Why Photography is Worth Pursuing

Photography is a wonderful hobby to get into, offering a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and the joy of capturing life’s fleeting moments. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a simple point-and-shoot camera, or a professional digital camera of film, photography opens up a world of possibilities for self-expression and exploration.

Preserve Memories: Photos are more than just images; they’re time capsules, allowing us to relive special occasions, family gatherings, and travel adventures.

Develop Creativity: Photography encourages you to see the world in new ways, experimenting with composition, lighting, and different perspectives to create unique images.

Connect with Others: Sharing your work online or joining photography communities can lead to valuable connections and feedback from fellow enthusiasts.

Stress Relief: Spending time outdoors capturing nature’s beauty or focusing on a creative project can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing.

Learn New Skills: From mastering technical aspects like aperture and shutter speed to post-processing techniques, photography is a continuous learning journey.

Practice

I can’t stress enough how important it is to practice with your camera regularly. Aim for at least once a week, even if it’s just a quick session. You might think your local area is nothing special, but I promise, there’s always something worth capturing.

Take a favorite spot, like this tree I keep returning to. I’ve probably lost count of how many times I’ve photographed it, yet each visit feels new. The tree itself remains constant, but the light, the sky, even the ground beneath it, always change. This creates endless variations in light, shadow, and cloud formations and who knows how many compositions I haven’t discovered yet! So, yeah, more visits to come for sure.

The key is to look at familiar scenes with fresh eyes. Experiment with different angles, play with light and shadow, and try new compositions. You’ll be amazed at how much beauty you can find in your own backyard.

Do I need a break!

It’s surprisingly easy to fall out of the photography habit. Before you know it, weeks can slip by, your camera bag gathers dust, and those core skills you once practiced regularly start to fade. When you finally dust off the gear, it can feel like you’ve lost your touch.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep your hand in it, to practice frequently. Yes, you’ll hear about photographers taking breaks to refresh their creativity – and that’s definitely valid. I’ve done it myself many times. But when I was starting out, learning the ropes, I made a point of shooting as much as possible.

Consistency is key, especially in those early stages. It helps solidify your skills, build confidence, and develop your unique style. Don’t get discouraged if you feel rusty after a break – it happens to all of us. The important thing is to jump back in, rediscover the joy of shooting, and let your creativity flow.

Confidence

Many photographers struggle with the confidence to photograph people. It’s understandable – not everyone feels comfortable approaching strangers or capturing candid moments. But for those who yearn to try, the lack of confidence can be a real barrier.

I get it, I’ve been there myself. It’s not a skill that comes naturally to everyone, and there are times I still step outside my comfort zone. But confidence in this area, like any skill, comes down to practice.

One fantastic way to build confidence and practice your people photography is to attend local events. I’m fortunate to live in a popular holiday area, but most places have county shows, festivals, or markets that pop up regularly.

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t even have to be an event that interests you personally. A craft fair showcasing handmade goods might not be my cup of tea, but it’s a goldmine for photography practice. You’ll likely encounter many people, and chances are, you won’t be the only photographer there. That means you won’t stick out like a sore thumb – it’s a perfectly normal environment to have a camera in hand.

These events offer a low-pressure way to practice capturing candid shots, interacting with people, and experimenting with different techniques. You’ll gradually become more comfortable approaching people and asking for permission to take their photo, a crucial step in building confidence and honing your skills.

Events where people are dressed up for the occasion are perfect for practicing people photography! Take the photo above as an example. Do you think this gentleman dresses like this every day? Probably not. He’s aware he’s going to attract attention, and that’s part of the fun. Before I took this shot, I simply complimented his outfit and asked if I could take his picture. He happily agreed. That one interaction, that small success, is a significant boost to your confidence.

When people are dressed up and in a festive mood, they’re often more open to being photographed. It’s a chance to capture not just their attire, but also their personality and the energy of the event. So, seek out those opportunities, compliment people on their style, and don’t be afraid to ask for a photo. You’ll be surprised how often people are happy to oblige, and with each positive encounter, your confidence will grow.

Another event I attended recently was a 1940s day. Again, people dressed up and a great opportunity to hone in on your people skills.

Compositions

Events are a goldmine for discovering interesting subjects you wouldn’t typically encounter in your daily life. They offer a chance to slow down, observe, and practice your composition skills in a dynamic environment.

Composition, is about how you see and frame your subject through the viewfinder. It’s about considering the focal length of your lens, the aperture you choose, and how those elements affect the final image. It can be as simple as centering your subject or as complex as creating a multi-layered scene with leading lines, depth of field, and a unique perspective.

These events give you the opportunity to experiment with all sorts of compositions. You can try capturing candid moments, isolating details, or playing with unusual angles. The variety of subjects and settings will challenge you to think creatively and refine your eye for composition.

The photo of the skateboarders is a great example of using composition creatively. By choosing a 28mm wide-angle lens, getting in close, kneeling down, and looking up, you effectively eliminated a distracting background (in this case, a beach) and focused solely on the subjects and the railing. This simple yet impactful composition highlights the dynamic nature of skateboarding and the camaraderie of the group.

