10 Photography Tips I learned from working for a Newspaper/Online Magazine
AGAIN I've found myself diving into my artistic past here! But I try to remember that my past is important, and has lead me to where I am today. So why not dwell a little?
On the idea of dwelling, this week I wanted to reminisce into my history as a Photographer, and how it has helped my Art Business today. I had the fortunate experience of working for The Clock Newspaper at my college: Plymouth State University.
I'd love to tell you all about my experience as a Photographer for my early college years AND how it has helped to learn these skills for my current business AND how you can also use these tips to your advantage!
Throughout this post, I will insert a few of my published works :)
Previously working for The Clock, each week I was given a topic that someone on the team was writing about. Then as a Photographer, I set out on a hunt to capture a photo that matched the idea or theme of the article.
I would come back with sometimes hundreds of photos just to decipher the ONE that was best with my team. Through my photos, I portrayed PSU as a community, and worked toward uniting us in how we felt and what we were surrounded by on campus.
While some photo assignments were straight forward, such as: photographing a new store downtown, or an event on campus, others were vague and prompted me to get creative and think outside the box.
I had to think about how to photograph a feeling, and that took a lot of thought and preparation.
Most of the time, it helped me to think about the 5 human senses: sight, touch, taste, hearing, and scent. I would think about how to capture each in a photo.
Sight of course, seems the most obvious in a photograph. But how do you possibly capture a scent, or a sound in a still frame?
It might just mean capturing that image of steam trailing off a cup of coffee, or the moment of vibration through a piano player's body.
I learned to really think before shooting, to focus on showing not telling, and to study my subject and TELL A STORY. Some assignments I would spend hours, days, and hundreds of photos until I knew I created something really worthy. But I liked it... It's fulfilling to capture moments that make you and others feel something.
Connecting this past experience with my Instagram today, I realize learning these skills has been a significant part of building my business and brand online.
Photography skills are great to have for ANY type of business. Looking through my feed, many of my imagery involves me going out into the world to find inspiration! Whether this is traveling to Vintage stores or fairs, or setting up a flat lay of items which I do often. I try to get creative with lighting and background. But at the same time, I want to stay consistent in my colors and overall theme. I want my pictures to tell a story of the past.
To make it nice and easy for ya I have narrowed down what I've learned to 10 tips:
Not to just take a picture but to think about what the picture means
Familiarize yourself with the topic you will be photographing
Don’t zoom but physically get closer (TECHNICAL TIP)
Tell a story through your photos
Connect with the subject emotionally
Don't rush the photo- take your time and try different angles/ perspectives
White or blank space is important! Make sure your photos aren't too busy
Look and gain inspiration from other Photographers and their set ups
Wait for unique moments to capture
Think creatively!
AND have fun! :)))))
Tune in bi-weekly for more posts on
Off The Record!
Comments