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15 Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

By Tata Rossi 23 days ago, Amateur Photography

Photography assignments allow you to experiment with something you have never tried before and play around with different photographic approaches. With such an assignment, you will challenge yourself and develop your skills.

15 Ways to Make Photography Assignments

This list of photo assignments consists of 15 points, so I am sure that you will find the idea to your liking.

1. Self Portraits

The first task is a no-brainer: just take a self-portrait picture each day. Don’t forget to use a tripod and shutter release aside from regular shooting with your arm extended and holding a camera.

Since you will be the model, feel free to unleash your creativity with all sorts of make-up, outfits, poses until you figure out a proper look. Remember to use props as well. Then share your shots with the world via social networks or the dedicated Flickr and Twitter groups.

2. Color Challenge

Here is one of the greatest color photography assignments for the urban environment photos . Bring the camera with you and take pictures for several hours. Pick a color (or ask a friend to choose it for you to complicate the task) and photograph subjects of the chosen color only.

Once you are done, you will find yourself seeing this color everywhere! Then pick the best shots and merge them into a collage or mosaic in Photoshop .

3. After Dark

Practice with night photography and try taking pictures after dark. In case you are outside the city, you may shoot moonlight or star trails. While being in the city, capture light trails of vehicles or buildings with the light-up windows. Regardless of the location, experiment with light-painting by means of long exposure photography and moving a flashlight across areas of the scene.

4. Crop or Rotate All your Photos a Specific Way

One of the best photography practice assignments is to neglect your comfort zone and try something new for a change. For instance, if you have a tendency to snap the same kinds of photos, you should modify their perspective.

Try an approach to cropping or rotating your next 50-100 shots that differs from your regular one. Play around with square photos, 180° rotation or whatever else you can come up with. Once you get out of the familiar artistic routine, you will be able to perceive the world from another angle and get creative.

5. Quit Social Media Temporarily

Social networks can serve as an excellent source of photography inspiration or lead to a complete lack of it. If you use social networks without critical thinking, you may start comparing yourself to other photographers, which will be a total waste of time and effort.

While it may be one of the hardest photography assignments these days, taking a hiatus from social networks is highly important. Log off your Instagram account for some time or uninstall apps that leave you in a bad mood.

In case your job requires staying online on a daily basis, devote some of your time to non-Internet tasks, like taking pictures or gaining knowledge on photography. I suggest taking some online photography courses .

6. Shoot Every Day for a Month

If you wish to become a better photographer , you shouldn’t stop shooting. By taking pictures constantly, you will receive more feedback and will be interacting more actively with the world.

One of the most widespread photography class assignments is to take one picture each day for a month. Do it with the help of the smartphone, DSLR camera or any device that can photograph. But don’t take meaningless pictures just because you have to. The shots you take should resonate with you in one way or another and be valuable to you.

The Zen masters suggest that you have a “daily practice.” When we repeat something, we become closer to recognizing the “truth”. You may read a great number of photo theory books , but you won’t be able to shoot properly. Only through practice, repetition, feedback and constructive criticism, you can grow as a photographer. Remember that this assignment is about forming a habit, not about taking a perfect picture each day.

7. Experiment with a Completely Different Genre

The array of photography genres is truly vast. Underwater photography , glamour, smartphone, landscape photography , portrait photography – that’s only a beginning. If you feel like you are losing interest in photography, switch to another genre.

Try staying away from your primary photography genre for a while. In case you shoot portraits, go outside and capture the area where you live in. If you are involved in photographing pets , play around with self-portraiture. By getting familiar with various photography genres, you are widening your photography horizons and gaining new knowledge that may come in useful one day.

8. Put Together a Photo Album

We live in a digital world, and even nowadays’ photography comes mostly in a digital form. We constantly find ourselves sharing our photos online. It is a rare thing to print photographs, even touch them, let alone create something physical out of them.

That’s why one of the greatest photography tasks is to compile a photo album. You can buy one at a store or online. Print the desired shots in the small 4×6 size. I suggest collaborating on this task with your friend, child or partner. Think of the main idea, theme or story of the album. Put all the printed shots on a surface and consider how you will lay them out in an album, how you will pair them and in what sequence.

No wonder that our parents and elderly relatives used to create a photo book together. It is a nice way to preserve precious memories in a physical form and bring back the moments that we sometimes tend to forget over time.

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits with a Friend

While you may enjoy your own company while taking self-portraits, you may feel bored or lonely after some time. In this case, you can implement one of the most entertaining photography assignment ideas and take self-portraits with a friend (pets are welcome as well!).

Don’t forget to think through the poses, set up the tripod and find the perfect photography light. As you will be engaged in all these activities, you will be able to get a hang of a photographer’s workflow. Then, when it comes to a real photo shoot with the clients, you will be more skilled at dealing with the camera and lights.

10. Attend a Photography Workshop

Photography workshops is an excellent investment in your education as a photographer and one of the most helpful beginner photography assignments.

Pick a workshop that is dedicated to the topic relevant for you. Thanks to workshops, you will get not only theoretical but also practical information. Also, you will have your questions answered by real professionals.

11. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

In case you aren’t as excited about photography as before, try capturing one and the same person or object each day for a week or month. Similar to the smartphone photography challenge, as a result, you will realize the importance of having the freedom to photograph anything you wish.

While snapping pictures of the same object, you will boost your lighting skills. To make the shots differ from each other, don’t hesitate to play around with various types of lighting and photo editing apps .

12. Go a Month Without Using Social Media

Being the photographer of the 21st century, you may find yourself in the never-ending trap of feeling the need to post photos on social networks each day. It all turns into some sort of addiction – all you crave is likes, comments and new followers. If you don’t receive the online praise you need, your photography stops making sense.

In fact, photography is something you should pursue on your own. What truly matters here is your personal thoughts on your shots, not the opinion of users online. Simply uninstall all the social network applications from the smartphone (you can bring them back once the assignment is over). Posting photos and looking through photos of others is prohibited.

If you manage to stay away from social networks for a month, you will acquire a clearer purpose of your photography work. Besides, you won’t be so obsessed with the imaginary social network competition that everyone seems to be involved in.

13. Shoot with a Limited Amount of Equipment

Regardless of whether you are an experienced, amateur or a beginner photographer , you are likely to be after all sorts of photography gear to enhance your results.

How about photography assignments where you have to use a restricted amount of shooting equipment? You can photograph strictly with one camera body or camera lens . There is no need to do it for an entire month.

For this assignment, I suggest coming up with a plan, and do it, for instance, only once a week. Working with the same gear every day will give you more flexibility in both the creative and physical aspects of the process.

So, in case you deal only with a zoom lens, you will have to experiment whenever you shoot indoors . With a wide-angle lens only, you will need to work on cropping and correcting distortions.

14. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

Similar to the previous assignment, limiting yourself to 10, 20, 30 or more shots per day, week or month will help you realize what your true creative needs are. Besides, with a photo limit, you will understand what subjects or scenes you are more inclined to photograph.

Another benefit of a photo limit is that it will bring more patience and creativity into the process. You won’t be able to take numerous pictures of one place, so you will be forced to risk and play around with various perspectives.

15. Take Photos with Your Smartphone Camera Only

Take pictures only with a smartphone camera for a week. For better results, download a top-notch camera app and try to figure out all of its settings. A modern smartphone will help beginning photographers get acquainted with the technical side of the shooting process.

To complicate the task, I suggest recreating some of your portfolio photos with the smartphone camera. With this assignment, you will learn all the intricacies of shooting with a smartphone and may even start taking shots not only with a standard camera but with a smartphone one as well on a regular basis!

Freebies for Photography Assignments

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10 Photo Assignments to Inspire and Challenge Your Skills

Liz Masoner is a professional photographer and she shares her tips and techniques on photo editing and how to photograph nature, portraits, and events with film and digital cameras. Liz has over 30 years of experience and she is the author of three books on photography.

The best way to learn photography is to practice, though sometimes you can get stuck in a rut and not know what to shoot. That is why photographers love assignments; they give us a purpose and an idea of what to photograph. 

Why Are Assignments Important?

Self-assignments are key to any photographer's growth. Even professionals with decades of experience will work on personal assignments that they may never get paid for. The goal of any self-assignment is to spur creativity, solve problems, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself.

As you start out in photography, you're probably filled with excitement and ready to shoot anything you can. That being said, sometimes a little direction and guidance are necessary.

Below, you will find ten photography assignments. Each covers a new topic, skill, or concept and they were chosen to help you learn how to see as a photographer. They are meant to be a personal challenge that you can complete at your own pace and with no outside judgment, simply as a means to practice and improve your photography. Hopefully, you will learn something new with each assignment and be able to use that in every photograph you take in the future.

Remember when composing your images to keep in mind the basics: the rule of thirds,  shutter speed , aperture,  depth of field , and  exposure .

Assignment #1: Up Close

This assignment encourages you to get close and personal with your subject. It is an exercise in viewing a common object in a new way and examining its finer details.

• Choose an object that you see or interact with every day.
• Focus on a small part of it, get as close as your camera will allow you to focus, and shoot away.
• Try to capture different angles and unusual lighting to add to the mystery of this tiny world.

From the whiskers of your cat to a fragile Christmas ornament, and even common soap bubbles, there is an entire world that we often overlook because we don't get close enough.

Assignment #2: Motion

Photography is a static medium which means that it doesn't move. Conveying a sense of motion is often crucial to capturing a scene or emotion and it is an essential skill for photographers to practice.

The goal of this exercise is to understand how shutter speeds can be used to convey motion.

• Choose a subject or series of subjects that will allow you to convey motion in your images.
• It can be slow motions, like that of a turtle, or fast motion, like a speeding train.
• Blur it, stop it, or simply suggest that there is motion in the photograph.

Challenge yourself to capture the same motion in different ways. For instance, you might go to a race track and stop the movement of the cars completely in one image, then leave the shutter open and allow them to blur out of the frame in the next. 

Assignment #3: Shadows

Shadows are everywhere and they are vital to photography because this is the art of capturing light. With light comes shadows and when you begin to look at shadows as a photographer, your world will open up.

• Take a look around for shadows and record them with your camera.
• You could show the shadow as the total focus of the image. Perhaps the shadow is incidental to the subject.
• Is the shadow natural or created by flash?

Shadows are integral to creating depth in a two-dimensional medium such as photography. Take some time to seriously explore the "dark side" of the light.

Assignment #4: Water

Water is everywhere in photography and it presents many challenges. There are reflections and movements to work with and in this exercise, you will take a deeper look at water.

• Find water anywhere: lakes, streams, puddles, even the glass on your kitchen table.
• Pay attention to reflections and use them to your advantage in the photographs. Use this opportunity to get familiar with a polarizing filter (a very useful tool in your camera kit) so you can accentuate or eliminate reflections.
• Play with the motion of a stream or the crashing waves. Notice the difference between stopping the flow of water and allowing it to blur to create a real sense of movement.

Be sure to make water the subject and not an accent to the image. Water alone is beautiful and mysterious and your challenge is to explore all of its potential as a subject.

Assignment #5: Leading Lines

A classic assignment in photography schools, 'leading lines ' is a popular and fun subject. The goal of this assignment is to learn how to direct the viewer to your subject using lines.

• Choose a subject then look around for lines in the scene that you can use to 'lead' the viewer to the subject. 
• Find an interesting line then determine what the subject of your photograph is.
• Remember that lines can be man-made or natural. For instance, the yellow line down the middle of the road or a tree branch. Even a person's arm can be a leading line of their face.

Use this assignment as an excuse to take an afternoon photo excursion. Walk downtown or in the woods and look around you for interesting lines that lead the eye to a subject. There is an amazing assortment of lines out there in the world and once you begin to see them, you won't be able to stop. 

Assignment #6: Perspective

How do you normally stand when you shoot? If your answer is straight up like a 5-foot-something human being then this assignment is for you. The perspective assignment challenges you to view the world from an entirely new perspective, which in turn gives the viewer a new look at the ordinary.

• Take another afternoon or evening for a photo excursion wherever you like.
• This time, every time you find something to photograph, stop!
• Ask yourself: How would a squirrel see that tree? How would a robin view that birdbath? How would a snake view that log?
• Take your photographs from very high or very low angles. Get on your belly or stand on a chair, whatever you have to (safely) do to get the 'right' angle on your subject.

