Amateur Photographer Tips - Begin Here

Being an amateur photographer doesn’t mean that the quality of your photography should be less. It is no excuse for poor photos. The amateur photographer doesn’t make a living from photography (of course, there are quite a few ‘professional photographers’ that don’t make a living, but, that’s another story for another time). Being an amateur doesn’t give us permission to be any less dedicated to photography.

Most photographers start off as amateurs . For many of us, photography as a "passion" it's fun! Many of us find out that photography to ‘pay the bills’ is something else entirely (the ‘professional photographers’ mentioned earlier unexpectedly find this out too late). For most, knowing where we should start in photography is difficult. We all are introduced to photography from different perspectives, situations and experiences. While we share a common “passion” for photography, how we live that “passion” varies dramatically.

To the photographer starting out, my suggestion is to simply begin shooting. I am not a big fan of formal photography training. I’m not against it, just not a big fan. One of the reasons is that formal photography training teaches to a set of standards that are measured in “art” terms. Formal photography teaches and promotes standards of art. My experience is that successful photography standards are very different from the “art”standards of photography. Successful photography can be defined as photography that is ‘liked’ by the most people. In the end, people buy photography that they ‘like,’ not what is great by “art” standards. Successful photography and art photography are different. Knowing that there is a difference releases the beginning photographer from the restrictive rules of “someone else’s” photography.

At some point, most photographers give serious thought to starting a photography business. One of the biggest problems for most photographers is not knowing if they're ready to start a photography business and not knowing how to start a photography business.

Being an amateur photographer simply means that you are not making a full-time living from photography. Research how to start a photography business before you decide to do so. It's cheaper! Much, much cheaper!

Amateur Photographer Tips – Shoot, Critique, Show, Improve, Shoot,

Again, my suggestion is to begin shooting.

I am not against formal study when it comes to photography. I just find it boring. I also like to drive. But, I don’t enjoy reading about cars. So, when it comes to photography, I suggest that you shoot, critique your work, show your work, improve, shoot, critique your work, improve, and repeat cycle.

Amateur Photographer Tip – Don't Be Intrusive

Whenever possible, you should get permission to photograph someone. They may want to take a picture anyway. But, they may not, also. You and your camera shouldn’t be intrusive, abrasive or abusive. People that don’t want their pictures taken really don’t want their pictures taken!

Amateur Photographer Beginning Tip – Critique your work.

Look at your shots. Ask yourself:

1. Did you capture what you were trying to?
2. How does the shot look?
3. Is everything you wanted in the shot?

It is helpful to have a frame of reference when critiquing your work. What were you shooting? A snapshot? A portrait? A stock photo? Here is where you might spend time to find out what photography niche(s) your work reflects. Once you have an idea of the niche, look at your work to determine how it compares to what is currently published.

Ask others to critique your work. I offer a word of caution here: almost everybody has an opinion. All opinions aren’t accurate or helpful. Remember, photography can be very personal. We all may not see the same meaning or stories in photographs. Don’t take critiques too personal.

Amateur Photographer Beginning Tip – Show your work.

I favor digital photography because of the many advantages digital photography offers. Showing photography work is one of the benefits of digital photography. You can do so much with digital. You can make a printed portfolio. You can print your own photos and frame them. My favorite is online photo galleries. They are so popular that they are given away for free all over the internet. Online photo sharing is extremely popular. However, they aren’t all exactly the same. Your work can be displayed on all of them. Most of them allow people to provide comments and critiques. Often, this is helpful in critiquing your work.

The best photography critiques, in my opinion, are found in photography groups. There are plenty groups on the internet. A couple of my current favorites are Photo Galaxy, Photo Takers, PhotoSig, ProPhotos. These groups focus on photography. Their forums are particularly helpful to me. They were especially helpful after I had begun shooting and critiquing my work. Some of the photographers in the groups and forums are more “intense” than others – and they communicate accordingly. I learn more by reading the communication of others than by participating myself. I am not as concerned with camera settings, aperture, equipment, etc. Consequently, comments about equipment aren’t helpful. However, comments about lighting, cropping, storytelling, and subjects are very helpful to me.

When I publish my photos online in these various groups, I get a good mix of critiques. Also, participating in the groups and forums reinforces my confidence in my photography skills. I don’t know how to express this aspect without sounding arrogant. But, showing work along with other photographers of the world can do nothing but contribute to any practicing photographer’s confidence. Rookie amateur photographers stop being rookies when they are able to tap into their ‘real’ confidence

The links below provide valuable insight for amateurs and experienced photographers, alike. Taking pictures shouldn't be a guessing game or a 'obligatory' spending spree hobby.