People take up photography for all sorts of reasons, and no two follow the same path. For some the camera is simply a way of keeping memories. For others it becomes a passion that drives them to keep improving, and when the progress seems to stop they feel stuck and cannot see why.
Creative people are said to be more prone to ups and downs and to self-doubt. Here is what we have been told, and what we have learnt.
It is not about the kit
It is easy to get wrapped up in wanting new lenses, filters, tripods and bags. But photography is about taking pictures and expressing yourself. Do not fall into the trap of 'all the gear and no idea'.
New kit can sometimes take you further, but it is rarely essential. Learn to use the camera you have to the full before you think about replacing it.
Trust your intuition
You know the feeling that a picture is going to be good? Trust it. The best pictures often come when we stop thinking and shoot from the heart.
If some kinds of photography leave you cold and others excite you, follow the excitement and see where it leads.
Challenge yourself
When you are in a rut, it is hard to imagine working any other way. Break out by taking on a project well outside your comfort zone: a new subject, or a different style. Pushing yourself is how you learn.
Practise
There is no denying that practice matters. Remember too that everyone starts somewhere. It does not matter if your first attempts are not perfect. Keep shooting.
Make mistakes
Try new things, get them wrong and learn from it. That is how you develop a style of your own and begin to make pictures you are proud of.
Find encouraging people
It is hard to improve when the people around you are negative about your photography. Find others who share the interest, who will encourage you and give honest opinions of your work. If nobody among your friends and family is keen, there are plenty of clubs and online communities.
Set goals
A goal lets you measure progress and keeps you going. It might be entering a competition, exhibiting your work, finishing a project, or photographing a certain number of weddings in a year.
Never stop learning
There is always something new to learn, from books, online courses and workshops. As your skill and knowledge grow, so does your confidence. Photography is a lifelong journey, so enjoy the ride!
Stay positive
It is easy to be hard on yourself when things are not going well. Believe in yourself. When you make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Everyone has setbacks, and what matters is how you deal with them.
Don't give up
If you love photography you see wonderful pictures everywhere, and scrolling through them and comparing them with your own can be disheartening. Do not stop looking. Just enjoy them and take inspiration from them.
If you feel stuck, take a break, try something new and set yourself a challenge. With time and perseverance you will make the pictures you want to make, and when you do, our made-to-measure picture frames will be ready for them.
Call EasyFrame on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are happy to talk it through even if you do not want to buy.