If you pay attention to professional photographs, many of the images that have the WOW factor are photographed from extreme angles. People enjoy these photos because they've never seen an object from that viewpoint. It is new and unique, and you can train yourself to shoot with this in mind.

Assignment #7: Texture

You may have captured a few textural details in the 'Up Close' assignment, but this assignment takes that to the next level. The goal in this one is to study textures and forget about the object itself: the texture becomes the subject. You will also begin to realize how light affects the appearance of texture.

• Find a few objects that have very detailed textures like trees or rocks, even knit sweaters or woven rugs.
• Photograph them as close as your lens will allow.
• Use different angles and capture the same texture as the light changes. Notice how the different lighting directions and camera angles can change how much texture appears.

Textures are all around us and many of the best photographs in the world play up the textural element. This assignment should teach you how to recognize and accentuate those elements in your photos.

Assignment #8: Color Harmony

Color is important to photography because the world is full of color. This exercise requires a bit of study in color theory, which you will then put into practice in your photographs.

Do you remember art class in elementary school? You may have learned that yellow and blue make green, but color theory goes beyond that. There are cool and warm colors, complementary and contrasting colors, neutral colors, and bold colors.

It can get quite complicated, and photographers should have a basic understanding of color so you can use that when composing photographs. You don't have to study color like a painter would but can use tricks used by interior designers to influence your color decisions.

• Once you have an idea of color theory, take another photo excursion and put what you've learned into practice.
• Capture photographs with the primary or tertiary colors.
• Look for complementary colors then contrasting colors to photograph.
• Try finding a scene to photograph that is filled with neutral colors, then one that uses a bold color to 'pop' from the scene.

This is an advanced lesson, but one that any photographer working with color images will find useful. As you practice working with colors, it will become second nature and you will know how to work with color to change the feel of your images.

Assignment #9: Emotions

Take a photo of a person smiling or scowling, right? Not so. The intent of this assignment is to convey emotion in photographs  without  a face.

• Take photographs that express each of the basic emotions: happy, sad, and mad.
• How would you express the feeling of anger with no person? What about happiness? Sadness?

This is a purely conceptual assignment, but it is important to be able to relay emotion in your photographs and you might not always have a person available to do that with. Challenge yourself to think deeper about this one.

Assignment #10: Don't Look!

Are you ready to put your photography skills to the test? In today's world of digital cameras and the ability to see image captures right there on the LCD screen, photographers are losing some of the skills needed to visualize a photograph.

In this assignment, your challenge is to shoot as if you were using a film camera. That means that you will not look at the photographs you've taken until they are downloaded on your computer. Instead of relying on the camera's screen to see if you 'got the shot' you will rely on your instinct and knowledge, just like photographers did before digital photography. Can you do it?

• Plan a photo excursion to a particular location and permit yourself to photograph only 36 images (a roll of 35mm film).
• Turn off your camera's LCD screen so it does not show you the image after you have taken it.
• If you cannot turn off the camera's screen, cut a piece of thick paper and tape it over the screen. Use masking or painter's tape so you don't leave a residue on the back of your camera.
• Go out and shoot your 36 frames, thinking carefully about each image because you don't have an endless number of shots. Bonus points if you turn your camera to completely manual settings for focus and exposure.
• Don't peek at your photos until you get home and download them.

How did you do? Were you able to get good exposures on your own? How did it feel to be 'blind' and not know how your image turned out right away? 

This is similar to what it is like to shoot with film and it does require you to think harder about every image you take. Next time you shoot, slow down and pay attention, pretend that the screen is not there and rely on your own skills to create a great image. You will be a better photographer in the end.

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12 Exciting Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

Everyone likes a good photo challenge. But photography assignments can also be very discouraging if they’re approached the wrong way. A good photography challenge will strengthen your photo skills and inspire you in multiple ways. A bad one will leave you wondering why you even tried photography in the first place.

12 Exciting Photography Assignments

Here are 12 exciting photography assignments to help you find the right one.

1. Shoot With a Limited Amount of Equipment

2. Take a Photo Every Day for a Year

3. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

4. Take Photos With Your Smartphone Camera Only

5. Experiment With a Completely Different Genre

There’s a wide variety of photography genres out there. There’s underwater, glamour , smartphone , landscape , and portrait , to name a few. Trying something new can help you fall in love with photography all over again. So take a temporary break from your main photo genre. If you’re a portrait photographer , take panoramic photos of your neighborhood. If you spend lots of time photographing animals, improve your self-portrait photography skills. When you expose yourself to different genres, you’ll learn many valuable lessons. And they will be useful long after the photography assignments end.

6. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

7. Quit Social Media Temporarily

8. Create a Stop-Motion Video Using Photos

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits With a Friend

10. Crop or Rotate All Your Photos in a Specific Way

11. Include the Same Object in Every Photo

12. Invest in a Photo Book and Complete Every Assignment in It

Conclusion: Exciting Photography Assignments

You don’t need to travel the world or break the bank to improve as a photographer. A single assignment that lasts at least a week can teach you many lessons. And it’ll help you become a better photographer. All you have to do is find photography assignments that work for you. Then, dedicate some time to it, and watch your photo skills strengthen!

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Get Better at Photography With Practice (Photo Tips, Tricks, and Your Questions Answered)

Last Updated: February 14th, 2020

One of the hardest parts of photography is learning how to effectively practice.

New photographers can quickly feel like they are stuck in a rut and not progressing, so having a good approach to practicing will help you to have more fun, create more interesting photos, and feel like you have some forward momentum.

From an early age, I got into photography as a hobby . Between high school photo classes and random photo trips I would take with my friends, I started to practice very organically. Looking back on all the photos I took from these early years, it’s pretty easy to see that my photography skills never really seemed to get better. I consistently liked photographing the same things again and again (flowers, trees, bugs, family) – and didn’t have a crazy refined view of photography back then.

As I got older, and especially when I started to view photography professionally , I really honed my skills. The biggest changes to my photography came under pressure of shooting for clients. My practice was experienced in a “trial by fire” and after a few years, it’s resulted in an ability for me to create consistently beautiful photos again and again.

In this post, I am going to teach you how to more effectively practice photography, so you don’t have to learn under the crazy pressure I put myself through. I know what types of techniques are ineffective, and what things you should be doing to make sure you grow in your photography skills. This advice is totally free and will include my personal tips and tricks, as well as thoughts on common questions photographers have when it comes to practicing photography.

Lets get started!

Common Photography Practice Questions – Answered!

How can I practice photography?

This is one of the broadest questions that can be asked by beginner photographers . I understand where the question is coming from – a place of good intent from a newbie who really doesn’t know where to start.

While taking ALL of the advice and tips you’ll find throughout this post is a good starting point, I’d summarize things like this:

Begin by taking photographs of things around your home and outdoors at places you are comfortable with (or that otherwise inspire you). To really shape your skills and come to understand what you are doing, a great starter technique is to educate yourself about a concept, then go out and try to implement it into your photography.

For example, you can dedicate a week to taking photos that include leading lines. By being intentional in your photography, you will end up seeing real results in your images.

What can I practice taking pictures of?       

Put another way… What should a beginner photographer shoot?

You do not need to take pictures of things that don’t interest you – this is a way to become bored and hate the hobby of photography !

When I started out, I loved taking pictures of flowers and documenting landscapes as I hiked around parks around where I lived. I would also just grab my dog and friends to practice taking portraits .

The beauty of photography is that you can make anything your subject. If it interests you, snap away!

How can I improve my photography skills?

You will see improvement in your photography abilities by doing 3 simple things:

• Learn about photographic concepts in your down time by reading online articles, photography books, watching videos, attending online classes, etc.
• Apply the things you have learned to your photography practice sessions
• Review your work – how are your images turning out?

The truth is – this cycle never really ends in photography.

There is always a new challenge to overcome!!

I take professional photos ( weddings and portraits primarily), and while I would consider myself a very good photographer, I still face challenges and have to work my way through just like anyone else. Beginning photographers feel these challenges really intensely, but do know that after you learn even just a few core aspects about photography, it gets so much easier (and fun!).

How do you practice photographic composition?

For many photographers, adjusting camera settings can feel like a chore. Settings are more of a scientific problem to be worked out than “art.”

Composition, on the other hand, feels much more artistic. It is the one area that allows for photographers to really come into their element. How a photographer decides to frame even a simple portrait will play a huge role in the end result of their work.

Photography composition is made up of many things such as position of the photographer, position of the subject(s), relative position of the subject(s) compared to the foreground/background, shapes and lines occurring in the scene, angle of the lighting , and more.

The struggle many new photographers have with composition, I would guess, is getting all of these things to work together. Another common struggle I see is photographers feeling like they need to have a really extraordinary composition to make a beautiful photograph!

In practice, photography composition should begin small and simple.

If taking a portrait, start by featuring a person front-and-center in your frame. While easy to pull off, this is an absolutely great portrait composition used even by well paid professionals.

As you evolve your compositions to be more interesting, a great way to practice is to find sample images you love and set out to replicate in one way or another. Review the image(s) for specific characteristics, camera techniques, and qualities that you want in an image – then make it a goal to implement those things into your own shots.

If there is a particular type of composition you are struggling to understand, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post asking about it. I’m sure I can help you out!

Photography Practice 101: A Mind Exercise

Required materials:

In this quick exercise, I am going to have you think about a photograph you would like to take. You will want to consider your subject matter and environment. Ideally, what you envision should be at least relatively realistic to your personal situation.

By using this simple technique, you can begin to think like a photographer, and take these ideas and turn them into actual images!

Step 1: Close Your Eyes

Step 2: take 10 deep breaths.

This is to help you relax your mind & body – almost like a mini-meditation!

Step 3: Visualize Your Image

Think about the key details like the subject, environment, lighting, etc.

Step 4: Zoom In On Details

When thinking about an image like this, we often just see general objects, and miss out on the details. Go through the image in your mind and look at the details.

For example – if you are envisioning a portrait of a woman, think of more fine details about her. What is she wearing? What does she look like?

Step 5: Control the Composition

Most likely – your subject matter is centrally framed. This is natural because it’s how we see the world when we’re really actively looking at and thinking about things. But just like how we have things going on outside of our vision, it’s time to think about the composition of your mental image. If you like it centered, keep it that way. But, if you feel it could benefit from being moved around, you can change the camera in your mind right now to see it in a new perspective.

Step 6: Snap a Picture

You have picked a subject and set the scene up to fine details in your mind, now take a picture in your mind. How does it look to you?

Step 7: Draw Your Picture

No – you don’t have to be an amazing artist to draw out a representation of your photo. I have the drawing abilities of a 1 st grader myself. 🙂 The actual “look” of your drawing will not matter. Instead, I want you to focus your drawing on alignment of features. The arrangement of your composition. Where you place your subject.

By drawing out your mental image, you are taking an extra step to ingrain a thought process into your photography. You are taking an active role in creating images instead of just relying on luck.

Step 8: Review Your Drawing

When you look over your mental image drawing, what things do you recognize as valuable in your work?

• How are things arranged?
• What kind of shapes are on display?
• Are you (intentionally or unintentionally) using any special photography techniques (ie: The Rule of Thirds)?
• What is the lighting like?
• What is the subject of your image? Does this have meaning to you?

Step 9: Make Your Mental Image a Reality

Ultimately – the picture you see in your head can be brought into reality by finding a subject and location that mirrors it. Most likely, the photograph you end up taking won’t look 100% the same as what you dreamt up – but that is to be expected…

The practice of visualizing an image in your mind, then going “into the field” to make it a reality is very common in photographers. The same type of method is naturally employed by creatives working in different fields as well such as music, painting, etc.

With this method of “mental practice”, you can engage with photography even when you are away from your camera. Over time, it becomes natural for photographers to “see” images before they are taken.

When I photograph weddings , for example, I don’t usually have a lot of time to put together a shot – but I can do so on the fly because I have trained my eyes and my mind to work together to compartmentalize a scene to an extent that I am able to find great shots within a moments notice. If this is something you struggle with, this technique will help you to overcome this big challenge!

10 Beginner Tips to Practice Photography

1). start with education.

How can you practice photography if you don’t know what to practice?

