photo editing, tutorials
Improve Your Photography – Looking at my Old Work
Welcome to our blog dedicated to helping you improve your photography skills! In this series, we will delve into various techniques, tips, and insights to enhance your photographic journey. Today, we invite you to embark on a visual journey down memory lane by examining our old photography work. As photographers, we often grow and evolve over time, and taking a closer look at our past creations can provide valuable insight into our progress and areas for improvement. Join us as we reflect on our earlier works, embrace the lessons learned, and discover how this practice can propel us to new heights in our artistic endeavors.
Improve Your Photography – Looking at my Old Work
Hey everyone, today I want to share some tips on how to improve your photography by looking at my old work. These are the experiences and lessons that helped me grow in my photography journey. Let’s dive in!
Starting Out on deviantART
When I first started, I used to post my work on deviantART. It was a platform that gave me a lot of exposure and helped me build an audience. Even though I’ve moved on to other websites, I still update my deviantART page with my new work because it holds a special place in my heart.
The Journey Begins
Let’s scroll down to the bottom of my gallery to find my first ever posted photos. It’s amazing to see how far I’ve come!
I started my creative journey with traditional art and then discovered Photoshop, which led me to photography. The very first picture that I uploaded was taken in 2004 with a simple point-and-shoot camera. This brings me to my first tip:
TIP 1: You Don’t Need Expensive Gear
Don’t believe that you need the best camera or equipment to create great photos. My earliest work was captured with a basic Kodak zoom digital camera, borrowed from my family. So, start shooting with whatever you have, be it an iPhone or a Polaroid camera. It’s all about your creativity and passion for photography.
One of my popular uploads during that time was a photo taken with the point-and-shoot camera. I set up the camera on a book on the floor and scattered rose petals on the road. With Photoshop, I removed the background houses to create a unique piece.
TIP 2: Ideas Matter More Than Gear
Never let the lack of fancy equipment hold you back. If you have creative ideas, go out and shoot! Experiment with whatever camera you have and try to bring your ideas to life. It’s about your vision and imagination, not the gear you own.
Starting with Fashion and Portrait Photography
To improve my skills in fashion and portrait photography, I started by taking self-portraits and capturing photos of my sister and friends. It was a learning curve, as I wanted to understand working with people, locations, lighting, and camera settings.
I took countless bad photos before finally getting good ones. This brings me to my next tip:
TIP 3: Practice, Practice, Practice
Photography is all about practice. The more you shoot, the better you become. Don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. With time and practice, the ratio of good and bad photos will change in your favor.
Working with Models
I eventually gained the confidence to work with models beyond just my friends. I found a model on Model Mayhem and did my first proper portrait shoot with her. This experience opened up a whole new world for me.
With my friend’s Canon EOS 1000D camera, I captured portrait shots that gave me a sense of accomplishment. I continued doing portrait shoots with different models and concepts.
In 2008, I upgraded to my first professional camera, the Canon 5D Mark II, and along with it, the 50mm 1.4 lens. Although I hadn’t fully mastered shooting in manual mode, the technical aspects didn’t matter as much as the final result.
Keep Growing and Exploring
As I continued on my photography journey, I experimented with various shoots, models, and concepts. I constantly sought out new models and opportunities to expand my skills.
Remember, improving your photography is a continuous process. Keep shooting, try new things, and challenge yourself. With dedication and practice, you’ll see immense growth in your work. So, embrace your old photos, learn from them, and keep pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
Happy shooting!
Frequently Asked Questions – Improve Your Photography: Looking at my Old Work
Q: Why should I revisit my old photography work?
A: Revisiting your old photography work allows you to reflect on your progress, identify areas for improvement, and gain valuable insights into your artistic development over time.
Q: How often should I look at my old photography work?
A: It depends on your personal preference, but it is generally recommended to review your older photos periodically, at least once a year, to track your growth as a photographer.
Q: What should I analyze when reviewing my old work?
A: While looking at your old photographs, pay attention to composition, exposure, lighting, and subject matter. Assess the technical aspects, but also consider the emotional impact and storytelling elements within your images.
Q: How can reviewing my old work help me improve?
A: By evaluating your past shots, you can spot recurring mistakes, identify areas of strength or weakness, and learn from your mistakes. This self-critique helps you evolve as a photographer and refine your creative vision.
Q: Can I learn from my old work even if it wasn’t successful?
A: Absolutely. Examining your less successful photographs provides an opportunity to understand what didn’t work and why. It encourages experimentation and inspires you to approach your future shots differently.
Q: Should I share my old photography work with others?
A: Sharing your old work with trusted peers or photography communities can provide fresh perspectives and valuable feedback. It can also be motivating to see how far you have come while receiving constructive criticism that may further your growth.
Q: Should I delete my old photos that I am not proud of?
A: It is generally recommended to keep your old work, even if you aren’t proud of it. Over time, you may find value in revisiting those photographs and noticing how your skills and creativity have evolved.
I hope you find useful my article Improve Your Photography – Looking at my Old Work, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
If you need help with anything join the community or do not hesitate to contact me.
Best of luck! and follow your passion.
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