As we are the after work photographers finding time for taking photos can be a challenge. Here are just a few tips I have found helpful to get my photography fix. Even when I don’t have time to scout out a new venue.
1 Have all your gear ready
This might seem a little silly as a tip. That is until you find yourself somewhere without a memory card or with a flat battery. If you want to be ready to go quickly, which is what we need to do when time is short, this would be my minimum. A camera bag ready to go with:
- a spare charged battery
- spare SD card (with space on it)
- micro cloth for cleaning lens
- a couple of favourite filters (Polariser and ND maybe)
- Lens – I tend to have a pretty useful one I leave on a lot but if you like to change maybe one fast prime and one zoom.
- Tripod where it is quick to get but you don’t always need it
I was very grateful for this when I got up very early and captured one of my favourite photos last year. I took my camera out and had left it turned on and the battery was flat. I did have a spare and captured some wonderful morning pictures while everyone else on the trip was sound asleep.
2 Know the great photography sites in your local area
When you are short on time and the sunset is suddenly looking fantastic you need to know where to get to fast. If you live in the country this might be your back door step. If you live in the city is might not be that easy. I have a park a few minutes walk away that I can go to when I really want to get out and take a photo. I also have a reserve with water for reflections and wildlife that is 10 mins drive if I have a bit more time. The key is to check them out ahead of time. You also need to think about different seasons and times of the day. A local botanical gardens is often a great starting point with a lot of variety.
3 Take photos at events and parties you go to
I have become the pseudo photographer at a number of things for my friends and work. This is not offering to be the wedding photographer, leave that to the professionals. What it means is checking in with friends at a party, or work at an event to see if they would mind you taking a few fun pics. I don’t ever want the pressure of being the key photographer but you learn a lot trying your skills at any of these situations. For me I often then edit, very simply, a collection of photos and share a link on a website I used called SlicPic. Its great to get a bit of feedback and to try things without lots of pressure. I am not a great one for street photography but if there are performers I feel it is ok to take their photos, as with the one below.
4 Take photos of the things you are doing already
Sometimes we forget that our everyday stuff is great to photograph. Taking pictures of children and pets is always a nice challenge!! Gardens and interiors can also be easy to find. As an example this weekend we have been focusing in the garden so didn’t get out exploring beyond the section but there were still lots of opportunities:
- flowers and bees in the garden
- arty photographs of building construction
- bottling fruit and the stages of this
- meals we prepared
- the family dog
Just pick up the camera and point it at whatever is closest to you, there is always a different way to get a shot. Here is a selection of the sort of ones I got today.
5 Join a challenge group for inspiration
This is something I have found quite fun but I don’t always do. I am part of a couple of Facebook challenge groups and also follow a couple on Flickr. While sometimes it does mean having to get out and about often it doesn’t. For instance this weekends on for Flickr is ‘its all about the eyes” that is pretty manageable anywhere. If you don’t have one how about setting one up with some friends. You don’t have to all be amazing photographers and its a great way to get some feedback.
6 Schedule in some time for photography
The final tip is if you really want to get out and do more photography then schedule it into your week. Look ahead at the weather to find what you are looking for. If you like company then find a friend to do it with you. Find a gap in your week maybe a walk before or after work and then commit yourself to just do it!! Also look at your week and see when it might be good to take a camera along. I often just pop my gear in the car when I am going somewhere and if the opportunity arises take it out. Especially if you are waiting somewhere, I am never bored if I have my camera on me. This picture was taken while walking the dogs on the beach catching up with friends.
