Practice, even without a camera

© 2009 Simon Hucko

Today's tip - practice, even when you don't have a camera. If you're like me, you don't walk around with a camera at hand ready to shoot every minute of the day. That doesn't mean you can't work on your photography skills. Much of what makes a great image is timing and perspective. Learn to look around you and notice images waiting to happen. Decide on where you would stand for the best image and look for the decisive moment when you would click the shutter. Some people even suggest a physical cue for this - snapping, or saying "click." I don't go that far, but I snap the image in my brain.

The more you do this, the better you will become at anticipating picture-worthy moments. When you do have a camera in hand, your brain will be ready to pull the trigger as something happens, rather than missing the moment and regretting it afterward. It will also help you to be more patient in creating a shot, and not just settling for what you see. Waiting for the right moment or lighting or finding a different perspective can make a world of difference in a photograph.

Try it. Look for images in the world around you, and think about how you would capture them if you had your camera in hand. You may be surprised at what you start noticing after a while.

~S