life. And if you’re lucky enough to have a friend who is passionate about photography, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for their help. They just might be able to help you unleash the beauty within.

Capturing the Post-Apocalyptic Beauty: A Photoshoot Adventure at Playalinda Beach

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

Being a friend of mine has its perks, one of which is access to a photographer. My friends often take advantage of this bonus and one of them, Misfit, asked me to do a photoshoot with her. Misfit is a huge fan of the Wastelands and Burning Man, which are events that are heavily influenced by the Mad Max post-apocalyptic motif and style.

Even though I have never been to a Burning Man or Wastelands event, I have always been fascinated by the idea of spending a week in the desert, free from normal societal responsibilities. I’ve heard stories of people who have gone on a pilgrimage to Burning Man and have said that it changed their lives in profound ways. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to experience something like that. So, when Misfit asked me to do a photoshoot, I was more than happy to participate.

Misfit wanted to bring her own costumes, which she had designed and made by hand, and position the photos in such a way that it looked like she was walking straight out of an epic post-apocalyptic video game. She wanted to capture the essence of the Wastelands and Burning Man events in her photos.

So, we headed to Playalinda Beach on the East side of Florida. Playalinda Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot, perfect for our photoshoot. As soon as we arrived, Misfit got into her costumes and I began to set up my camera and lighting.

The process of taking the photos was a lot of fun. Misfit was a natural in front of the camera, and her costumes were truly impressive. She had put a lot of thought and effort into creating them, and it showed. We spent hours taking photos, moving around the beach and trying different poses.

The end result was truly spectacular. The photos turned out even better than I had hoped. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they are epic. The colors, the lighting, and the costumes all came together perfectly to create an otherworldly feel. Misfit looked like she was truly walking out of an epic post-apocalyptic video game.

But the real question is, what do you think? Are you a fan of the post-apocalyptic style and motif? Have you ever been to a Burning Man or Wastelands event? I am curious to know your thoughts. I believe that the post-apocalyptic style has a certain appeal to it, a sense of freedom and adventure that is hard to find in our daily lives. It’s a style that can be both gritty and beautiful at the same time. I think that’s what makes it so fascinating.

Overall, it was a great experience working with Misfit and creating these epic photos. I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future, and I can’t wait to see where my photography takes me next.

A Lifetime of Star Gazing: My Journey from Childhood Curiosity to Adult Passion in Space Photography

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

As a child, I was captivated by the beauty of the night sky. My father, who was a Scout Master, would take me on camping trips and hikes, and I spent many nights gazing up at the stars. I remember memorizing constellations, learning about the phases of the moon, and even convincing my parents to buy me a telescope in the shape of a space shuttle. It was a small telescope, but it opened up a whole new world for me. I could see craters on the moon, and even the rings of Saturn. I was in awe of the vastness of space and the endless possibilities that it held.

As I grew older, my passion for the night sky and space never wavered. I spent my teenage years reading books about space and astronomy, and even joined the local astronomy club. I was fascinated by the different galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that I saw through the club’s telescopes. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know.

Fast forward to adulthood, and my passion for the night sky has only grown stronger. I now own a camera with powerful zoom lenses, and I spend hours taking photos of the moon. I have learned how to capture the beauty of the night sky through long-exposure photography, and it has become my hobby.

Space photography, night sky, rocket launch, constellations, Milky Way galaxy, Northern Lights, meteor shower, satellites, space debris, long-exposure photography, tips for capturing the perfect space shot

So, when my family invited me to join them for the SpaceX Heavy Rocket launch, I jumped at the opportunity. I was excited but also nervous, as I had never photographed a rocket launch before. I knew that the rocket would be moving at incredible speeds and that I would have less than a minute to get the perfect shot. I searched for tips online on how to photograph a rocket launch, but most of the advice was generic and not very useful.

So, I decided to rely on my own experience and figured out the settings that worked best for me. And, when the rocket took off, I was ready, taking pictures as if my life depended on it. I had to be quick to capture the rocket at different stages of the launch, from the initial lift-off to the separation of the boosters. And, to my surprise, I think I did a pretty good job.

I can’t help but think of the little kid I used to be, lying in a clearing and staring up at the stars. I wish he could see the cool space shots I get to take today. It would have made him so happy.