Think about it like this: if you were trying to learn how to paint, is the most effective way just buying a paint set and going to town on a canvas? No. While you’re doing the action of painting, you’re not really training any of the skills necessary to do much more than put color on a canvas in shapes.

Beginner photographers need to get exposure to ideas and techniques that have been referred to by photographers for a long time.

Fortunately, you are in the right place if you need some help figuring out where to start. With many articles written with the intention of teaching new photographers the necessary skills they need to produce great images, let me suggest a couple of great posts to you we’ve written here on Formed From Light:

• Photography for Beginners: Where Do I Even Start?
• 101 Digital Photography Tips – A Comprehensive Guide for You
• Portrait Photo Tips: How the Right Light Can Make ANYONE Look Beautiful!

How to Take Professional Photos That Are Amazing!

• 5 Things Every Landscape Photographer Should Remember

Going beyond freely available content, many new photographers also get a lot from reading photography books and taking online courses. While these types of things do require spending a little money, their educational value is really great because they provide really detailed and comprehensive sources of knowledge.

A few photo books & courses I recommend…

• Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs
• National Geographic’s Visual Atlas of the World
• Humans of New York
• Photo Nuts and Shots Course
• 31 Days to Become a Better Photographer

2). Let practice be free flowing or structured

Even today, I find myself regularly practicing to keep my photography skills in check. My approach to practice is either very loose and fun, or more structured and specific.

In free-flowing practice , you simply take pictures of anything and everything that looks good to you. A big part of the practice that comes from this is playing around with your camera settings, as well as keeping your mind open to experimentation. As photographers, having this type of unstructured practice time removes pressure from photography – which allows us to have more fun!

Now, structured practice is used to learn new skills and refine the ones you have already learned. Put very simply, you can structure some practice time by picking a single thing you want to focus on practicing. This could be a certain composition style, using a specific aperture setting the whole time, or even only allowing yourself to shoot with a single lens. The options are really limitless – but the results will be more educational. If you commit to practice in this way at least some of the time, your photography skills will improve.

3). Photograph things you enjoy

In the modern day, this can be driven by feeling a need to compete for attention with our images. Teens might want to take photos that are cool to post on social media . Pro photographers (like me) need to take great images that compliment our portfolios. But – setting lofty goals like these can sometimes ruin the joy of photography at it’s core. While there is nothing inherently wrong with either of the situations I described (…and you can find enjoyment in those things!), they can serve as large distractions when you are still learning and needing to practice.

So – the moral of the story – photography things you want to photograph. By doing this, you will cement your interest in it and have a good time with it!

4). Start by working in “easy” light

One of the best photography tips I can offer you as a beginner is to start out by working in light that is easy, flattering, and beautiful.

Many new photographers make the mistake of thinking that going outside to take pictures when it is bright and sunny is going to equal great photos. Don’t get me wrong – great pictures can be taken at any time of day, but it’s much easier to get consistent results during Golden Hour.

Whether you are photographing portraits, landscapes, real estate, products, etc. – all of these things can be done outdoors, and all of these shoots can be arranged around sunrise/sunset. The reason why I recommend shooting during this time for newbies is because it will allow you to focus more on composition instead of finding the “good light”, and will allow you to feel more accomplished as you walk away with more photos that you love.

5). Focus on specific techniques

Taking time to practice things like the use of leading lines, The Rule of Thirds, using a wide or narrow aperture, etc. all will contribute to you having a well rounded knowledge of photography that you can bring with you to any photo shoot you do in the future.

When I photograph engagement sessions for couples , I still refer back to many of these photography basics. I look for leading lines in the environment to make more interesting compositions. I use the Rule of Thirds (when it makes sense) to help my images feel more balanced and interesting. These, honestly pretty simple, concepts when learned and applied make for increasingly better images.

6). Plan your practice sessions

Planned practice is easy when you are taking a photography class in school or maybe working with a local photography club, but outside of these types of social and academic pursuits, it can be one aspect of practice that gets neglected. I remember when I was a kid, my approach to photography was frequently “fast-and-loose.” I’d go from bored and sitting around to walking around a local park with a Polaroid or an old digital camera in hand with little thought in between.

While it is overlooked, planning your photography practice is very easy to do.

Just set a time during the day (1x a day – even 1x a week if you have a busy schedule), and dedicate it to honing your craft. By reserving this time, you make yourself more willing to invest in your photography pursuits.

7). Practice consistently for the best results

Photography is a lot like working out or eating healthy – it’s easy enough to do once or twice, but harder to do consistently over-and-over again for an entire lifetime. If you have a real passion for photography, channeling this into practicing should be easier for you, though!

The trouble many photographers run into is that they hit these “road blocks” from time to time where they feel like their is no more progression for them to make. Often, this can translate into becoming less interested in photography or feeling like they need to shell out a lot of money for new camera equipment to produce better work.

I have found in my life that consistent practice helps to make it easier to work through the challenges that photography offers. The easiest way to do this is simply take your planned practice sessions we talked about in my last tip, and schedule the same timing on a regular basis. If you always have Friday evenings off, say that every Friday from 4-6 your going to go take pictures – and you’ll find your work will be better for it.

8). Shoot under stress

While this isn’t a good way to learn as a complete beginner, it can end up being a defining moment that helps you to remember photography concepts and how to apply them in reality.

Since I made photography my full time career , and shoot weddings for a living, the stress comes naturally from this type of hectic environment. Plus, I am actually working (even if it doesn’t always feel like it) for clients who booked me for a good deal of money.

For those of you who aren’t aspiring pro photographers, there are still ways you can introduce “stress” into your practice efforts.

One such example is to give yourself time limitations. You could set a timer and tell yourself you have 5 minutes to take a really amazing photograph. It can be an interesting exercise to see what kind of work you can produce in this short window of time – and the stress doesn’t do permanent damage to your reputation if you come up short. 🙂

9). Give your photography purpose

I won’t speak for everyone, but I can say that the best things I’ve done in life had a purpose I could get behind.

I once worked an office job that basically amounted to a lot of data entry for a big corporation. While the things I did helped to support the larger organization and product I worked under, it wasn’t fulfilling. In short: it was boring and pretty meaningless to me on a personal level.

You can have the same experience with photography, or you can give yourself a purpose!

Fortunately, unlike our careers, when starting out with photography as a fun hobby, a lot of your interest in pursuing it will be personal. This internal motivation to work at photography is really significant.

In my own experiences, my purpose in photography varies from shoot to shoot.

When taking pictures for clients, my main goal is to produce authentic images that they will love. And sure, I want to create work I can be proud of too!

During more personal shoots, my goals are a little different. Sometimes, the images I want to create might even be made with the purpose of trying to describe an emotion or feeling, something less tangible than just producing a good quality product.

Whatever purpose you prescribe to your photography – let it be your own. All of the time you spend practicing and just “doing” photography will be made better for it.

10). Emulate successful photographers

The great thing about photography is that there are so many examples of amazing pictures taken from master photographers to no-name Instagrammers.

While your work as a photographer shouldn’t be about recreating what other people have done, as a tool for practicing? That is a really great thing!

What a new photographer can take from trying to emulate and recreate the work of others is that it can help them to see through a more established photographers eyes. In landscape photography , this is seen a whole lot as new photographers visit locations like Iceland, Lofoten, Scotland, etc. and go to the same popular locations in these regions to “get the shot.”

By learning how to practice photography effectively, you can find yourself enjoying photography in the long term much more. While taking photos is mostly a fun thing, it can also be challenging, frustrating, and even stressful once in a while, so knowing how to prepare and manage these feelings is one of the keys to success.

As a hobby, photography is a great outlet for all types of people regardless of age. I regularly work with young kids to show them the ropes, and enjoy chats with photographers who got into the hobby later in life. It would seem – there is always something new to learn, which helps keep it interesting even as you advance.

Whether you want to just stick to photography as a fun hobby, or maybe pursue a career in photography (or start your own business like I did), practice will help you achieve any of these goals!!

You may also like

Tutorial: black and white photography edits made easy, is it possible to shoot a wedding without using a flash, a short guide to 4 lighting scenarios for photographers, wedding photography 101: how do you shoot getting ready photos at a hotel, when is the best time to shoot photos outside.

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Photography is a skill that requires constant practice and experimentation, so if you want to improve you need to constantly work on it. Here are some DIY mini-project ideas that you can do anytime.

Know Your Camera The longer you hold the camera in your hand, the more you memorize the location of the buttons and their configurations using muscle memory. For photographers working outside the studio, this skill is really important. You should always know where each button is without thinking about it. You can achieve this by holding and using the camera as much as possible.

So use your home camera and try to change as many settings as you can during this practice period to get used to the feel, position, and button configuration. You should be able to change all camera settings without looking at it. This will help you use and set up your camera faster and take more photos in less time.

Don't forget to read the instructions too. There are many options that you will learn and find very useful if you read the manual. If necessary, watch Youtube videos related to your camera to see what it can do that you thought was impossible before.

Create better composition You can practice composition with almost anything you have at home. Keep in mind, though, that most subjects you find will be stationary, and you won't get much better at shooting the same thing over and over again.

Try practicing composition on non-stationary subjects such as your spouse, children, parents, pets - anything that breathes and moves in the house. You might annoy them a bit, but they'll get used to it eventually. Since they'll be unpredictable and moving all the time, you'll have to constantly readjust yourself to compose correctly, which will allow you to hone your composing skills.

You can almost do the same with stationary objects, but try to compose the shot as quickly as possible this time around. And, of course, after each shot you can switch between multiple objects so you don't get too used to the angle and position.

Try macro techniques Chances are there are at least ten small items on hand right now as you sit at your desk and read this article. There are plenty of opportunities to improve your macro skills using these items while you're sitting at your desk wasting time on the internet.

Take a few of these objects and create a cool scene to photograph (which also allows you to practice conceptual photography). Practice handheld focusing and high magnification handheld shots. You can even practice macro lighting using flashes on table stands. The possibilities are endless in this area, all you have to do is practice.

You don't even need a macro lens. Start by using macro filters or close-up filters or try reverse lens macro. You can even use lamps and other lights in your home to illuminate your subjects. Use the reflective surfaces for creative shots and if you head out to your garden you're sure to find more insects, flowers and leaves that can make good macro subjects. Also, this is the best time to try to learn focus stacking.

Improve editing To get good at editing, you can research new ways to edit something, new processes, and maybe even different workflows. This way you will gain experience in this area and possibly improve the quality of your images and post-processing techniques. Also, it will help you optimize your workflow by getting used to it and eliminating any bottlenecks you might have.

If you're not used to editing your black and white photos, you can give it a try. It can help you develop a creative eye and help you learn to see particular details in black and white. You can also learn to focus more on lines, patterns, textures, tones, shadows, etc. of a scene and create powerful images that will captivate viewers for longer.

Maintenance of your equipment Your camera and equipment should be maintained and cleaned from time to time. It's pretty easy when you're at home and have the luxury of time and a clean workspace. You won't have that luxury on the pitch, so it's essential to know what you're doing and how.

When cleaning your equipment at home, be sure to become proficient. Make sure you can clean your camera, lens, and other accessories as quickly and thoroughly as possible. If you can properly clean your camera (even using the wet process on your sensor), you'll end up saving time and money by avoiding service center visits and being without your camera when it's needed.

Apart from your camera and lenses, you will also need to clean your tripod as most of the time it gets dragged through mud, dirt sand and also salt water if you are shooting near or at the beach. Over time, the parts and the material itself wear out and render your accessories unusable. So be sure to clean and lubricate the tripod and monopod. Also take the time to frequently attend to your other tripod-like accessories.

You will learn something new every time, gain experience and improve. All you need is the will to do it. You will notice the differences and improvements in just a few days.

How to teach photography to beginners

All successful photos have three things in common. Do you know what they are? It’s not the correct aperture, exposure and focus distance. Neither is it a suitable camera, lens and tripod. What about the successful use of hyperfocal distance, ISO invariance and ETTR? No! The three variables that matter most in photography are simple: light, subject and composition.

