5 tips to improve your photography

I’m quite aware that it takes years of practice and hundreds of thousands of shutter presses before you can elevate your photography to a decent level.

I’ve made a list of a few tips that I’ve been using lately, which, in my opinion, have a significant impact on my photos and have changed my approach to my work in general.
I believe that similar tips can be applied to any form of art - be it painting, poetry, music or anything else.

Minimize your gear

Go out with only one lens. Take either your favourite one (everyone likes to go for a walk with the loved ones, right), or the one you actually dislike or rarely use because it doesn’t fit your niche.
Think long focal length and street, or wide and portrait. Constraints will challenge you to look at your subjects differently. Limitations bring fresh spark of creativity.

Try something different

If you’re into landscape photography, try portraits. You shoot the streets? Head out into nature instead. If product photography is your thing, give macro a try. Are you a portrait photographer? Let a friend photograph you. Do something unexpected.
It’s refreshing, gives you a new perspective on your niche, prevents burnout, and - most importantly - it’s fun. Experiment and play.

Connect

I find connecting with others the most difficult part of my journey, but I can no longer deny how essential it is for growth. Getting to know other people, their work and workflow, adds value to your own work on many levels and opens up new opportunities.
Recently, I had a chance to connect with several artists and creators in a short amount of time. This experience resulted in valuable collaborations and new business contacts, which helped me grow almost immediately.

Consume art

Forget about instagram. Go to museum, a gallery, buy yourself a photobook or five, explore online artists from all eras. Consuming art - not only photography - should become your habit. Analyze, stay open, be critical.
You don’t need to know the entire history of art, but you need to discover what resonates with you, what moves you and what doesn't.
You will learn about composition, storytelling, lighting. This practice will also help you to maintain your sensitivity and, in the long run, to develop your style.

Stop scrolling

I know, easier said than done. Instagram can be both a blessing but also a curse for you as a photographer. A line between a never-ending source of inspiration and a dark deep pit full of frustration is really thin, making it a tricky tool. Stop consuming average photography, stay cautious and don’t let yourself fall into the trap of trends.
Most importantly, don't become a victim of instant gratification. Take your time and create for yourself, don’t chase the splendor and likes.

The payoff will come faster and will be more rewarding than you expect.

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