Dear beginning photographer,
If you choose, you are at the beginning of a beautiful journey. There is no destination, just a journey.
If I may, I would love to say a few things to you.
Relax, have fun and play
That thing you have now? It’s a sophisticated bit of equipment. Even if it’s your smartphone, well, that camera does a lot. You don’t have to know everything about the camera. Explore.
Relax. Have fun. Play.
The world will look more beautiful
I was unprepared for what would happen when I began taking photos. Photography made me experience the world differently. I paid attention to sunsets, starry skies, trees, Milky Ways, flowers, people, sure. But I also began noticing how the light hits something beautifully, how it backlights my wife’s hair, how peeling paint can be gorgeous, how long shadows look amazing and how a chair in front of a window is mesmerizing.
The world will look more beautiful to you. And more interesting. That is the gift of photography.
Don’t get hung up on gear
I know, I know, we sometimes talk about gear here. I’m not saying that cameras, lenses, software, and accessories aren’t important or don’t help. They do help.
All I’m suggesting is that you don’t get hung up on it.
See, here’s the thing. That camera, whatever you have, is considerably more sophisticated than cameras of yesteryear. They’re capable of taking some great photos. Yes, even that tiny smartphone in your pocket.
Photographers used grainy film. They used lenses that weren’t as sharp.
But look at the beautiful images they created. We’ve seen them. Life, National Geographic, Time. We’ve seen amazing, timeless images seared into our brain. Even on a much smaller scale, I’ve photographed with an old used 2013 camera and had my photos printed in National Geographic Books, Westways Magazine and elsewhere.
Don’t let them grind you down
People are odd sometimes. They can make comments that sap your creative energy.
A long time ago, I picked up a guitar while camping in Carpinteria Beach. I knew a few chords, so I played. A girl I was camping with said, “Oh my gosh, Ken, stick to piano.”
I put the guitar down. After a week, then realized, “Maybe I sounded awful. But I’m a beginner. I like playing guitar. It’s fun for me.” I then played whenever I felt like it, which was often. I’m still not the greatest guitar player, but does that matter? I’ve had fun playing in bands. And not that it matters, but I’ve even gotten my music in movies and MTV. Good things came about because I was relaxing, having fun and playing.
You might post a photo on social media. Most people are encouraging. A few people, maybe not so much. Some people sometimes feel better because when they offer negative comments, they feel like they know something that you don’t. This elevates them. This makes them feel better, perhaps superior. “That camera’s no good.” “That picture is no good.” “Do something else! Why do you only photograph pictures of your cat?”
But you know something that you don’t. You’re having fun. It’s your camera, not theirs. You know that you are relaxing, having fun and playing.
Embrace constructive criticism, sure. That can be immensely helpful and supportive.
But negative comments? You don’t need to let that bother you.
Join supportive, positive communities
There’s plenty of supportive, positive communities. Look for people who will encourage you so you can flourish.
This can be your family. When I say “family,” I mean friends as well because, after all, friends are simply family that you choose.
It can also be your local camera club, a friendly Facebook group or others. And actually, there’s a friendly group called the Photofocus Community, right here. There are people of all different levels who are friendly, helpful and want to see you succeed. And it’s a good place to share, comment, and yes, relax, have fun and play.
You’ve been given this incredible box that collects light. Let it do that instead of collecting dust.
Warmest Regards,
Ken
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