Light Photography is light. Without it, you couldn't take any photos, let alone good photos. The quality of light varies from photo to photo, but in all cases it is what gives your images their underlying structure. You can't get more fundamental than that. You've probably seen photos with beautiful light - photos that would otherwise have been rather ordinary. What makes light so important to the final quality of your photos? The character. In its simplest form, light is an emotion. The feel of your photo will be very different depending on the lighting conditions: hard light, soft light, warm light, cold light, and everything in between. Each type of lighting conveys a different emotional message, changing the character of your final image. While there are other ways to convey emotion in your photo, light is one of the most powerful.

If you've never thought about light, go out and take some pictures. At some point, you'll find yourself capturing a scene with spectacular lighting conditions, and you'll realize that taking great photos is almost easy. But what is exceptional lighting? There are so many possible conditions that you can encounter. Which are the best? While I think there are some really spectacular and particularly special lighting conditions - which I'll get to in a moment - the truth is that any type of light can be ideal. Indeed, in itself, "good light" means nothing. On the contrary, "good light" is light that makes your photos look the way you want.

A few types of light are special enough to be researched as often as possible, as they are particularly good for a wide range of subjects. The most important, at least for outdoor photos, is the golden hour - the times of sunset and sunrise when the sky is filled with stunning colors and the atmosphere filters the light into a soft glow.

Similarly, foggy conditions often make for interesting photos, simplifying the scene in front of you and bathing the world in soft, cool light. The same goes for thunderstorms, which make the sky intense and the world dark. Additionally, clear moonlit nights, which can make a landscape look mysterious and eerie, and for "blue hour" - the time of night close to golden hour, but where the sun is well below the horizon, and where everything has deep blue and purple tones.

The quality of light depends on the conditions you encounter, and it's not always something you have the power to change. However, for particularly important photos, you always have the option to wait and capture something amazing when the lighting conditions improve. The best lighting conditions in the world - even in an ordinary field - are far better than the bland lighting of Yosemite Valley. Every photo needs light; every good photo needs good light.

Subject When most of us take a picture, we do it because something caught our eye. This "something" is, unsurprisingly, your subject. If you're describing a photo to someone else, the subject is probably the first thing you'll say. "It's a picture of a mountain with snow blowing through the air." "This is a picture of a whale I saw last year." "It's a photo of my friend." As humans, we think of the world in terms of subjects. A powerful documentary touches us by what it shows us and how it shows it, but most people don't notice the "how". Indeed, a good subject can captivate your viewers, and other parts of an image - including crucial elements, even light - can take a back seat. This is also where the technical aspect of photography comes in. How do you represent your subject? Do you want to isolate it with a shallow depth of field or do you want everything from the foreground to the background in focus? Will your photography be sharp and detailed, or impressionistic and blurry? Every technical decision is really just a creative decision on how to represent your subject in the best possible way.

So when choosing the right subject for a photograph, you have to think about the future. What would the ideal photo of this subject look like, and how can you achieve it? Visualize the end result and do whatever you can to make it happen.

Composition Finally, the third crucial element of any photography is your composition. Composition is, quite simply, the arrangement of the elements of your photograph. It encompasses the position of the camera, the relationships between the elements of a photo, and the subjects you emphasize, downplay, or completely exclude. Composition is how you tell your story. A "good" composition is one that effectively tells your story, without distraction or confusion. Your viewers don't have to get lost in a convoluted mess to figure out why you took this photo. Composition is the stage of the game where you ask yourself "how". How can you convey the beauty, excitement, darkness, intensity, sweetness or any other emotion of a scene as perfectly as possible? How can you arrange the elements of your photo so that the image is successful? A good composition emphasizes the most important parts of a photo, while minimizing what detracts from the image.

As you can imagine, composing is a very personal subject, with many different elements, way more than I could cover in a single article. For the sake of simplicity, I will only touch on them briefly:

Simplicity Your photo should convey exactly what you want, and as few elements as possible should distract from your emotional message. If there are distracting elements in your photo, or elements with different moods and emotions, find what you can do to improve them.

Eliminate anything that can harm the quality of your photo; change your position or framing to lessen the effect. Even if your goal is to take a chaotic and distracting photo, you should do so as clearly and unambiguously as possible, without "non-chaotic" elements that tell a different story. The best way to fix most photos is to exclude as many unnecessary (or harmful) details as possible.

It doesn't just mean deleting them in Photoshop. Although post-processing can play a role here, it is far from the most important. If you haven't mastered the art of simplifying photos in-camera, it's a stretch to believe that the Spot Correction Brush can save the day. Some unwanted elements can slip into your frame, and that's okay. You rarely come across a "perfect" scene without distractions or problems. But if you're aware of these issues in the field, you've come a long way to fixing them as much as possible.

Balance Every part of a photograph attracts some degree of attention - some parts more than others. Bright, saturated colors and high contrast tend to catch the eye of your viewers, for example. The same goes for engrossing subjects or unusual things in a photo, just like in the real world. It's a matter of balance. When taking a photo, be careful where you place the elements that attract a lot of attention. If the left and right halves of your photo have the same visual weight, the composition is said to be balanced; otherwise, it is an unbalanced image.

Neither is good or bad. You can take good photos that are balanced and good photos that are unbalanced. Either way, this decision has a major impact on the underlying sentiment of the photo, i.e. its moods and emotions. A balanced composition looks calm and peaceful. An unbalanced composition, on the other hand, draws more attention to one side of the photo, resulting in a more tense and dynamic result.

Breathing Room When taking photos, each subject should have their own breathing space, or personal space, in the composition, unless you have a specific reason not to. When two subjects are close together, or against the edge of your photo, the result can be disconcerting. This advice is pretty self-explanatory, but you'd be surprised how often I see shots fail because they overlooked something so minor. An otherwise fantastic mountain photo can look completely contrived if placed too close to the top of the frame or, even worse, cut off completely.

Interconnectedness Good photos work because the elements of your composition work together rather than fighting each other. In some cases, it goes even further, achieving what is called interconnection. Sometimes different parts of the same photo have deeper similarities than they appear at first glance. For example, you can photograph a tree shaped like a distant mountain, or your subject wearing a shirt that matches the color of their eyes. Perhaps the simplest example is that of a landscape perfectly reflected in a pool of water. Such patterns give the picture a purpose, even if not all viewers consciously notice this connection. The idea is to make your image feel like a singular, unified whole, where the reason you took the photo is clear. This level of interconnectedness won't always happen, but when it does, the results can be very powerful.

If you master these three variables - light, subject and composition - you will have mastered what is perhaps the most important part of photography: figuring out how to convey your emotional message. Good photos touch us because they impact our emotions and resonate with us on a deeper level. The light creates a strong atmosphere; a subject gives your viewer something to relate to; the composition structures a photo to complete your story. In this article, I have of course only scratched the surface. In fact, no matter how hard you study these subjects, photography is an endless ocean. There is no "end point" to fully understand the creative aspect of photography. It is always possible to learn more. This is what makes photography so rewarding. Light, subject and composition are things you can only really learn by going out there and taking pictures, then critically reviewing your work and seeing how you can improve. So when trying to take the best photos possible, focus on creativity. Yes, the technical aspect of photography is always important; as I mentioned a moment ago, every technical decision is also a creative decision. But you have to back up a "technically good" photo with something more powerful. Ultimately, it's your emotional message, born out of the decisions you make every time you click the shutter.

Practice photography book

A source of ideas and knowledge is a good book. But it can be difficult to choose from the many popular photography books. We've created this list of great books to help beginners and enthusiasts get to grips with photography. Take a look for yourself and see which book suits you best.

The Photography Ideas Book by Lorna Yabsley Published by ILEX in partnership with the Tate group of museums, this dynamic book dissects and reimagines the art of photography, ultimately offering lessons in how to look with fresh eyes. Each page is devoted to a mini description of an artwork and an explanation of a specific concept used to create it, including perspective, multiple exposures, glitching, collage, and scanning. All of these pages explore brilliant photographic processes while shedding light on dozens of exciting photographers working today.

BetterPhoto Basics by Jim Miotke This is an excellent technical book that seeks to demystify the often overwhelming world of photography. Perfect for beginners, it covers common camera controls, explains the basic concepts of aperture, shutter speed and focal length, and provides tips on focusing, lighting and composition. It also contains practical exercises as well as sections with more advanced instructions, making it an ideal book to develop your skills as you progress through your photography journey. Many inspiring photographs will help you understand how all these techniques can be combined, not only during shooting but also in post-processing.

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson Veteran photographer Bryan Peterson explains the fundamentals of light, aperture, and shutter speed, and how they interact and influence each other. With a focus on finding the right exposure, even in tricky situations, Understanding Exposure shows you how to get (or lose) image sharpness and contrast, freeze the action, and get the best meter results, while also exploring filters, flash and light.

Authentic Portraits by Chris Orwig Taking a portrait is not an easy task. In fact, it is an art form in its own right. Chris Orwig is a past master in this art and shares his wealth of knowledge with you. The techniques are refreshingly simple and quickly build confidence. Whether it's finding subjects, preparing yourself, or encouraging your subject, this 400+ page book of portrait photography tips and information has it all. If you want to take soulful and meaningful photos, and not just snapshots, this book is for you.

Extraordinary Everyday Photography by Jed Manwaring and Brenda Tharp The driving force behind this book is the concept that beauty can be found all around us, and that you don't have to travel across the world to get "the picture". Authors Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring offer captivating lessons with titles such as "Practicing to See Everyday" and "Photographing at Dusk" to inspire readers to see the familiar in new ways. In plain language, they describe how one can find unexpected pleasures by getting up close, focusing on details, and creating abstract views. They also provide exercises to help you apply what you've learned to your own environment.

Photographers on Photography: How the Masters See, Think, and Shoot by Henry Carroll If you like to learn from the best, consider reading this guide, which highlights approaches from the pros. It is packed with interviews, images and quotes from photographers such as Dorothea Lange, Saul Leiter and Wendy Red Star, which explore their ideas, concerns, motives and methods. Whether you're interested in commercial work, photojournalism, or concept art, you'll come away with a greater appreciation for the artistic process — and some inspiration for your own practice.

The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression by Bruce Barnbaum It can be difficult to master the technical aspect of photography, but it is even more difficult to develop your own artistic voice. In this rhapsodic text, photographer Bruce Barnbaum explores approaches to image-making, explaining why large photos work, how color and composition contribute to emotion, and how a single moment can be interpreted in limitless ways. There are some handy tips, like shooting the film and presenting the image, but it's mostly a guide to help you harness your technical skills for maximum creativity.

The Photographers Eye by Michael Freeman Design is the most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential of a strong image and then organize graphic elements into an effective and compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in photography. In this book, photographer Michael Freeman explains how digital photography has brought a new and exciting aspect to design, with instant feedback from a digital camera enabling immediate evaluation and improvement. This has had a profound effect on the way digital photographers take pictures.

Advancing your Photography by Marc Silber Marc Silber interviewed some of the best photographers in the world and learned their secrets for amazing composition. Today, he brings their wisdom to you in an easy-to-understand manual. Too many photographers reach a certain level and struggle to progress. We are bombarded with so many videos, books and people telling us what to do that it can be overwhelming. Marc wrote Advancing Your Photography so you can have an easy to read manual to take with you. All of his advice is based on decades of photography and the deep wisdom of the fantastic photographers he's interviewed.

Good Pictures by Kim Beil This book takes a fascinating look at how we got to where we are today in photography and why we use the tools we use. You've probably never thought about why we have thumbnails and where they come from. But you will feel much closer to photography after reading Good Pictures.

Picture Perfect Practice by Roberto Valenzuela If you're frustrated and overwhelmed by the challenges of real-life locations and executing a big picture, or just want to become a better shooter but don't know where to start, Roberto Valenzuela's Picture Perfect Practice gives you the tools and information you need to finally become the kind of photographer you've always wanted to be: the kind who can confidently enter any location, in any lighting condition, with any any subject, and knowing that you can create stunning photographs that have timeless impact.

The Photographers Guide to Posing by Lindsay Adler When you're shooting people, you can have great composition, perfect light, and the right camera settings, but if your subject doesn't look good, if the pose is bad, the shot won't make it. Posing is truly a crucial skill that photographers need to possess in order to create great shots. If you're looking to improve your ability to pose your subjects, whether men, women, couples or groups, The Photographer's Guide to Posing by best-selling author and photographer Lindsay Adler: Techniques to Flatter Everyone is the perfect resource for you.

Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders Competition in the photography industry has never been fiercer. In this guide, renowned photographer Dane Sanders reveals that the key to success is to stop worrying about what other people are doing and focus on your most powerful resource: you.

How I Make Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz With nearly 60 years of photography experience, Joel Meyerowitz knows a thing or two about cameras and shares some of his top tips for creating engaging and beautiful images in this book, How I Make Photographs. Joel Meyerowitz is considered one of the most respected street photographers of all time. In this book, he lays out four key concepts that will help you better capture your world.

• How to use a camera to own the streets.
• Why you should always look at the world with a sense of possibility.
• How to put your subjects at ease
• The importance of being playful and finding a goal that suits your personality.

Magnum Contact Sheets by Kristen Lubben This groundbreaking book features a remarkable selection of contact sheets, revealing how Magnum's most celebrated photographers capture and edit the best shots. Addressing key questions in photographic practice, the book sheds light on the creative methods, strategies and editing processes behind some of the world's most iconic images. This book is less action oriented than others on this list and focuses more on the stories of the photographers who took the photos. It is a must-read book.

The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression by Bruce Barnbaum It can be difficult to master the technical aspect of photography, but it is even more difficult to develop your own artistic voice. In this rhapsodic text, photographer Bruce Barnbaum explores approaches to image making, explaining why large photos work, how color and composition contribute to emotion, and how a single moment can be interpreted in limitless ways. There are some handy tips, like shooting the film and presenting the image, but it's mostly a guide to help you harness your technical skills for maximum creativity.

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Did You Do Your Photography Homework?

Today, cameras are easy to use. The skill of photographers has shifted from learning how to handle a camera to learning how to handle what happens in front of it. Do you have this skill?

Photography Today

Let's be honest. The golden ages for photographers are over. Everyone knows how to handle a camera and it doesn't seem as if the craft will need advanced technical know-how in the future. Of course, composition is a thing that needs to be learned, trained, and brought to perfection. Most cameras however do their job on their own. You just need to compose and then press the shutter. No manual light-meter, no dark room. Just compose and shoot.

When I look at images from local professional photographers around my area, I am quite sure that Generation Instagram is able to create competing images on their phones. It seems like some photographers still think they live in a time where it was enough to own a camera and some studio lights. In those glory days, I guess you could start a photography business, because you knew how to deal with the gear. That was then, now is now. So, what is the extra skill which photographers need to stand out from the crowd of laymen and women with a decent camera or cellphone? It’s what has always separated good professionals from just professionals: The work before you hit the shutter. Your homework. The masters of photography didn't only know how to deal with their camera. Most of all, they knew and know how to deal with their subjects. This is why it’s most important to do your homework before you shoot.

Everyone takes pictures these days. People figure out the best spots and create decent images on their smart phones.

Research Everything

I learned photography by simply taking my camera with me on vacation, then to my field of research for my M.A. degree and later on my vacations around my former field of research and beyond. I have a friend who got professional education as a documentary photographer, though. He described his studies as hanging out at the right places, talking to artists, and getting to know how to develop analogue photographs. Most of the time he was just working on projects that he was interested in. "But what did you learn then?", I asked him. His reply: "Well, if there is one useful thing, which I have learned... it's that you have to do research before you go out and shoot." Does this count for all areas of photography? I guess so.

Even landscapes need a lot of research. How to get there at what time of the year? Where do I have the best view and least tourists and where will the sun rise or set? Wedding photographers need to scout the location, find out about the families of the bride and the groom, go through the program of the wedding and be aware of all the peculiarities which will happen and need to be captured. They need to know where to stand at what time, having the right lens mounted on their camera body for perfect results. If you ever tried astrophotography, you will know that many factors influence your work. You need to know where the center of the Milky Way is at what time, keep an eye on the moon phase and hope for cold weather with a clear sky. If you don’t check these factors beforehand, you will spend a night out in frustration.

Probably my first planned landscape image, ever. There are hardly a few days a year, where this image becomes possible.

Tell the Right Story

Especially, when you are covering a topic and aim at publishing it to a wider audience, it is important that you know what you are doing. Do you want to portrait the life of a group of people in your city? Then read about them first. Find information about current debates, about scientific research and the opinion of other experts. Then get into contact with them and leave your camera at home. Slow down and see if your information suits to your experience in the field. Think about what you want to demonstrate to the audience. You will never get the full truth through your research, but you can come close to it by looking at a topic from different perspectives.

We all carry our preconditions and stereotypes to the field and it’s important to be aware of that. Especially in an unknown field, it’s important to critically reflect on one's own perception. Let me give an example. When I worked with people in Indian slums during my research, I was blinded by the poverty around me. There were so many problems that I couldn't see the social life, which was going on all day. I was blinded by my own preconception of the situation. Of course, their life is a struggle, but it's not just struggles alone. There is also family, love and happiness in between. Sometimes, there even is success. It took me a long while to reflect on my own perception. Just then, I was able to draw a more holistic image of their lives.

Life is multifacetted everywhere.

Stand out From the Masses

Just think about your own responsibility. Sometimes your homework can be done quickly, sometimes it takes a lot of time to research. Do you create a portrait, which really suits the person in front of the camera? Did you get to know the person well enough? I know about photographers, who don’t take portraits of people, which they didn’t talk to in a comfortable space for a certain amount of time, given it is not a corporate business shooting. Do you know all the details about the wedding and party? Do you know if your client is a rather humorous person, extrovert or introvert? How would they like to see themselves in the pictures?

It is easy to just think about how you can beautifully capture a sunrise at the sea. We see it every day on Instagram. A girl holding the hand of the photographer, a person with a red or yellow jacket sitting at the edge of a canyon. These are images which almost everyone can copy without further skills. If you use your creativity and mix it with diligent research, your work will be really professional.

Nils Heininger is a photographer on the road. He loves long rides on motorbikes, camels and old trains. While discovering the world, he uses his camera to share stories from people across the globe. With a Micro-four thirds in his pocket and a full-frame in his bag, he's always ready for new adventures.

As a wildlife photographer, I know all about doing the homework. In fact, 90% of the time I spend in wildlife photography is the homework, and only about 10% is the photography itself.

When I decide that I want to photograph a particular species, that sets off dozens of hours of online research about that species. I find people online who are experts on that species, and then I contact them and get to know them. I have lists of questions that I want answered, and often the answers lead to more questions.

I contact the world's (or region's) leading biologists for the species I'm interested in, and have lengthy discussions about the species' preferred habitats, breeding rites, migration patterns, diet, etc. Some of these discussions are over the phone, while others are via email. Sometimes I travel to where the expert lives and take a trip afield with them to learn more about the species of interest in context.

I search the internet and printed material for any and all information I can find on the species, and read everything I can get my eyes on.

I search for images of that species on Google Images, Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr, and then I message the photographers who have taken those photos and try to initiate email or phone conversations with them about their experiences with that species at the locations in which they have had success.

I then take scouting trips to see the species' preferred habitats in person, to get a better feel for what it will be like to photograph in those places.

For instance, I wanted to photograph Eastern Collared Lizards. Through research I learned that Oklahoma is one of the best places to find and photograph Eastern Collared Lizards. So I traveled to Oklahoma this past March in order to get a firsthand look at Collared Lizard habitat.

Of course, no lizards are out or active in March - I knew that I wouldn't even see one. But going there at that time was very helpful because I got to explore all around the area where they live, and learn the lay of the land. That way, when I returned in July, I was prepared and had a pretty good idea of where to go and what the challenges would be in that particular area, with respect to slope aspect, sunlight direction, backgrounds, and traversing the terrain.

Yes, it was a road trip of over 3,000 miles, with no photos to be had, and my target species still underground in a state of torpor ...... but it was well worth it because it would ensure that I would do well when I returned a few months later, in "lizard season".

Traveling to the lizard location also gave me a chance to check out the hotels, gas stations, and restaurants in the area. I figured out where to stay, where to eat dinners, where to buy snacks and coffee, etc. This meant that when I returned a few months later to take photos, I could focus on the photography more because all of the logistics had already been worked out on the scouting trip. Logistics are a big deal, because how well you have them all worked out ahead of time has a huge effect on how much you are able to concentrate on the photography when you go back to take photos.

This lizard thing is just one example. Similar efforts need to be made for most of the animals that I want to photograph. This the kind of effort that it usually takes to do successful wildlife photography - weeks or months of research and scouting to be done, before a single picture is ever taken.

Thank you for the detailed description of your work. It may be interesting to meet the people and learn about the species - but it just confirms, why I don't do wildlife. I am more the spontaneous kind of guy. Grab the camera, look for an interesting subject. I don't do photography for a living, therefore I can do it this way and I am glad about it.

Hey Tom, usually I don't react to many comments of my articles. But your comment is almost as large as an article, so I just wanted to say thank you. It seems like some great effort that you are doing, thanks for sharing the story and open people's eyes for understanding the value of a photograph. I would love to see some of those images, which you are taking. Cheers!

Thank you for the acknowledgement, Nils. As for seeing some of my images, I joined Instagram about a year ago, and have been posting some of my favorite recent images there. The Collared Lizard photos that I used as an example are posted there. I may post a few here to Fstoppers. I don'd think I've ever posted a photo here on this site, but who knows - an old dog may be able to learn a new trick!

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to do homework: 15 expert tips and tricks.

Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Shoot Event Photography Like a Pro in 2024

In this guide to event photography, we'll cover the 15 best tips for nailing your shots and keeping clients happy. Read on!

Learn | Photography Guides | By Greg Cromie

In this guide to event photography, we’re going to cover all there is to know about capturing essential occasions and providing professional services.

In my experience, photographing events is hard work. There’s a lot at stake, and you won’t get the chance to go back in time and fix your mistakes.

Importantly, you’re not taking shots for your enjoyment, but for the satisfaction of a client – that’s the stressful bit.

With a little help from our tips for great event photography, you can plan, prepare and reap the benefits of your success.

Table of Contents

15 Tips for Great Photography of Events

With event photography, there’s a lot at stake, and you’re under a lot of pressure to meet the client’s expectations.

Thankfully, there are some practical and straightforward steps you can take to ensure you capture the moment and meet the needs of paying clients.

Let’s take a closer look at our best photography tips for mastering this genre.

1. Get the Necessary Gear

Assorted gear of event photographer Til Jentzsch on Shotkit

Having the correct gear is essential to both ensuring your success and gaining the kind of image quality that your client demands. Having the right camera, appropriate lens, flash kit, and other bits and pieces makes all the difference to your process.

I also cannot stress enough the need to know your gear inside and out. There’s nothing worse than being in a high-pressure situation, and you get bogged down trying to work out the settings on your camera .

An essential piece of kit is your camera. Without the right camera body, you’ll struggle to keep up with the action in any event.

When selecting a camera for event photography, there are a few things to have high on your priority list.

Ensure that your camera can manage low-light situations better than most. A lot of events happen indoors and at night, so your camera needs to have excellent ISO management.

Your camera also needs an image sensor that captures a significant amount of detail – this is one of the essential camera parts you don’t want to skimp on – a full frame sensor will help you out in low light, and a higher mega-pixel account will allow you to crop more in post-production.

Finally, you want a camera that’s ergonomically comfortable enough to carry for an extended period. As an event photographer, you’ll find that you rarely lower your camera for a break.

Now that you have the right camera, your next step is to select suitable lenses.

Lens quality is an essential consideration as lenses form a critical part of the image quality equation. There’s no point having the best camera in the world if you have a terrible lens.

I prefer to shoot with a prime lens (single focal length) as they tend to have sharper image quality and wider aperture. Aperture is the width at which you can open the lens aperture diaphragm to allow light in.

The wider the aperture, the better, as it allows more light to hit the camera sensor. A lens with an aperture of f/1.4, f/1.8 or f/2.8 is perfect for event photography.

But what about the focal length?

If you’re shooting with a prime, then I recommend a wide lens so you can capture more of the event context. Wider lenses are also ideal for group shots and capturing the scale of the event.

You could start with a wider lens with a focal length of around 24mm or 35mm.

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If you’re shooting tighter compositions such as couple portraits (often the case if you’re a wedding photographer), I’d also suggest a prime. A lens that’s between 50mm and 85mm is ideal for this kind of image.

If zooms are your thing, then you want a lens with a wide aperture and a focal range between 24mm – 70mm. See the prime vs zoom lens guide for a deeper dive.

