You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take great pictures and you don’t have to have an expensive camera to capture beautiful images! You just need a little know how, the willingness to experiment and the drive to get out there with your camera and take pictures! Here at Timbuktu Studios we encourage all levels of photographers, whether you are a hobbyist, an amateur or a professional to pick up those cameras and take some pictures. And here are a few words of advice to get the most out of your photography.
1. Learn as much as you can about your camera, lighting, exposure, etc. A good photographer is always learning whether he or she reads current photography magazines, books, takes a class or even a workshop. Take a class from us. Timbuktu Studios has classes for all levels, from the hobbyist to the professional. Check out our new schedule of classes and our professional workshops.
2. Experiment – don’t be afraid to try new things. Lie down on the ground and photograph up at things, put colored gels across your flash or lens, fill the frame of the image with the whole flower or your child’s face, or smear Vaseline on a UV lens (don’t put it on your normal lens as it is messy and will be hard to get off. Using a UV lens is cheaper and won’t damage your lens).
3. Schedule time to do your photography just like you would if you were going to the gym. Say, Tuesday is my time to take photographs for me, and stick to it — Even if it is only for an hour or a couple of hours. The more you photograph the better you will get. Practice, practice, practice, but be careful you might get addicted.
4. Make taking photographs interesting. Give yourself little assignments each week. You could do things like photograph things that represent the color blue literally or figuratively, still life, metal objects, or practice things like the rule of thirds, finding the light, etc. Doing little assignments each week are fun as well as educational.
Following these simple steps will have you on the road to great photographs in no time. From all of us at Timbuktu Studios, “Happy Photography!” Check out our website at www.timbuktustudios.com or call us at 661-298-0822.