Photography Tips by My One Year Old Son

Often knowledge might dawn on you from unexpected sources. My father taught his brother and my uncle to swim when they were both teenagers. To this day my father cannot swim himself. We learn from one another regardless of either parties intentions. Only recently it dawned on me how my little one has changed my view on photography, amongst other things. Here’s what I learned so far.

Be Curious

Touch it, smell it, taste it, inspect it then taste it again. How can you photograph someone without getting to know them? Finding out as much as you can about your subject will help you bring the best features out in a single frame.

Look at Things in Awe

Anything can be an inspiration as long as your mindset allows for it. There is as much good work inspired by beautiful landscapes as there is in conflict photojournalism. It’s all important. It’s all relevant.

Ignore Your Parents

I mean, seriously, they are just people. They are not always right. Same with relatives, friends and the rest of the crew. Listen, respect them but your life is about you and you do not owe anything to anyone (well, maybe that twenty quid to Hector).

Taste Everything That Fits in Your Hand

Photograph every single thing that it is of interest to you. Simples, really…

Everything is a Game/Play for the Sake of Playing

Many blogs and articles on subject of creativity will tell you that playtime is important. The issue with following that advice is that we play BECAUSE we want to be more creative or productive. As Alan Watts would say, it’s like trying to bite your own teeth. Playing, in order to be true to its nature, should not have a purpose. Let go of attachment to the outcome.

Crawl to Every Place That You Can Think of

Be an explorer, even in your own backyard. Take a detour on your way to work (don’t hold me responsible for being late, leave your home earlier) or visit the part of town that you’ve never been to on the weekend. New is good. New stimulates.

Practice Standing up Restlessly

Even a one year old knows that things do not come easy. If you want to eventually stand up on your own you need to put a lot of practice in first. You can take a break but not give up. Try, fail, rest then try again. Work the basics till you drop, then work them a little bit more.

Express Your Emotions Freely

Sad? Cry. Funny? Laugh. Do not hold it. Use it to your own advantage. Let your work show your real self.

You are not that innocent

People like to think of children as totally innocent. Well, I can tell you that they have as much innocence as naughtiness. It’s all about the balance. Don’t worry if you are imperfect in peoples eyes. It really is OK. Embrace your faults and you will even find it easier to work on them. The Anonymous Alcoholics have to admit in front of the group that they, indeed, do have a problem with alcohol. Different circumstances, same logic.