Longer lenses are obviously useful for shooting subjects that are further away, such as with fashion photography , where the stage may restrict you from approaching the models.

You might also like to check out this guide to the best lenses for concert photography .

It’s essential to remember that in photography, light is your compadre!

But if you’re working in a dark event space or outside at night, there’s very little light. To deal with this, you’re going to want a quality on-camera flash .

A flash unit or Speedlight will pulse a burst of light when you take a photo. These add lighting to your composition so that the camera sensor can pick up on the detail.

But be warned, the worst event photos feature washed out guests and terrible shadows due to poor flash use.

Use a flash diffuser and where possible point the flash at the ceiling to bounce the light down.

• Accessories

You have the essential triad of camera gear ready for your event – but there are a few other bits you’re going to need.

It would help if you had a quality bag that suits the environment you’re working in. Showing up to a wedding with a giant hiking backpack is not ok. Go for a slimline sling bag that won’t get in the way or bang into guests.

Working without a bag is even better. There’s a great range of camera straps to support your camera comfortably over your shoulder or neck.

Shooting over several hours is going to eat up your batteries. Carrying as many spares as you have, a battery bank or even fitting a battery grip to your camera will save the day.

The same goes for memory cards – make sure you have plenty.

2. Master Your Camera Settings

The next bit is significant to understand but not nearly as important as taking that knowledge and practising it over and over. No point showing up to an event if you don’t know your camera settings.

As an events photographer, understanding your gear’s capabilities is a must.

It’s also essential to understand that one camera setting does not do it all. It’s a concerted effort from all of your settings to work in unison.

• Shutter Speed

Your shutter speed dictates how long the camera shutter is open to allow light to hit the sensor – obviously important for event and concert photography where lighting is changeable.

If the shutter is too fast, not enough light gets in, but you’ll get sharp images. If the shutter is too slow, you’ll get better light, but you’ll capture motion blur. Remember though, that slow shutter speed photography can be used as a creative effect.

For event photography, you want to capture groups, individuals and activities as they unfold. But you have to be quick as often guests will be in the middle of something when you stop by to take a shot.

I recommend starting at 1/125 and going up to 1/250 – that way you’ll be allowing light in but also freezing the movement.

Aperture adjusts the opening of the lens diaphragm.

A wide aperture, such as f/1.4 or f/2, allows more light in but results in a shallow depth of field, or a ‘ bokeh background ‘. A narrow aperture such as f/8 or f/11 restricts the amount of light but results in more in-focus content.

If you’ll be shooting events in darker settings, you’ll want to use a wide aperture – as wide as your lens allows. Just watch out for lenses that deliver a super thin depth of field.

A wide aperture is excellent for couples shots, groups of people, or for standing back to capture a broader scene.

When you need a more significant amount of in-focus content, set your aperture to f/4 or f/5.6.

ISO is the camera function that manages the sensitivity of light hitting the camera sensor. It can be a great aid in allowing more light into your camera and compensating for having to use a narrower aperture or faster shutter speed.

Be warned that too high an ISO can result in ‘noise’ appearing in your images. Too much noise can ruin a perfectly good photo.

I suggest starting at 1600 ISO and then dialling up or down from there. If you get caught out, refer to our guide to noise reduction software to fix things in post.

• Continuous Shooting

A handy function for event photographers is continuous shooting (also known as burst mode).

In this mode, your camera will fire off several images with a single press of the shutter button. You’ll capture multiple shots as the action unfolds and later will select the best of them.

You do have to be careful as continuous modes fill up memory cards fast and deplete batteries even faster.

For professional work like events photography, you should always shoot in RAW mode over JPEG . RAW image files retain almost every bit of detail that the camera sensor captures. JPEGs store far less information.

The best thing about RAW files is that you have far more scope to pull details out of dark areas and soften highlights in editing software. This is certainly handy for event photographers when their pictures turn out underexposed but need to be salvaged for clients.

3. Work on Client Communication

Regardless of whether you’re photographing an birthday party for a friend or a corporate event for a client, communication is critical.

Well before the event, you must establish rapport with the client and ensure you have a complete understanding of their needs. Show them examples of your past work and get a feel for what they do and don’t like.

To make this process easier, here’s a checklist of questions to ask:

• What is the purpose of the event and what is the mood likely to be?
• What is the goal of the photos?
• Where and when will the event take place, and how do I gain early access to scout the location?
• What and when are the crucial moments (e.g. speeches, meals, cake, dances)?
• What style of photographs are you after (candid, portraits, groups)?
• Who are the key people you want me to capture?
• Who or what should I not photograph?
• What sort of compositions do you like and not like?

At the event, make yourself available to any client requests that may pop up from time to time. Maintaining a strong line of communication ensures success and client satisfaction.

4. Make a Hit List

Once you have communicated with the client and covered the questions on your checklist, it’s time to plan.

Creating a running sheet that you keep either on your mobile or printed out will be a handy tool. You can keep track of the flow and key moments of the event and be ready in the right place at the right time.

Include images the client has marked as essential and those that they have advised avoiding.

Share the document with the client before the event to ensure there’s an understanding of what to expect.

It also acts as a bit of an insurance policy should the client later complain that you missed crucial moments.

5. Include Candids

While you work from your ‘Hit List’ to meet the client’s expectations, also be on the lookout for candid shots.

A candid shot captures a moment where the guests were not expecting the photograph. Unlike staged and posed photos, candid images have a natural innocence about them.

More often than not, you’ll get great images of partygoers being themselves and not putting on their photo smile.

Experiment with this and take shots while people are enjoying a drink or a meal together. These candid event pictures go a long way to complementing the formal images.

6. Shoot a B-Roll

Aside from the formal and candid shots, it would help if you took the time to capture some b-roll images.

A b-roll is used by the client to help tell the story of the event.

I recommend getting to the location well before the party kicks-off. That way, you can scout the venue and understand where key moments take place.

Also, get a feel for the lighting and dial in your camera settings to match this.

You can go beyond photographing the empty venue to capturing candid images of the staff setting up, food placed on tables, decorations and decor.

7. Don’t Neglect the Legalities

If you’re doing any form of paid work or setting off as a professional event photographer, invest some time into understanding the legalities.

This is especially important when dealing with high-stakes events such as weddings, business functions and parties. The last thing you want is a client taking you to court because you lost all of their images (it has happened).

The best defence against this occurring is to have a strategy in place. Begin by hiring a lawyer who specialises in contracts – they’ll support you to create a standard contract for use with any event jobs.

Another essential consideration is liability insurance. A comprehensive policy provides cover for legal liability for property damage and/or bodily injury to a third party.

8. Mind Your Manners

This one is thanks to my mum – she raised us to have impeccable manners, and I implore you to adopt professional courtesies too.

Always make sure you’re on time for the main event but also for client meetings before and after.

If you’re at an event and you have a meal break, don’t eat with the guests. Get friendly with the kitchen staff and find a quiet corner to grab a snack.

Politely decline any offer of alcohol and maintain your professional standards.

Use your best ‘Mrs Cromie manners’ when dealing with clients and any of the guests at the event.

Your professionalism goes a long way to ensuring future business from an existing client.

9. Keep Up Appearances

It’s always best to find out what the dress code for the event will be and tailor your outfit to suit the occasion.

If you’re photographing a wedding or engagement, step up your wardrobe selection to include nicer clothes.

For award ceremonies or black tie events, you might need to get quite formal with your attire. For casual events, wearing your polo shirt with your company logo may be acceptable.

If in doubt, a quick phone call to the event organizer can clarify the situation.

Above all else, dress for comfort as you’ll be at an event for several hours.

10. Don’t Be A Bother

We’ve all been to events where everyone raises their mobile to photograph or video something important. And, we’ve all felt the same level of frustration at not being able to see the action.

As the photographer, it’s also critical to not get in the way of the guests.

If you’re at a wedding and the room is tight with little room for you to work, consider setting up a camera on a tripod with a remote shutter release. You’ll still get the front row view without blocking anyone else.

Be considerate of the mood of the event and remember Mrs Cromie’s manners! Don’t interrupt guests that are in the middle of a moment – if anything, take a candid shot.

If a guest is against having their photo taken, thank them for their time and wander off to the next shot.

Plus, if you’re intending on using a flash then do so as little as possible. There’s nothing worse than being at an event, and the constant flash is distracting guests from enjoying themselves.

11. Play The Waiting Game

If you do your homework well enough, you’ll know when the key moments are going to take place.

Use this planning to position yourself in a great location, ready to capture a shot. You know when the speeches start, you have a golden opportunity to capture the mood or emotion of those involved.

When a keynote speaker finishes their inspiring talk, that’s another opportunity to capture their final moments on stage.

At other times, you’ll be watching a scene unfold between two guests and decide to raise your camera and wait for the ideal moment to capture their exchange.

Event photography is hard work as you’re always on the lookout for the next great shot. It would be best if you didn’t stop in a location for too long. ‘Work the room’ and ensure you capture an even spread of photos from your checklist.

12. Get In Close

There’s a lot of value to be gained in capturing more intimate images of participants as they experience critical moments.

Just be conscious of how intimidating you’ll be with a big camera and lens when approaching people.

Much like composing portrait headshots , images of a guest’s expression go a long way to telling the story. To elevate the quality of your work, capture close-ups to show emotions such as surprise, joy and sadness.

13. Direct People for Perfect Poses

An essential skill for event photography is the art of posing others. People don’t know how to best post themselves for a photo.

Whether you’re posing couples or larger groups, your job is to guide your subjects in an encouraging and supportive way.

Before I prepare anyone for a pose, I ask them to take a deep breath and exhale with a smile – I do the same along with them.

Then I take a shot with them all doing a roaring tiger pose with their hands outstretched into claws. It breaks the ice and gets the giggles out. Plus, I’ll use this as a test shot to check that I have the right settings and lighting.

You’ll notice people feel awkward about where to place their hands. Ask them to hold their hands together with fingers laced. Alternatively, if with multiple people, get them to embrace with arms behind one another’s backs.

I’ll instruct them to move one foot back slightly, so they twist their body. A front-on image is less appealing than those where the subject has turned somewhat.

Finally, I ask everyone to imagine that there’s an invisible thread pulling them up straight towards the ceiling – this makes them stand up straight and extend their necks.

Not everyone is comfortable with having their photo taken. Make an effort to be gracious and encouraging – ask for and use everyone’s name, and smile and talk with a positive yet soothing tone.

14. Show Me The Money

It’s vital to ensure that final images are ready for your client as soon as possible. Preferably before the due or agreed date.

This is both as a professional courtesy and to capitalise on the memory of the event. The client and the guests are still abuzz with energy and gossip about the event and all those cherished moments.

Striking while the iron is hot will elevate your sales of additional prints beyond what you originally agreed to with the client. This is considered good practice in party photography.

15. Streamline Your Editing Workflow

For the last of our photography tips, we’re obliged to acknowledge that much of the photographer’s work happens after the event has ended.

Your editing workflow is going to take a little bit of time for a couple of critical reasons.

Chances are, you took hundreds of photos at the event. Your first job is to sort them into categories based on the moments of the event and the image quality.

Editing software like Adobe Lightroom allow you to label photos (or groups of photos) with a particular colour. Then, you can use the star ranking to assign a quality rank.

That way, you’ll quickly eliminate the unwanted images from your collection well before you touch an editing tool.

With a reduced collection of the best images, you can start the editing workflow. A good idea is to play around with the colour and exposure and then apply this to the whole collection.

Event Photography FAQ

What is event photography?

Event photography is a specialist genre that involves capturing images at an event. The event photographer could specialise in a single style such as weddings or a range including weddings, parties and corporate functions.

What is the best lens for event photography?

The best lens for event photography depends on your shooting style. Zooms offer greater flexibility but slower apertures. Primes are limiting in terms of focal length but generally offer a much faster aperture and better image quality.

What should a photographer wear for an event?

What you wear will depend on the formality of the event, but you should aim for smart casual at a minimum. Ask the event organizer what the dress code will be and decide based on that. Do wear comfortable shoes.

Event Photography Tips | Final Words

Event photography is one of those genres that you’ll easily base a professional career on. For example, shooting wedding photography could see your weekends booked out in no time.

