The Best Camera Is The One You Have Right Now
I get asked about gear quite a bit. Questions like: What’s the best camera out there? What camera do I need to start a photography business? Do I need the latest camera to create good content? The list goes on but I think we tend to complicate things a bit. The best camera is the one you have right now, whether is your phone, a point and shoot, a DSLR, whatever it is, you can use it to hone your skills. We get caught up on things that really don’t matter and a lot of the time is just an excuse to give into fear and not create. I’m being real, we don’t need the best of the best in order to create and put our art out there in the world. In fact, the more you create, the better you get at your art. Start slow, but keep making stuff, share it and repeat. There isn’t a shortcut to greatness, not in any single thing. So just start, today!
How you ask? I shall give you some tips! Grab that iPhone (or whatever you use) and start by photographing random things around your home, but try to photograph them in an interesting way. Pay attention to leading lines and also keep the composition interesting. You can try the rule of thirds or centering the item on the frame. The idea is to PLAY around, the more you play, the closer you’ll get to finding your style and what moves you. The same rules can apply to filming, but with footage you can get a little more fluid and specific on what you want to capture and convey. The type of camera doesn’t matter, most phones shoot pretty decent HD video and great photos as well, so you could literally start shooting right now.
I love capturing light coming through different objects, fences, trees and even people. Photography and film are all about light, that is the first thing we think about, do we have enough light? Is it too bright? etc. of course there are other aspects but getting familiar with how light falls on different surfaces and objects is a great way to learn all that can be done. It’s pretty neat because light and shadows can create some really unique elements within stills and film.
I also like to mix up the vibe, getting close and further away from the subject or scene creates dynamics within the frame and in the story as a whole. There is always a story behind each frame. Try shooting really close, create abstractions from the objects or subjects, then move further away and play with the framing. This is a great way to see just how many possible outcomes can be captured from one scene and remember that art is subjective, there are really no rules to what is created. I’m always super serious when I say, create today, start now so you can get over the fear. You’re likely going to make shitty stuff, we all do at first, but then you’ll find your way and start liking what you see.
I wanted to send everyone out there that is wanting to get into photography (or film) a reminder that the limitations we put on ourselves creatively sometimes are complete fantasy, often it is our fear subconsciously manifesting through thinking we can’t create because we don’t have “the right stuff” that is a total lie, please don’t fall into it. Grab the camera closest to you right now and create something, that is the first step. If you guys are interested in more tips or anything specific give me a shout, I’d love to help!
If this post inspires you to create ANYTHING, write me because I’d love to see it. I hope you find this helpful in cutting through the bullshit and start creating. See ya!