In the average journey, we make a lot of mistakes because each journey is unique and different from our previous learning. Starting something new, like photography, is no exception. When I began my photography journey a month ago, I made many mistakes. But realizing these mistakes has been a crucial part of my learning process.
At first, I struggled with focusing. I wasn't sure whether to use autofocus or manual focus. With my old camera, the autofocus often failed, which added to my frustration. I also had trouble understanding when to use manual camera settings versus automatic ones.
Before using a real camera, I practiced a lot with my mobile phone camera. This helped me learn about composition and how to frame a shot correctly. However, transitioning to a big camera introduced new challenges, particularly with lenses. I found that the lens plays a significant role in focusing, and I had to learn when to rely on manual focus, especially since my camera’s autofocus was unreliable.
I experimented with various compositions in my photography journey. One composition I frequently used involved positioning people around the main subject, with the main subject in the center. I also tried circular, rectangular, and triangular compositions, but often found these challenging and didn't always achieve the desired effect. Additionally, I experimented with square framing to highlight the main subject, aiming for a cool and appealing look, but I struggled to get it right.
I took many photos, often making mistakes with motion. Many of my pictures had issues with blur because I didn't use the right shutter speed. Capturing motion correctly requires understanding the relationship between shutter speed and the subject’s movement. I learned that using a one-second shutter speed wasn't suitable for moving subjects, resulting in blurry images.
Finding the right exposure was another challenge. Balancing the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the perfect exposure took a lot of trial and error. Each mistake taught me something new about my camera and the art of photography.
I mostly tried clicking photos of random people without them posing. I aimed to capture candid moments of everyday people—teachers, students, family members—while they were working or communicating. These subjects were not professional models and often didn't know how to pose or position themselves for a photo. I found that capturing them in their natural state resulted in more authentic and real images. This approach, I believe, is one of my strengths and helps me capture genuine expressions and moments.
Throughout this journey, I've learned that mistakes are not setbacks but stepping stones to improvement. By repeatedly clicking photos and analyzing the outcomes, I gradually improved my skills. My advice to anyone starting in photography, or any new endeavor, is to not be afraid of making mistakes. Every expert was once a beginner who made plenty of mistakes.
Here's a photo that illustrates one of the mistakes I mentioned. Notice how the motion blur affects the clarity of the subject. Through such errors, I've learned to better understand my camera settings and improve my techniques.
RANDOM PHOTOS:
In this month, I learned a lot of things. Among these, I want to share some of my key learnings.
One very important lesson in photography is timing. Capturing the photo at the right moment is crucial. A difference of one or two seconds can change the entire story of the photo. The movement of the main subject can completely alter the scene within those few seconds, so I need to capture the moment precisely and in time.
Another important learning is the use of composition techniques. I experimented with various compositions such as circular, rectangular, and triangular. I realized that while some compositions are challenging, they also offer unique ways to highlight the main subject and create more dynamic photos.
I also discovered the importance of understanding my camera’s settings, particularly when it comes to focus. With my Nikon D5200 and a 55mm to 300mm lens, I often struggled with autofocus. Learning when to switch to manual focus helped me take sharper and more intentional photos.
Additionally, I learned about the role of framing in creating visually appealing photos. By placing objects like plants in the foreground, I was able to add depth and texture to my images, making them more interesting.
Capturing candid moments of everyday people taught me the value of authenticity in photography. Posed photos can sometimes feel stiff, but candid shots of people working or communicating often convey genuine expressions and emotions.
Lastly, experimenting with pre-placing objects and shadows before the main subject arrives has taught me how to anticipate and create compelling compositions. This technique has added a new layer of creativity to my photography, allowing me to capture scenes in a more thought-provoking and artistic manner.
In conclusion, embracing mistakes is an essential part of learning. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from starting your journey. Keep practicing, keep learning, and you'll see improvement over time. Every photo you take, whether perfect or flawed, is a step forward in your unique journey as a photographer.
These are some of the animal photos captured by the camera