If you land a job doing photography for events in the corporate sector, try to build a good relationship with the event planner – it may land you more gigs in the future.

Just make sure that before you step foot in a function centre you do your homework and build your skillset to ensure you master the craft and exceed your client’s expectations.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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I’m a Melbourne-based street photographer and blogger. I love to travel to Japan to photograph and document its dynamic people and culture.

Really clear and sensible advice, thank you.

I’m so so enlightened and I would to see more of your post , I’m so grateful 😇

Thanks for taking a look at my article. Please leave a question or comment and I will get back to you. Cheers. G

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Miami is where the magic of sun, sea, and style mix so seemingly and where photos come out incredible! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ With its iconic Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, pristine sandy beaches, and a rich cultural mosaic, Miami offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities. So, are you ready to pose and snap some photos in this interesting destination?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Check out the top photo spots in Miami:⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍South Pointe Beach — With its powdery white sand, azure waters, and a backdrop of towering luxury condominiums, it offers a quintessential Miami beach experience.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Lummus Park & Beach — The wide promenade, lined with palm trees and iconic lifeguard towers, offers a lively backdrop for capturing the essence of Miami’s sun-soaked lifestyle.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Vizcaya — A magnificent Italian Renaissance-style villa turned museum in Miami, is a photographer’s dream, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the Gilded Age.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Pier Park at Sunny Isles — The pier, extending gracefully into the Atlantic Ocean, offers a stunning vantage point for capturing breathtaking ocean views and vibrant sunsets.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Natasha in Miami, USA⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #coupletravel #coupleshoot #proposalideas #proposalphotography #miamiphotographer #miamifl #miamiphotographt #visitmiami #travelmiami #miamiflorida #floridaphotographer #floridaphotographers #floridaphotography #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal #proposalphotography #weddingproposal

Imagine popping the question in Machu Picchu? 🤯 Sounds like a unique and beautiful way to start the next chapter of your lives as fiances. ⁣⁣ ⁣ And while it sounds incredible, there are some things you need to keep in mind to make your Machu Picchu proposal a reality. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Buy your entrance ticket at least a month in advance. ⁣⁣ 2️⃣ When buying your ticket, pick a morning timeslot.⁣⁣ 3️⃣ Expect to stay longer if you’ve purchased a morning entrance. ⁣⁣ 4️⃣ Bring your passport to get a special Machu Picchu stamp. ⁣⁣ 5️⃣ Don’t forget sunblock, bug spray, and layers of clothing. ⁣⁣ 6️⃣ And remember, small backpacks only!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Marco in Machu Picchu, Peru⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotography #cuzcoperu #cuscocity #cuscoperu #visitcusco #7thwonderoftheworld #couplephotoshoot #machupicchu #machupicchutravel #machupicchuperu #travelsouthamerica #cuzco #visitperu #travelperu #ig_southamerica #surpriseproposal #proposalinspiration #weddingproposal

Seville is ‘bonita’ and a photographer’s paradise. The city is the perfect mix of history, culture, and architectural gems, making it an excellent destination for a photoshoot.  ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here are some of our favorite photo spots for a Seville photoshoot:⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Plaza de España — The most popular spot! This architectural masterpiece wraps around an enormous square with fountains, moats, and tiled walls and offers plenty of photo opportunities. ⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Barrio Santa Cruz — This captivating and historically rich district was formerly the Jewish quarter of Seville, characterized by its ancient alleyways and meandering streets.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Royal Alcazar — Looking for a royal vibe in your photos? Renowned for its diverse gardens and historical influences, the Moorish Royal Palace is one of Spain’s most exquisite structures.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Parque Maria Luisa — Maria Luisa Park, situated just behind Plaza de España, is an ideal location for photography with its flourishing flower gardens and scenic tree-shaded pathways.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Tatsiana in Seville, Spain⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #sevillespain #sevillephotographer #sevillecity #sevilletravel #visitseville #visitspain #familyphotoshoot #familyphotoideas #familyphotography

If you’re a soon-to-be momma, you deserve a babymoon in Europe to spoil yourself before the sleepless nights begin!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ A babymoon, more than a trip is the perfect time to spend time with your partner, relax and mentally prepare for all that lies ahead. And there is no better place than Europe and its many destinations perfect for future parents. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here are some of our favorite babymoon destinations in Europe: ⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Prague ⁣⁣ 📍Lake Como ⁣⁣ 📍Santorini ⁣⁣ 📍Lucerne ⁣⁣ 📍Sintra⁣⁣ 📍Amsterdam⁣⁣ 📍Madrid⁣⁣ 📍Valencia⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Any other destination we should add to the list of babymoons? Let us know in the comments!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Victor in Prague ⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #charlesbridge #charlesbridgeprague #pragueoldtown #praguetrip #praguephoto #coupletravel #praguephotography #pragueworld #visitprague #praguestagram #instaprague #praguetoday #czechrepublic #praguecity #praha⁣ #praguephotographer #babymoon⁣ #momtobe #mumtobe #pregnancyannouncement #pregnancyphotography ⁣

Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam, is a fascinating destination that offers an interesting mix of natural beauty and modern urban life. ⁣ ⁣ And for those visiting, the city is also the perfect place to get photos in some of its most beautiful spots, like its stunning sandy beaches and lush landscapes.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Check out some of the best photo spots in Da Nang: ⁣ ⁣⁣ 📍My Khe Beach — This stunning stretch of sandy shores and serene blue waters provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing the essence of a coastal paradise.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) — These ancient limestone outcrops are dotted with caves, pagodas, and sacred shrines, providing an array of visual inspiration.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Dragon Bridge — This iconic bridge comes to life in the evenings with a thrilling fire-breathing dragon show, creating a dynamic and visually spectacular scene.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Linh Ung Pagoda — The pagoda is renowned for its giant Lady Buddha statue, and it’s the perfect spot to capture Vietnam’s cultural richness and natural beauty.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Trung in Da Nang, Vietnam⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #coupletravel #visitvietnam #travelvietnam⁣ #couplephotoshoot #danangbeach #danangtravel #danangphotographer #danangphotography #danangtrip #danangvietnam #danangcity #proposalphotography #proposalideas #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal⁣ #weddingproposal

Bangkok is a cultural treasure with many beautiful temples that are a must-visit if you are looking for an enriching experience. ⁣But the choice is hard, as Bangkok has more than 400 temples. So, which one to pick? ⁣⁣ ⁣ Luckily, we have made a top 5 pick of the best temples or ‘wats’ to visit in Bangkok. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple Of Dawn) — An ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period and considered a Royal Temple of King Rama II with a stupa considered one of the most beautiful and gigantic stupas in that era.⁣⁣ ⁣ 2️⃣ Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) — Home of the Reclining Buddha, with various interesting ancient Thai cultural murals around the temple.⁣⁣ ⁣ 3️⃣ Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (Phu Khao Thong) — One of the famous highlights of this temple is its spiral staircase, which has 344 steps.⁣⁣ ⁣ 4️⃣ Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan — This temple is home to the solid gold Sukhothai-style Buddha called the seated Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon, known as the world’s largest golden Buddha statue.⁣⁣ ⁣ 5️⃣ Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) — As its name states, the temple’s ordination hall was constructed of marble imported from Italy.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Suriyathepjuti in Bangkok, Thailand⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #bangkokthailand #bangkokcity #bangkoktrip #bangkoktravel #travelphotography #travelandleisure #bangkokspirit #beautiful_bangkok #thailand_allshots #thailandtrip #thailandtravel #adayinthailand #thailandinstagram #amazingthailand #bangkokphotographer

Being a new parent can be both beautiful and unnerving — it is a big responsibility! And if you feel you need some guidance and to set up some goals to help you get your groove back, start by setting some resolutions for this new year. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 2024 it’s all about taking care of yourself, and being a new parent doesn’t need to limit that. Here are a few ways you can be the best version of yourself while handling this incredible new role: ⁣⁣ ⁣ ❤️ Take a moment to evaluate how you are feeling⁣ ❤️ Take time to reconnect with yourself⁣ ❤️ Take time to reconnect with your partner⁣ ❤️ Enjoy the time you manage to be alone⁣⁣ ❤️ Rekindle friendships⁣ ❤️ Have dates, just you and your baby.⁣⁣ ❤️ Reassess how you are feeling at the end of every month and change your goals accordingly⁣ ⁣⁣ Any other advice you have for new parents? Let us know in the comments!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Rojeena in Maui, Hawaii⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #hawaiiphotographer #hawaiiphotographers #hawaiistagram #hawaiiphotography #hawaiibestphotos #hawaiilove #beachphotography #mauiphotography #mauihawaii #mauistyle #travelhawaii #visithawaii #hawaiitrip #hawaiivacation #hawaiibeaches⁣ #mauiphotographer⁣ #babymoon⁣ #mumtobe #momtobe #pregnancyphotography #pregnantstyle

Okay, a new year has begun, and now it’s time to commit to those resolutions. Yes, it can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can make your wishes a reality and make 2024 the year you stick to your resolutions!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here’s what you have to do to achieve your new year’s goals: ⁣⁣ ⁣ ☑️ Start small⁣⁣ ☑️ Create goals for different areas of your life⁣⁣ ☑️ Write them down⁣⁣ ☑️ Prioritize your goals⁣⁣ ☑️ Break down bigger goals⁣⁣ ☑️ Include friends and other peeps⁣⁣ ☑️ Keep it interesting⁣⁣ ☑️ Celebrate progress⁣⁣ ☑️ Adjust as necessary⁣⁣ ☑️ Have patience⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Now tell us, what are your 2024 resolutions?⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Julia in New York City⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #nycphotographer #nycphotographers #nycphotoshoot #nycphotography #newyorkcitylife #newyorklife #newyorkgram #newyork_ig #newyorkcityphotography #newyorktravel #newyorkstyle #newyorktrip #weddingproposal #proposalinspiration #proposalphotography #proposalideas #newyorkstreets #newyorkphotographer #newyorkphotography #newyorkphotos⁣⁣ #surpriseproposal

New adventures are around the corner. And this 2024 will be filled with new memories, destinations, health, and happiness. ⁣ ⁣ Happy New Year from Local Lens! ✨🍾⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Christopher in Singapore ⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ ⁣#locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #singaporeinsiders #singaporetravel #singaporecity #exploresingapore #singaporeig #singaporephotography #singaporediaries #singaporetourism #singaporephotographer #travelasia⁣ #surpriseproposal⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotoshoot #proposalinspiration

What a year! 2023 has been a year full of blessings, and many captured memories. ⁣ ⁣ Just this year, our local photographers have captured over 4,000 shoots around the world!! From families to engagements, anniversaries, and solo traveling, we love being there and creating memories with you. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Thank you for a fantastic year, and we hope to be with you next year, capturing your next chapter. And like they say, cheers to many more! 🥳✨💫⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣ ▶️ ⁣#locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #destinationaphotographer #surpriseproposal⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotography #proposalinspiration #weddingproposal #familyphotography #familyphotoshoot #familyphotoideas

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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Blair Caldwell moved across the country with just $1,000 in his bank account—now he’s Beyoncé’s go-to photographer. Here’s how he did it

In 2006, while his high school classmates were busy with extracurriculars like football, basketball, and other sports “on grassy old fields,” Blair Caldwell was hyper-focused on honing a new passion he discovered his sophomore year while waiting for a ride home from school.

Since his parents would pick him up late because of their demanding work schedules, Caldwell would pass the time by staging photo shoots with his older sister, who loved modeling. He captured his shots on a Razr flip phone he borrowed from his sister. 

“My sister and I would take that time after school to go to the library to print out all the photos I had taken of her,” the Tyler, Texas, native told Fortune . “Eventually, instead of doing homework, we would be emailing photos to the printers in the library.”

It wasn’t long before the images caused a buzz around the school. “My sister’s friends started noticing her photos and asked who took them,” Caldwell recalled. “She told them it was me, and from then on, I started taking pictures of everyone.”

Caldwell’s newfound popularity as a photographer motivated him to dream bigger.

“I would write it on my homework,” he said. “When I got done early in class, I would turn my paper over and just draw Hollywood and cameras and all that stuff.”

Now 33, Caldwell has a successful career as one of Hollywood’s well-established photographers , snapping celebrities like Grammy award winners Beyoncé , Cardi B, and SZA , plus the likes of Kylie Jenner , Normani, and Michael B. Jordan .

