How to get you better at photography
In the 21st century everyone is a photographer, we all have cameras around our necks or in our pockets and we all love having a reason to use them.
There are two reason why I use my camera; to capture memories for me to look back at and reminisce and to help me to actively look at what’s around me in a creativity way. There are two sites which help me do this – 500px and EyeEm.
500px and EyeEm are sites which allow you to showcase your photography and to view the photography of others but, the main reason why I use them is because of one feature in particular – they both regularly have photography competitions on their sites which 500px call briefs and EyeEm call missions.
These competitions are a great reason for you to go out and start taking pictures. Not only are you motivated by your own personal reasons and love for photography but there’s also a competitive aspect as you can view the other submissions and the awards are amazing.
Some of the competitions I have entered:
The difference between 500px and EyeEm
They both have very big communities of photographers with 500px I believe, having the more professionals on it – because of this I believe outside the 500px forums that EyeEm has the friendlier community with constant likes and people willing to add you.
There is definitely a more diverse level of photography but with the professionals showcased just as much as 500px.
In the 500px forums you will find people will to help you in anyway, you just have to ask a question. Quite a few times I have asked questions on features of my Sony A6000 camera and for them to critique images of mine. All answers were helpful and the criticism was constructive. To my knowledge
EyeEm doesn’t have a forum but they have a very active blog with tips and tricks. You constantly get notifications when a new tip and trick has been published. 500px allows you to curate images which is great for inspiration.
EyeEm doesn’t allow you to curate images of others but it does allow you to search for images of the same likeness and follow certain types of photography.
The only difference between 500px and EyeEm’s search options is EyeEm allows you to discover images and photographers who have taken images around you – I think this is a great feature that does inspire you to compare yourself to photographers need you and to see what they are shooting.
They both also have marketplaces allowing you to sell your images and as stated before and they both have competitions with 500px having the better prizes which can add up to over 2 thousand pounds.
Both of these sites are great at challenging you as a photographer – using these sites will definitely make you better. I slowly am as the more I use my camera the more i understand it and then better I become.