My love for the night sky and space has been a constant in my life, and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to capture the beauty of the cosmos through my camera. I hope that my photos will inspire others to look up at the night sky and marvel at its wonder. Photography has allowed me to combine my love for space and my passion for photography, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to capture the beauty of the night sky. If you have a passion for space and photography, I encourage you to give it a try, you won’t regret it. The night sky is a never-ending source of inspiration, and the possibilities are endless.

5 Pieces of Advice for Photographers

January 17, 2023January 17, 2023 / Adam Scott / Leave a comment

I am going, to be honest…Usually, lists like these make my eyes roll. Generally speaking, these kinds of lists are beyond generic, and usually not very helpful to anyone reading them. So hopefully, I will be able to make this list better than most of the lists you will find out on the internet today.

Learning how to be a photographer is hard, and for so many, myself included, we had to learn on our own without any kind of teacher or mentor. The process can be super painful as you try to create, all the while comparing your level 1 photo to a level 50 photographer. I get it, I was there once.

So here are a couple of tips and ideas that might make the process easier.

Experiment with different angles, lighting, and composition to capture unique and interesting photos.
- OK, I know…I am starting out this list with a “DUH” sort of tip, but hear me out. When I started learning the art of photography I took all my photos the same way…Standing up, camera to my eyes. It took me a while to figure out that most of my subjects were shorter than I was, me being 6′, and so many of my photos had this sort of looking down angle to them. The day I put two and two together was sort of a facepalm kind of day.
- The lesson of it all was to learn to take photos from different angles. With different angles came learning how to light photos differently, learning that lead to new creative ideas, etc.
- Every time you try to shoot differently you learn something new.
Keep a photography journal to track your progress and make notes on techniques you want to try.
- If you take only one thing from this article take this one. KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING! I have been shooting for 12 years and I still keep a journal, writing down the details from every single shoot. What did I learn, what did I try new, what worked, what didn’t work, what do I want to try next time, etc. WRITE IT ALL DOWN!
The best equipment you can buy is the one you can afford.
- This one is going to be really hard for some of you to understand. You do NOT need the latest and greatest camera gear in order to be a great photographer. I know great photographers who shoot on cameras 20 years old and use light fixtures they bought at Home Depot. You do NOT need to go broke buying the latest camera, lights, gear bags, ND filters, Macbooks, and more.
- The best camera is the one you can afford and know how to use. I often encourage new photographers looking to purchase a camera to start out taking photos on their phones. Learn the art of composition and lighting 1st then upgrade to something inexpensive like the Canon M50. I shot for years on an old Canon Rebel before I upgraded to a Canon M50, and it was only in 2020 that I purchased my Sony A7iii.
- Better gear does NOT make you a better photographer, but learning the art of photography through trial, hard work, and practice does!
If you are taking photos you are a photographer.
- Please do not listen to anyone telling you that “You are only a real photographer if you do __________” There is so much of this on the internet. Some people claim that you are only a photographer if you shoot manually, or only shoot film, or never do this, or only do that. It’s all elitist noise and should be ignored.
- When I 1st started learning how to photograph shooting in full manual scared me. I didn’t know what I was doing and so I shot on Aperture Priority Mode for like a year. I kept track of my shoots, learned settings, and wrote it all down in my journal. Eventually, I felt comfortable shooting in full manual. Did the fact that I wasn’t shooting manually make me less of a photographer…NO! It meant that I was a photographer who was currently learning, and anyone who says otherwise is a snob!
Fail! Fail some more! Fail often!
- OK, this last one is going to be really hard for some of you, but listen closely. You HAVE to fail in order to become a great photographer. You won’t be perfect at it right out of the gate. You won’t be perfect after a year of practice. You won’t be perfect at it even after 10,000 hours of practice.
- Photography is a journey that will NEVER end. There is no finish line, there is no end goal. There will ALWAYS be things and ways you can improve at and on.
- So take this journey slowly. There is no rush. There is no right way to learn, and no hurry to get anywhere. Just shoot, fail, shoot again, and learn. Every time you pick up your camera try something new, learn something new. If you do that you will be well on your way to becoming a great photographer!