It’s also a testament to the power of asking permission. A simple request can open doors to unique and compelling shots that might otherwise be missed. By engaging with your subjects and explaining your vision, you can create a collaborative atmosphere that leads to more authentic and interesting photographs.

A quick photograph I took at a fair. The person with the phone had no clue I was taking this photo. It was literally snap and move on.

Back at the 1940s event there was a Spitfire there! How fortunate and what an opportunity. Had I not attended this photograph wouldn’t be in my collection! Back to composition I chose to look up toward the underwing and propeller mindful to keep the wing and gun in the shot. This composition works well because there is a lot going on at the event in the background which you can’t see. I didn’t want any of that in the photographs I took so I had to choose angles that didn’t show the event.

Street Photography

Street photography is a whole different ballgame, requiring a certain boldness and willingness to immerse yourself in the urban environment. There are two main approaches:

Street photography with people: This is the classic form, capturing candid moments of human life on the streets.It’s about observing interactions, emotions, and the unique characters that make up a city. It often involves getting up close and personal, which can be intimidating for some photographers.Street photography without people (Urban photography): This focuses on the urban landscape itself – the architecture, the textures, the light and shadow play. It’s about finding beauty and interest in the everyday scenes that often go unnoticed. While it may seem less daunting than photographing people, it still requires a keen eye for composition and an appreciation for the urban aesthetic.

Whether you call it “street” or “urban,” both approaches offer a unique way to document the life and character of a city. They challenge photographers to think on their feet, adapt to changing situations, and capture fleeting moments that tell a story.

Over the years I have practiced a lot of street photography and I do enjoy all aspects of it, especially walking around back streets in a city. You often find the back streets and alleys are hardly untouched and still have a feeling of times gone by. Such as the print below of a cobbled street in Soho, London.

The streets offer a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for photographers to practice and refine their skills. With endless subjects and scenarios, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I find it helpful to go out with a specific plan in mind. Focusing on a particular theme, like buildings, alleys, or shopfronts, helps me stay focused and avoid distractions.

When it comes to photographing people on the streets, it’s essential to be mindful and respectful. Not everyone appreciates having their photo taken, especially in today’s world of social media. But a polite and courteous approach can often go a long way in getting permission and capturing great shots.

Not everyone on the street is a compelling subject for photography, especially when it comes to fashion. Earlier decades offered a much wider variety of personal styles compared to today’s trends. Think of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s fashion. It was crazy! MODS, PUNKS, TEDDY BOYS, SPIVS leading on to the neon colours of the 1980’s, Walkmans, Ghetto Blasters, Roller Skates, New Romantics! A little bit more interesting than a Hoody and Crocs.

Unless you are in another country where everything is away from the norm back home. I found street photography in Bahrain was interesting purely because I don’t see this street life everyday.

However, when I do come across someone with an interesting look, I usually compliment them and ask if I can take their picture. If they inquire why, I simply explain that I’m documenting street life as a personal project. This honesty and transparency often put people at ease and make them more willing to participate.

Remember, street photography is not just about capturing images; it’s about connecting with people and documenting the human experience in its raw and authentic form. With a respectful approach and a keen eye for detail, you can create compelling images that tell a story and capture the spirit of the streets.

Just go for a photowalk!

When I’m feeling uninspired, I find that the simple act of packing my camera bag and heading out for a walk can work wonders. Even if I don’t have a specific destination or subject in mind, I often stumble upon something interesting to photograph along the way. There’s something about the act of wandering with a camera that opens up your senses and allows you to see the world in a new light.

Some of my most cherished photographs have come from these unplanned excursions. The beauty of this approach is that it removes the pressure of finding the “perfect” shot. Instead, it encourages you to be present in the moment, to explore and discover, and to embrace the unexpected.

So, if you’re ever feeling stuck or uninspired, don’t hesitate to grab your camera and go for a walk. You might be surprised at what you find, and the resulting photographs could be well worth the effort.

Such as this photograph of Reeves. It’s not something I would usually plan to shoot but I stumbled across this and watched as they swayed back and forth in the soft wind. So I slowed my shutter down took a deep breath and snapped away! This photograph would look nice framed and hung on a wall indoors. Just simple enjoyable photography!

So…

The key takeaway here is to embrace every opportunity to get out there with your camera and practice. Whether it’s a planned outing with a specific theme or a spontaneous walk around your neighbourhood, each experience contributes to your growth as a photographer.

Local events, regardless of the subject matter, offer a treasure trove of potential subjects and a chance to experiment with different compositions. Embrace the variety, keep an open mind, and use these events as practice sessions to refine your skills and build your confidence.

And for those who feel a bit shy about photographing people, remember that events are often filled with other photographers. You’re not alone in your passion, and seeing others doing the same can be incredibly encouraging.

Don’t be afraid to try new angles, get down low, or even lie on the floor for a unique perspective. Even if people give you strange looks, embrace it as part of the creative process. After all, as photographers, we’re constantly pushing boundaries and seeing the world through a different lens.