How to be a Professional Amateur Photographer

Today, we live in a world where everyone has a camera in their pocket — it has turned us all into photographers. Whether you have aspirations of becoming a professional, growing your following, or just getting a decent shot of your dinner, we put together a list of some of the tricks that will help you become a better photographer.

1. If you’re shooting a person, engage with them first.

By having a conversation you set them at ease. They get used to you and their comfort will show. It’s all about human connection.

2. Look for even lighting

• Even lighting results in soft shadows.
• If it is midday, look to shoot in the shadows of trees or buildings.
• Try to shoot during prime hours (an hour before sunrise/sunset or 30 minutes before/after).
• Cloudy days also can work in your favor.

@newenglandmenswear in frame

3. Hold your camera steady

• If you’re trying to take a photo on the move, it is best to just take time time to slow down and steady yourself.
• If the photo isn’t interesting enough, try getting closer.

“If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”

— Robert Capa

Ironically, Capa died when he stepped on a landmine while trying to take a photo but the saying still rings true. Some of the coolest photos come when you are up in the action.

When I first took this shot I was running around trying to get as many angles before the sun faded and when I looked at my view finder I realized every shot was just slightly blurry. For this shot I sat myself down and held the camera as steady as possible.

4. Be conscious of colors

• Colors can make or break your images. At the beginning don’t focus on this too hard as you will become better and better at it as time goes on.
• To start off, the easiest way to add a little punch to your images is through adding contrast and slightly boosting the shadows.

For my images I like a lot of reds and oranges complimented by blues and teals in the shadows. This is a very standard type of grading that is seen in a lot of motion pictures.

5. Use apps!

You’ll definitely want to invest in an editing app of some kind, and a good weather app is necessary to help you plan your photo or video shoot. Some suggestions:

• Adobe Suite: If you can afford it this is the best editing software on the market and almost every big name photographer uses it. They also have a less expensive mobile version you can check out.
• VSCO: The only phone editing app I have ever used. It’s awesome.
• Weather app: Personally, I use Wunderground and it has proven to be invaluable.