3 Ways to Expand Your Photography Skills

Photography is a progressive art form. Whether you want to make a career out of taking photos or to enjoy it as a hobby, learning a new photography skill will always be worthwhile. For enthusiasts, picking up new knowledge will help you produce better quality images that you can enjoy. If you’re a professional photographer, a new skill can allow you to add packages and raise your prices.

Ready to upgrade your skills as a photographer? Read on for three ways to up your game...

Printed image by Clay Austin

LARGE FORMAT FILM PHOTOGRAPHY

If you're serious about film photography, you might want to go beyond the usual 35mm and medium format. Large format will introduce you to the origins of shooting film. It can get highly technical because it involves sheet film and large format cameras, which have a completely different way of functioning compared to smaller format. Learning how to operate a monorail and a field camera will hone an entirely different way of handling equipment while also promoting growth to your photographic eye.

This kind of photography will take time to master. If you're eager to learn shooting in large format, you are bound to go through a period of trial and error. But once you get it right, the details in your photo will look amazing.

Learn the basics of large format film photography here!

Image by A Bryan Photo

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

If you've been using film for some time, you might have noticed that film LOVES (and needs) light, which is why it can get tricky when the colder and darker seasons come. However, getting good photos even on gloomy days is possible... when you learn the skill of shooting with artificial light.

For those transitioning from digital to analog photography, shooting with artificial light can be quite challenging task. However, being a pro in using this kind of lighting is a must-have skill for every great photographer.

Think of your softbox as your window and the light from the strobe as the rays of the sun. Metering and controlling the light is a big part of artificial lighting, so it's essential to keep practicing.

Aside from working with the strobe, it's also good to be an expert in using flash. Learning how to set up your flash and the right way to position it is the key. Finding the right shutter speed, aperture, and monitoring the power of the flash can help you dictate the mood you want to set for the images.

Get four tips for using artificial light here!

Image by Constance Mariena

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

In the age of social media, almost everyone has tried their hand at food photography. But if you've got a true eye for beauty, you'll understand that not all photos of food are worthy of the genre.

Now that many people are rediscovering the beauty of shooting on film, one of the best ways to flex creativity and know-how is through food photography.

When it comes to taking photos of food, composition strategies are important. It's good to get artistic with the styling and layout even if you're just snapping Wednesday's lunch. Knowing how to showcase the most important ingredient or the final form of the food through different angles, perspectives, and even props will prove helpful. Plus, there's tons of unexpected ways to make food look "camera ready".

Another good thing to try with food photography is the process shot—the human element. While the chef, the baker, or the person eating doesn't always have to appear, showing the process of preparing and enjoying food is a visual treat. Topping a cake with a handmade piece, putting frosting on a pastry, pouring sauce on a meaty dish, or mixing colorful vegetables in a bowl are good examples of process shots that encourage people to try the food you're featuring. Lighting and composition know-how will come in handy even when you're trying to capture the movement.

Learn more about creating mouth-watering food photography here!

That’s it! At Richard, we believe there's always an opportunity to upgrade your skills for personal growth or business evolution. Be sure to sign up for our emails to get more insights and tips from our blog sent to your inbox.

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