5 Tips When Trying Something New in Photography

Hey there aspiring photographers! Today I want to give 5 tips to help you branch out and grow your skills.

Remember, trying something new in photography is about exploration and pushing your boundaries. It’s not just about the end result but the journey and discoveries you make along the way. So, grab your camera, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the joy of experimentation!

1. Experiment with Different Genres:

I tend to prefer moving subjects, but I challenge myself to look for art in everyday objects such as a bowl of fruits and vegtables.

Don’t confine yourself to a single genre. Try your hand at various styles—portraits, landscapes, street photography, macro, abstracts, or even experimental photography. Exploring different genres helps you discover your strengths and interests, allowing you to grow as a versatile photographer.

This photo was taken using a long exposure technique and glow sticks. It's a fun way to play with lights and get more creative.

2. Embrace Unfamiliar Techniques: Challenge yourself by experimenting with new techniques. Whether it’s long exposure, high-speed photography, HDR (High Dynamic Range), or light painting, delving into unfamiliar techniques expands your skill set and opens doors to creative possibilities you might not have considered before.

I am notorious for climbing trees just to get the right shot. Remember to be safe and aware of your environment when you are setting up a shot.

3. Play with Unconventional Perspectives:

Break away from conventional angles and perspectives. Get low to the ground, climb to higher vantage points, shoot through objects, or try shooting from unusual angles. Playing with perspectives can breathe new life into mundane subjects and transform them into captivating images.

Using Softwares like Adobe Photoshop allows you to get even more creative and fix mistakes you may have made after hand. Be sure to shoot in camera RAW so you have the metadata to play with!

4. Incorporate Different Editing Styles: Experiment with various editing styles and software. Dive into editing techniques like black and white conversions, color grading, adding textures, or even creating composite images. Editing is an extension of your creativity and can significantly alter the mood and impact of your photographs.

5. Join a Photography Community or Workshop:

Engage with other photographers. Join a local photography club, attend workshops/take classes, or participate in online communities (i.e. r/Photography on Reddit). Sharing experiences, receiving feedback, and learning from others can provide fresh perspectives and inspire you to try new things in your photography journey. Consider getting a partner to go on shoots with you. You and your partner can learn from one another and get active feedback as you work.

Trying something different can be hard for many people. We tend to focus on the end result and stick to old habits, but if you want to pursue photography you will need to learn to be flexible.