Trust & Patience
I think most young photographers should go through a period where they shoot on some form of film photography—not for the aesthetic or the vibe, but for the importance of timing, being selective, and the growth in knowledge that comes along with shooting film.
My photography journey started with borrowing my Mum’s camera; where I would take photos of my local AFL (Australian Football League) games or at my Surf Life Saving Carnivals. I was young and would overshoot an event like there was no tomorrow, not worrying about framing an image correctly or even trying to push the creative boundaries associated with photography, but I was young.
Pretty much, this blog entry is going to be a message from me to you, in the hopes I might be able to help you take better images. Here are some key things I have picked up over the last few years of shooting on film, which I believe have improved my skills as a photographer:
**Take Your Time and Enjoy the Process**
I think one of the most important things any photographer can do is be aware of their surroundings when looking through the viewfinder. Just double-check that there isn’t a dog in the background taking a poop, or if you’re dealing with boys in a sporting environment, make sure they haven’t slipped any body parts out of their clothing. Spend the time to ensure that the image is well-framed, that it uses the rule of thirds, or that it draws your eye to the subject in whatever method you use. If you need to wait 5 minutes for the correct lighting to get the image the way you pictured it in your head, or if you are waiting for a break in traffic, then do so.
**Reach Out to Other Photographers**
If you see an image you like, message the photographer and ask about the process behind the image and what the goal was. Photographers aren’t going to bite your head off when you message them saying you like their images.
If you have a rough idea of how an image might be taken, give it a try. If you’re using a digital camera, there is no harm in experimenting and playing around with shooting in manual mode.
**Don't Be Afraid to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone**
Don’t limit yourself to one area of photography. If you have an interest, go out and shoot. There are so many opportunities to shoot events, whether it be local community sports, a local bar, or a coffee-and-cars car show.
**Why I Think Film Is The Answer**
I feel that shooting film with a restriction of 24 or 36 images teaches a lot about how to take images carefully, because it's not a cheap process. Between buying film and development, there is the aspect of time and trusting your knowledge of using camera settings - which can be costly.
