Elevate Your Photography Game, 1% at a Time

 

As photographers, we often dream of achieving mastery overnight. But true growth is rarely the result of a single breakthrough moment. Instead, it comes from consistent, incremental improvements. This year, I challenge you to take small yet impactful steps to elevate your photography. Here’s how you can crush your photography goals by just 1% at a time.

1. Add Extra Shooting Days

If you currently shoot twice a month, plan to shoot three times. If you shoot once a week, aim for five sessions a month. These additional sessions might seem small at first, but they add up significantly over time.

Imagine this: by adding just one extra shoot a month, you’ll gain 12 additional shooting days in a year. Push yourself further, and you could reach 60 shoot days in a year, equivalent to two continuous months of practice. Each extra session brings more images, more learning, and more opportunities to refine your craft.

2. Experiment with Different Lenses and Settings

Break out of your comfort zone and explore:

• Lenses: Use wide-angle lenses for landscapes, telephoto lenses for wildlife, or prime lenses for portraits.

• Camera Modes: Shoot in manual mode, aperture priority, or shutter priority to better understand your equipment.

• Settings: Experiment with ISO, white balance, and metering modes to see how they impact your shots.

Each experiment adds another layer to your skills and helps you better adapt to diverse scenarios.

3. Challenge Yourself with New Subjects

Do you specialize in candid photography? Great! But this year, try photographing:

• Speedy Subjects: Capture a running car, bike, or bus. This will sharpen your panning and motion-freezing skills.

• Textures and Patterns: Seek out abstract textures in nature or urban settings.

• Night Photography: Experiment with long exposures and light trails.

Diversifying your portfolio not only hones your technical skills but also broadens your creative perspective.

4. Tips and Tricks for Incremental Growth

• Plan Your Shoots: Dedicate specific days to focus on one skill, like low-light photography or portrait lighting.

• Review Your Work: After each session, critically analyze your shots to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Join Photography Communities: Share your work, get feedback, and learn from fellow photographers.

• Study the Masters: Look at the work of renowned photographers to understand composition, lighting, and storytelling.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of 1%

Photography is a journey, not a sprint. By committing to small, consistent improvements, you can make incredible strides over time. Every extra shoot, every new experiment, and every skill you learn adds up to something remarkable. So, plan your year, pick up your camera, and start growing your craft—1% at a time.

Here’s to a year of creativity, growth, and stunning visuals!

The above-posted image was captured by Prasenjeet Gautam, Humming Bird, Location- Asola Bhat National Park, Faridabad, INDIA 

For more information and to explore our latest projects, please visit our website at www.prasenjeetgautam.com

Happy shooting!