Creagerj
Incidental Artist
I joined this site when I was objectively young. This site and its members are what really got me into photography back then. Now I'm subjectively old or young depending on who you ask, so I guess I'm qualified to answer.
My first piece of advice is to take pictures of people. Ask for permission, get close, and say thank you. Subjectively, I find pictures of people to be the most compelling and memorable.
My second piece of advice is to ignore my first piece of advice. I spend half my time doing macro or architectural photography. I find those images compelling as well.
Ok, here is some real advice:
Whatever you take pictures of, find someone who will give you genuine and actionable feedback. Your mom and girlfriend/boyfriend will tell you all of your photos are good because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Random strangers on the internet will tell you all of your photos are bad because they want to hurt your feelings. A whole bunch of people in between are really indifferent and will tell you whatever they think you need to hear to leave them alone.
On that note, you will always be your own worst critic. Sometimes it takes me years to decide that a photo I wasn't happy with originally was actually not that bad. Don't beat yourself up.
Gear does not matter except when it does, which is surprisingly often. If you are looking to buy a piece of gear that will make your photos better, buy a good tripod you can tolerate schlepping around. I suppose you can save money here if you lift weights to make your heavy gear easier to carry.
On the subject of gear, it's expensive. If you really like the gear, study engineering or computer science so you can afford it. Otherwise, it's best to believe gear does not matter.
Take pictures of your friends and family often. You will be surprised by who isn't here in ten years, maybe less. This might not make you a better photographer, but you can thank me in ten years regardless.
Wear sunscreen. You can still get sunburned on an overcast day. It took me 30 years to figure that one out.
My first piece of advice is to take pictures of people. Ask for permission, get close, and say thank you. Subjectively, I find pictures of people to be the most compelling and memorable.
My second piece of advice is to ignore my first piece of advice. I spend half my time doing macro or architectural photography. I find those images compelling as well.
Ok, here is some real advice:
Whatever you take pictures of, find someone who will give you genuine and actionable feedback. Your mom and girlfriend/boyfriend will tell you all of your photos are good because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Random strangers on the internet will tell you all of your photos are bad because they want to hurt your feelings. A whole bunch of people in between are really indifferent and will tell you whatever they think you need to hear to leave them alone.
On that note, you will always be your own worst critic. Sometimes it takes me years to decide that a photo I wasn't happy with originally was actually not that bad. Don't beat yourself up.
Gear does not matter except when it does, which is surprisingly often. If you are looking to buy a piece of gear that will make your photos better, buy a good tripod you can tolerate schlepping around. I suppose you can save money here if you lift weights to make your heavy gear easier to carry.
On the subject of gear, it's expensive. If you really like the gear, study engineering or computer science so you can afford it. Otherwise, it's best to believe gear does not matter.
Take pictures of your friends and family often. You will be surprised by who isn't here in ten years, maybe less. This might not make you a better photographer, but you can thank me in ten years regardless.
Wear sunscreen. You can still get sunburned on an overcast day. It took me 30 years to figure that one out.