In an interview with Fortune , the photographer revealed how he went from juggling novel jobs to shooting Hollywood’s most notable stars, and how he’s leveraging artificial intelligence for his most recent work. 

The art of opportunity

The path to Hollywood success for Caldwell wasn’t glamorous at first, and started with just $1,000 in his bank account.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Dallas with an associate’s degree in photography, Caldwell packed up his belongings and moved over 1,300 miles to Los Angeles, a city he’d idolized as a child watching music videos on MTV and BET. 

“My family was like, ‘Okay, go, just make sure you’ve got a plan,” he said. “I literally had no plan…I hit the ground running.”

To make ends meet while finding gigs, Caldwell accepted an array of odd jobs, like auditioning for competition shows including The X Factor , The Voice , and American Idol , volunteering to be a live-studio audience member, and offering to take $50 headshots for people in a local park.

“I was doing whatever I could to try and get my name out there and try to get in touch with someone that can help me get to the next spot,” Caldwell said.

His connections paid off. While sleeping on a mattress in a friend’s living room, Caldwell was awoken by an urgent phone call from his mentor in the city, asking if he could conduct a photoshoot for R&B singer Chrisette Michele. Without any preparation or planning, Caldwell immediately grabbed his equipment and sped off to meet the artist, who needed to document her Grammy nomination. 

Caldwell said Michele “took me under her wing” and enlisted him to travel around the country with her, shooting album covers, maintaining her YouTube vlog, and capturing images for her Instagram account. 

Other stars took notice. Glee actress Amber Riley and then–Fifth Harmony singer Normani asked Caldwell for their own shoots. 

“I remember [Normani] saying, ‘I want to hire you as my personal photographer,’” said Caldwell. “I finally felt like I was getting my foot in the door.”

Opportunity calls

As his résumé grew, so did the number of calls he fielded from eager clients, including a chance in 2018 to photograph one of music’s biggest titans. But it was an opportunity he almost turned down. 

“I was sitting in church one day, and I got a text: ‘Are you available to do photos?’” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘Sure, who’s it for?’”

His question went unanswered, and his friend replied, saying the mysterious client could not be disclosed. 

“I was like, I have to go lead worship at six o’clock, so I kinda need to know who this is because I can’t just leave church,” he said. “At that time, I literally was begging God to give me a sign to show me something.”

Caldwell had convinced himself that he hit the end of the road in his career and would have to stop pursuing his dream in order to secure a traditional nine-to-five job for stability. But he gave this mysterious opportunity a shot: He drove his car—a 2007 Toyota Scion that “only blew out cold air”—up the Los Angeles hills to an unknown location for the shoot. 

When he arrived, he was greeted by a drop-top baby-blue Rolls-Royce in the driveway, plus a security guard at the entrance who requested that he sign a paper. 

“I didn’t read it. I didn’t care,” Caldwell recalled. “I said, ‘I’m just glad to sign it.’”

As he made his way past security, he spotted a woman on a balcony. “She said, ‘How are you? I’m Beyoncé.’”

Over the course of the photo shoot, the two bonded over Caldwell’s accent and their shared Texas roots. 

“I just couldn’t believe it, everything I had prayed for had come,” Caldwell said. “That was the beginning of everything.”

Homecoming 

Days after his first photoshoot with Beyoncé, Caldwell eagerly refreshed his Instagram feed, waiting to see the pictures he just captured pop up on his timeline. Eventually, a few days of anticipation turned into a month, and the original cloud-nine feeling started to fade.

“I thought that she hated the photos because I didn’t see them come out,” he said, recalling times he couldn’t get out of bed until four o’clock in the afternoon from depression.

But a month later, while sitting in a living room with friends, Caldwell received another vague text asking if he knew how to shoot live shows, a skill he learned while working with his earlier clients Chrisette Michelle and Amber Riley. He rushed to the location, and was greeted with dancers, bands, lighting crews, and videographers all preparing for one of Beyoncé’s most notable productions yet : her 2018 “Homecoming” performance at Coachella . 

“It was just like a huge entertainment college,” Caldwell said. “I just was bright like a kid on my first day with my little bag.”

An homage to Black HBCU culture, the performance netted 41 million viewers in 232 countries, surpassing the record of most-viewed performance at any festival.

Today, Caldwell still serves as the singer’s frequent photographer—he even did the cover art for Beyonce’s eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter , which released Friday.

AI-infused photography

Capturing Beyoncé’s Coachella performance required Caldwell to present his vision to her team with mood boards well ahead of the performance, a strategy he previously had not followed. Years later, he’s embraced the mood-boards strategy and is utilizing a new tool to make them more effective: artificial intelligence.

Caldwell says tools like AI platform Tome refine his workflows and cut down on production time by planning shoots in advance.

“When I discovered Tome, it was as if I had an assistant helping me,” he said. “I would input some images, and Tome’s AI would lay it out in a visually compelling way that helped not only me to crystallize my vision, but it actually became something I could share with clients.”

Although he’s still tinkering with the technology, Caldwell says he can appreciate the versatility of AI.

“If I needed to find photos, I could just type in the type of photos I wanted and AI would find the right picture,” Caldwell said. “It’s literally a lifesaver. It’s made my job so easy.”

The AI tool helps Caldwell visualize the “mood, aesthetic, lighting, clothing, scenery, and photographic style” he aims for in each shoot.

“I do love that it gives you an outlook on what you might not have,” he said. “You can be looking for something in particular, and an AI will give me an example of what I’m looking for, but show me in a different way.”

A 2023 Pew survey shows Americans are increasingly cautious about the growing role of AI in their lives and jobs, but Caldwell says he’s in favor of the tech and doesn’t believe AI will replace human photographers anytime soon. 

“[Photography] is real, shooting someone is real,” Caldwell said. “Being in front of someone is an experience.”

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‘I can’t speak but my photos do’: how a mute Rohingya boy talks to the world

In 2017, a crying Asom Khan became the face of Myanmar’s refugees. Now 15, he has discovered his own passion for photography

H is own sign language of sweeping, dramatised gestures is rarely fully understood by those outside Asom Khan’s closest friends and family but the 15-year-old is able to speak through his art and photography.

From his shelter in the Rohingya refugee camps of south-east Bangladesh, Khan takes photos to share the stories of his community – of his elderly neighbours, disabled people, and of women at work and in times of crisis.

It was a journey that started with a photograph of him in 2017 – tears running down his face as he hung on to the side of an aid truck – that won awards for a Canadian press photographer, Kevin Frayer , as 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from massacres in what the UN described as ethnic cleansing by the Myanmar military.

That photo has stuck with Khan, who is deaf and mute, and when he saw other Rohingya becoming photographers, using budget smartphones to document daily life, he fully understood the power of an image.

“I was inspired by other Rohingya photographers. When there were floods or fires or other issues, they would come and take pictures. I saw that there was some power in it,” says Khan, whose friend interprets for him.

Since arriving in Bangladesh , he has also been producing vivid paintings, sometimes of idyllic Myanmar villages scenes, others of those villages under attack and the chaos he witnessed.

Raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother died in childbirth, Khan had no opportunity to learn formal sign language so he improvised, teaching his own version to those around him. But art and photography has given him a freedom to communicate without an interpreter.

“I can’t speak but my photos do. I take pictures of the elderly – how they spend their days – and of how we suffer in our daily lives here,” says Khan.

The camps Khan arrived at six years ago quickly became the world’s largest, with almost 1 million Rohingya crammed into bamboo and plastic shelters.

As conditions have worsened, with education, work and movement limited, international attention has died down, leaving the refugees to deal with their own problems. As long as he is unable to return to Myanmar – and with violence continuing, this is unlikely to happen soon – Khan feels a responsibility to capture their experiences.

“I feel like when I show pictures of the Rohingya situation to the world, they understand a bit more what we face.”

Frayer, the photographer now with Getty Images who took Khan’s photo in 2017, says he clearly remembers the moment when he saw the boy clinging to a truck amid a chaotic crowd waiting for rations.

“Even thinking of it now, I can see it almost in slow motion. I remember taking a few frames and then he disappeared into the crowd below.

“I remember feeling quite moved by how much courage this young boy showed,” says Frayer.

He found Khan again in 2018 and spent time with him, finally learning more of his story as they communicated through his sign language and his drawings.

“I was so moved and astounded to learn that he had taken an interest in photography. I saw in his artwork that he was incredibly talented at telling his story through his art, and that photography would indeed be a very strong tool for him,” says Frayer.

“I am not sure if my picture had anything to do with this passion he has for photography now, but I am very glad to know that he sees the power it can have.

“He told me in a message once that he loves it because it shows the world the culture of his community. What a nice thought.”

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"It is nothing doing homework against someone until...": RCB's Maxwell on facing Mayank Yadav

N ew Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Australian star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell opened up on facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pace sensation Mayank Yadav and lauded him for his "smooth, beautiful action."

Mayank Yadav's spell of 3/14 bamboozled RCB's formidable batting line-up during their match against LSG at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Tuesday. Maxwell continued his dry run in IPL 2024, falling for a duck to Mayank. He has scored just 31 runs in four innings at an average of 7.75 this season so far, during which RCB has lost three of their four matches so far.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo's Around The Wicket, Maxwell said that he had done his homework against Mayank, who had made a stunning debut against Punjab Kings, bowling 150-plus kmph consistently and taking three wickets. The all-rounder lauded Mayank for his smooth action, saying that being able to bowl at 150+ kmph does make him formidable.

"I thought it was really impressive (Mayank's bowling performances)," Maxwell said.

"He hurried on a few of the Punjab batters and I certainly did a little bit of homework before coming up against him. But it is nothing doing homework against someone until you actually see it coming out of the hand and have to try and pick up the length," he added.

"He bowled me the first one, which was just a high bouncer and the wicket that we have been producing at [Bengaluru] has been a little bit two-paced and it sort of came through a bit slower than I thought it was going to. And I was like, ah, that was not too bad."

"And then the next one was hard length and skidded on probably faster than I thought it was going to be and as you saw, I went to pull, thinking that I picked up the length really well and before you know it, it is on you, hitting the shoulder with the bat and ballooning up in the air."

"He has some real extra speed, and you do not really see a lot of around world cricket at the moment. You see guys bowl pretty consistently around the 140s [kph] or high 140s. But to have mid-150s consistently in your arsenal is pretty formidable," concluded Maxwell.

Maxwell compared Mayank's pace to that of former Australian pacer Shaun Tait, whom he faced in domestic cricket numerous times. Tait played three Tests, 35 ODIs and 21 T20Is for Australia from 2005-16, taking 95 wickets at an average of 24.75 across all formats.

"It is such a beautiful, smooth action," Maxwell said. "He [Mayank] sort of glided through the crease really nicely. I think pace-wise, the only one that I can sort of really resemble it to is a little bit like Shaun Tait when he was in his heyday," added Maxwell.

"I think when he was at the peak of his powers, it was extremely hard to pick up the extra zip; it feels like it was off the wicket. I think that is as close as it probably comes to it," he concluded.

Within just two matches, Mayank has gathered headlines for his sheer pace, touching the bowling speeds of 150 kmph or more consistently. During the match against RCB, Yadav bagged three wickets in his four-over spell, giving up only 14 runs. Following his remarkable spell, the pacer was named the 'Player of the Match'.

The LSG seamer made history at the age of 21, as he became the first bowler in the history of the IPL to win the 'Player of the Match' award in their first two matches.

He clocked 156.7 kph during the game against RCB and bowled the fastest delivery in the ongoing edition and overall the fourth fastest in the history of the entire tournament, breaking his own record made during the Punjab Kings match, which was his debut, where he clocked 155.8 kmph. During his debut game, he took 3/27 in four overs.

It is not just Mayank's pace that has many terming him as the next big Indian pace prospect, it is also the control over his line and length and intimidation that he has produced in a matter of a couple of matches that stand out.

His consecutive three-wicket hauls in his first two games also helped him enter the elite list of players. Yadav became the sixth bowler to scalp three-plus wicket hauls in each of their first two IPL matches. The 21-year-old pacer now has his name along with Lasith Malinga, Amit Singh, Mayank Markande, and Jofra Archer. (ANI)