Are your photography skills stuck in 2012 while the rest of the world has moved on to 2023? Fear not, my fellow shutterbugs! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to level up your photography game. From hitting the streets to learning from the pros, we’ve got 5 ways to help you step up your photography skills and make 2023 the year you capture your best shots yet. So, grab your camera and let’s get snapping!
- Take it to the streets: One of the best ways to improve your photography skills is to get out and start shooting. Whether you’re exploring your own neighbourhood or travelling to a new city, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found. Check out resources like the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest for inspiration, and consider joining a photography tour or workshop to help you get the most out of your travel photography.
Recommended Resources:
- National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest
- Lonely Planet’s Travel Photography Tips
- Practice makes perfect: As with any skill, practice is key to improving your photography. Set aside time each week to practice a specific technique or style, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. You can also use online photography challenges, like the ones offered by DPReview or ViewBug, to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Recommended Resources:
- DPReview Photography Challenges
- ViewBug Photography Contests
- Join the community: Photography is an art form that is meant to be shared. Joining online photography communities and local photography clubs can help you connect with other photographers, gain inspiration from their work, and receive valuable feedback on your own photos. You can also follow photographers on social media platforms like Instagram to gain inspiration and see how they approach their craft.
Recommended Resources:
- PhotographyTalk.com
- The Photographic Society of America
- Instagram’s #photography and #travelphotography hashtags
- Follow photographers like Steve McCurry and Annie Leibovitz on Instagram for inspiration
- Learn from the pros: Whether you’re looking to learn new techniques or simply want to be inspired by the work of others, there’s no shortage of online resources and courses available to help you improve your photography. Consider signing up for online courses like those offered by Udemy or CreativeLive, or attend workshops and conferences like the annual Photoshop World conference or the National Geographic Photography Seminar.
Recommended Resources:
- Udemy Online Photography Courses
- CreativeLive Photography Classes
- Photoshop World Conference
- National Geographic Photography Seminar
- Invest in the right gear: While it’s true that gear doesn’t make the photographer, having the right equipment can certainly make a difference. Consider investing in a high-quality camera and lenses that are appropriate for the type of photography you’re interested in. There are a number of online resources that can help you decide which camera and lenses are right for you, like the Digital Photography School or B&H Photo’s buying guides.
Recommended Resources:
- Digital Photography School Camera Buying Guide
- B&H Photo Buying Guides
By taking advantage of these resources, practising regularly, and learning from the pros, you’ll be well on your way to improving your photography skills in 2023. Happy shooting!
