62 - AsianPhotography - http://www.asianphotographyindia.com
Be moRe cRitical
Look at your work through fresh eyes. What are your
favourite images? What photography and post-processing
method do you like to exercise? How can you improve?
Editing your photos ruthlessly. What are the ten best photos
that you have taken in the past 12 months? Don’t be afraid to
ask someone else’s opinion. It’s often difficult to be objective
about your own work. Does a mood appear when you look
at your best images? Does this suggest fresh ideas for future
projects?
Think that an art director or magazine editor is looking at
your work. What might they say about your photos? What are
your strengths and weaknesses? Don’t be over critical. It’s
just a thought exercise that may help you obtain a clear idea
of your strengths and the skills you’d like to develop. Here’s
an idea. Once you’ve hand-picked your best images why
not transmit them to a photography magazine? They may be
published, earning you some money or a prize. Seeing your
images in print is always a great feeling, specially the first time.e nteR a PhotogRaPhy
comPetition
There are plenty out there. Just beware
of competitions that are rights grabs
(there is a list of approved photography
competitions on internet). Most competitions
have strict rules and regulations that can
help you inspire and focus on that particular
image. The prizes can be pretty good too.
So don’t hesitate or show laziness and
participate in various competitons. Don’t be
upset even if you don’t win but it will inspire
you more to work hard and achieve the
success.Set a PhotogRaPhic PRoject
Set a task, something you can return to once more
throughout the year. Projects give you direction.
For example, try experimenting with long exposure
photography. This new way of taking photos will
encourage you to view your local area with new eyes,
evaluating different locations for their photographic
potential.
Projects are good because they give you chance to
develop your skills in a certain area. The photos taken at
the end of the project will be better than the ones taken at
the beginning. You’ll also need a good variety of images
to create a cohesive set of photos. Thinking long period of
time gives you time to think up ideas and slay them.