A picture speaks a thousand words without uttering one, and learning how to take a worthy picture is an art. Photography as art takes time, practice and patience to master. In this digital age, aspirants and professionals both take advantage of technology to pursue their passion for photography. Notice how rapid photography blogs, vlogs and educational platforms sprung over time, and continue to grow significantly up to this day – making learning as an unending endeavor.
Photography enthusiasts are introduced to fresh techniques, ideas and inspirations through numerous ways and tools according to their learning style. Fond of reading? Visit a blog. Need visuals? Watch vlogs and video tutorials. Looking for module type? Take photography courses. Are you an auditory learner? Listen to podcasts. Whether you are a hobbyist, an eager amateur or a skillful expert, you may find these options helpful to hone that talent in one way or another.
Photography Podcasts for Every Skill Level
Aspiring photographers are always looking up for some new inspiration and ways to improve their photography portfolio. Today, it is much easier to gather information and learn the basics. Besides, if all the information is available in one place – a podcast, then it’s much easier for anyone to start trying their luck at it. These podcasts can provide a range of information and tips – from the very basic guidelines to expert tips. Begin from the basic equipment information or jump directly to the main principles and procedures that every photographer should follow.
Another beneficial aspect is that through these podcasts, aspiring photographers can get to know the real work philosophy behind their favorite photographers and take inspiration.
So, if you’re eager to take your photography skills up a notch in an efficient manner, then here are some reasons why a podcast may be the best option for you, particularly The Great Big Photography World podcast is the ideal place, to begin with.
Great Big Photography World Podcast
Available on SoundCloud, iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher
Hosted by Taya Iv, a writer and photographer herself, this podcast is manned by experienced photographers for photographers. It offers a friendly space and environment for beginners and professionals to learn and grow. Also, they invite experts and professional photographers for one-on-one discussions so there’s a lot that photographers can learn from it. It also sheds light on the power of potential and talks about how to make the most of the equipment present. Something that seems like an obstacle in your photography can turn out to be a great opportunity to create something good. Here’s a quick glimpse of what you can get from this podcast.
Expand Your Skills
If you want to expand your skills and enter working into a new genre of photography, then take that leap of faith and just do it. Being creative in one field of photography exponentially increases the chances of learning the rules and principles applied in another field of photography. Here, this podcast teaches you to use the skills and expertise that you have garnered from one genre and bring your perspective and personal touch to a new field of photography. Learn what works and what not and then use all the information available by putting it to work. Always look at people who are better than you and are much polished and experienced. Take inspiration from their work to unlock new levels of success with your work.
You can do a lot with your photoshoot. Just be creative, grab your camera, pick an idea, find your subjects, and try your photography skills right away. Check out this article by Future Starr best photoshoot ideas of 2020; with these photoshoot ideas, you might catch others’ attention and aspiration and get inspired to do something unique with your images and poses. Start your blog, and be a photographer.
Develop your Style – Learn from Mike Monaghan
The podcast episodes 6 and 7 with Mike Monaghan, the Los Angeles based photographer shares some deep insights with the host. He started taking pictures when he was 16, he’s 32 now and a lot more experienced with photography. He loves doing fun portraits and lays a lot of emphasis on finding your own aesthetic and style in photography. He also shares a very valuable lesson – It’s completely okay to learn and mess things up, that’s how you learn. He also goes on about the importance of lighting and how it can be a huge game-changer in photography. So, learn, experiment and never be shy to play around with different themes and techniques. That’s how you learn, that’s how we all learn.
Photography as a Medium of Self- Expression – Learn from Alexandra Benetel
Episode 8 with Alexandra Benetel talks about photography as a means of self-expression. There’s a lot that can be expressed through one single still image. A lot of photographers use photography as a medium to express themselves and the people that they capture. Photographs are also used to narrate history and that goes on to explain the importance of art history and photography.
Alexandra Benetel also shares her approach when taking a photograph. She says that it’s important to have a concept but also emphasizes flexibility. She shares that at times certain elements like location or availability of props will move you towards a change of plans. It is important to have room to breathe and be flexible to adapt and change as per the requirement or the situation. A mix of both conceptualization and flexibility is the secret behind her ethereal landscapes and superb portraits.
Build your niche like Underwater Photography – Tips from Chun Chau
Chun Chau is a photographer from Hawaii. He clicks beautiful landscapes. He does a lot of underwater photography in Hawaii and shares some useful tips in episode 12, one of which is the importance of not scaring the wildlife away from you as that can be a hurdle in photographing them. He says that when trying to capture dolphins, it is vital to let them come near and get familiar on their own. This way there would be a better chance to take meaningful and beautiful pictures.
Stay True to Yourself – Learn from Alexandra Sophie
Alexandra Sophie was added by Forbes in their 30 under 30 list a few years ago due to her massive success at such a young age. In episode 15, she discussed the most important thing in pursuing art is to maintain your style and to stay true to yourself. There are loads of photographers out there so what distinguishes you from them is your style and the authenticity that it offers. Don’t try to become something that you’re not, as brands and companies will hire you based on your unique style and capabilities. It’s a full time-job to also maintain your social media and relationships. She emphasizes that always make sure that your personal work represents the true YOU and not some made-up version of someone else.
Anyone can learn skills and techniques to be a great photographer. All it takes are skills, consistency, passion, and practice. It’s good to be open to new things and technologies. That makes taking photos easier and exciting. The Great Big Photography World Podcast here is a goldmine of information for seasoned as well as aspiring photographers. Now it is up to you to take maximum benefit from it and turn your photography skills to a pro level in no time.