Photo Tips

Jason Geil is the photo editor at WeSay and a professional photojournalist.

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Photography is no different than just about any other profession with a specific skill set. It demands that you practice to be truly talented at it and there’s never a point where you can’t improve. Because the standard in photography is constantly evolving, there is always room to learn more and take better photographs. The best of the best will agree with this.

The only way I know how to constantly improve at photography is to consistently practice at it. In the way a golfer has to practice his swing and perfect a variety of shots on the golf course, a photographer has to be pushing the shutter release button to get better at photography.

I find it helpful to remind myself of this from time to time.  Photographers too often rest on their past achievements instead of pushing their limits by practicing the art literally each day.

So remember this if you want to learn how to become a more successful photographer: Try to take a photograph at least once a day. It might sound extreme to some, but it’s not that difficult to do once you get into it.

Here are some tips to help you get into a routine to shoot a photo EVERY day:

1. Set up a daily reminder to “shoot a photo” and don’t delete it until you have. Most people have access to an electronic calendar these days on their computer or online.

2. Buy a backpack specifically designed to carry camera equipment. Companies like LowePro and Tamrac make a variety of bags that make it easy to carry a camera with you to just about anywhere. I carry one on the train and to work every day of the week. If you’re one of these people who say, “I don’t like lugging my camera around with me unless I’m specifically looking for photographs,” you’re in for a rude awakening. Great photographs don’t often happen on “your” time. They happen when they happen and if you have a camera near you on a regular basis, you will notice your photos are ultimately much better.

3. Store away a cheaper camera — possibly an old digital point-and-shoot — in your car. You never know when something amazing will take place right before your eyes. If by chance you don’t have your regular camera equipment with you, you will always have a backup at the ready in a pinch. You will be surprised how often you might actually use it and it sure wasn’t going to do you any good sitting at home on your desk. One helpful reminder though! Try to remind yourself to recharge the battery in it ever so often. You might not use it for a month, but that battery is still draining power.

4. Start a photo blog. Like a marathon runner in training, it’s helpful to keep a daily log of what you are doing to make yourself a better photographer. Try to post a photo to your blog each day of the week, or at least 2-3 times if possible. This will keep you on your toes looking for great photo opportunities and it’s great reference to look back after several months to see what you shot. You might find yourself thinking you have improved, or you might consider a photo you reluctantly posted at the time is much better than you originally thought. Blogging on a regular basis is a very helpful tool for aspiring and established photographers. Google makes it easy to create a free and easy to update blog.

5. Join a photo club. Many areas have photo clubs that are generally easy to find if you do a little searching online. If not, start one. Post something at your local camera store and be proactive. Photo groups have regular meetings and common photo projects they work on. Having peers to share your work with will keep you more active in photography and more interested in shooting every day. Plus, you will inevitably learn from others in the group.