When life is busy, and we wanna learn photography, how do we pull that off?
Beyond doing our best to keep ourselves well and functioning daily, we've got families, jobs, errands, and unexpected curveballs that seem to come outta nowhere.
I've heard a lotta photographers say stuff like, "I enjoy photography, but life's gotten busy," or "I used to use my camera a lot when I was younger but haven't used it lately.
It's understandable.
When life requires our attention, we give it what it needs, sometimes giving up something we love
to do.
But instead of giving up what we love to do, what if we simply cut back on it and structured it more efficiently so we could do it as part of our everyday life?
It probably won't look the way it did in our younger, less busy days, but it'll still be meaningful and rewarding and can even change us.
Here's how.
1. Rethink What "Doing Photography" Looks Like
A lotta of us think we need to go on special, "photography outings".
We imagine special road trips, golden hour quality lighting, or a specific subject in the perfect scenario.
Forget that stuff.
All we have to do is pay attention to what we see during our usual day-to-day activities.
In other words, if we're tight for time, we could change our minds and realize we don't need to go anywhere to make interesting pictures.
Our work as photographers isn't to find
interesting things to photograph; instead, our work is to make interesting pictures out of whatever we see, wherever and whenever we see it.
And we should use whatever camera we've got at the moment; even the camera on our phones will
do.
2. Make Pictures Daily—As Little As Five Minutes Is a Big Help
Remember, this doesn't have to be a big time-suck.
All that matters is that we make pictures
consistently, persistently, and intentionally.
The amount of time ain't as important as our habitual, intentional studies and practice.
Give this a try: keep your camera within reach, and give yourself at least five minutes a day to intentionally make a picture.
One is enough, but if you're up for makin' more, go ahead.
You'll appreciate how, when you do this daily, you'll become a better photographer.
Our daily photography practice can ground us; We'll slow down, see differently, and we'll remind ourselves why we like doing photography.
3. Self Assignments Challenge Us
Give this a go for a
week, and if ya like it, keep it up:
- Monday: Photograph a color.
- Tuesday: Make reflections your subject.
- Wednesday: Repeating patterns.
- Thursday: Different textures.
- Friday: Stuff that moves.
- Saturday: Make multiple pictures showing your subject as it appears from the different angles from which you view it.
- Sunday: Wild card; do whatever ya want.
These assignments engage our curiosity and make us see the familiar as new.
4. Do It Alone Or Not Alone
Some people find that joining a group helps keep the motivation going.
If you take a group class with me, especially the Introduction to Photography class, I'll give ya plenty of stuff to do to keep you motivated.
And if a group doesn't do it for ya, private lessons are an option.
5. When we take Care of Our Photography, We take Care of Ourselves
Photography isn't just a pastime—it can improve our
well-being.
When we feel overwhelmed, getting engaged in making pictures is considered a healthy thing to do.
It pulls us into the moment and gives us a way to slow down and observe.
When the world moves fast
and makes demands, our photography is an opportunity to take a break and engage in something we enjoy.
If guilt creeps in—"I should be doing whatever, instead of making pictures—remember that it's not selfish to nurture our
creativity.
It centers us, grounds us, and helps us to be more present for the people around us.
6. Accept the Comes and Goes of Creativity
One of the lessons we've gotta
learn is that we can't be "on" all the time.
There'll be a time when photography takes a backseat.
Remember, that doesn't mean we've failed.
And it certainly doesn't mean we're not "real"
photographers.
Creativity comes and goes.
We've gotta be open for when it comes.
7. Small Goals That Keep Us Motivated Are Better Than Overwhelming Big Goals
We're excited by big goals, but they can overwhelm us.
Instead, aim for small, obtainable:
- Take one daily for a week.
- Make a travel photo essay about your neighborhood.
- Print your favorite five images and hang 'em where you can see 'em.
- Make a picture of the kind of subject you usually wouldn't photograph.
These momentum-building small successes lay the groundwork for bigger successes, and before you know it, you're shooting regularly again.
8. It's Worth Photographing Our Life
Creating persistent, consistent, intentional photography studies and practice helps us recognize and see the ordinary
as extraordinary.
There's no need to go anywhere special or create elaborations.
We have everything we need: our eyes, curiosity, and a little time and attention each day.
Our life gives us all the
stuff we need to create our photographs.
Our camera is the light recording tool that we use to do that.
Forget perfection; it doesn't exist—The best we can do is doing the best we can do.
But remember,
we can always do better.
And that's where our studies and practice come in.
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The Introduction To Photography class starts soon.
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.
Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
Currently scheduled classes are below.
Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5
participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
