Wednesday Commentary: Try New Things

As a photographer it is easy to get stuck doing the same things over and over again. But wait, isn't one of the best ways to improve the image making process repetition? Repetition is one way to improve, but there comes a time when you need to shake things up a little. The first reason for change is the need to challenge yourself. By improving skills in one area, that may help in the process of improving another. For example, if all you shoot is portraits maybe you should try some landscape photography. Why? Because, gaining the skills required for landscape shots can improve your portraits. Not sure how? Easy, so you can make stronger environmental portraits! Changing subject matter is not the only way to advance the skills you posses.


Another way to grow is to change settings on your camera. If all you shoot in is Auto, try something new, like aperture or shutter priority. If you shoot in aperture or shutter priority, try manual mode. Give yourself a set of goals for a week, month or a season. Attempting to reach those goals will stretch you, but also help you to think more about the process of making images.

So we'll end this entry with a few challenges:

Challenge #1: Learn to photograph new subject matter, then use those new skill sets to improve the styles you currently enjoy.

Challenge #2: Change camera settings, try using a mode you wouldn't usually use.