As an amateur photographer, I began my hobby with just a small Canon SLR, a digital compact camera equipped with only a small spark as a flash. Without an adequate zoom lens, I had to twist my body a multitude of angles to mimic the same depth effects as those portrayed on a DSLR.

However, when I was 14, I received one of the most thought-provoking gifts that would one day yield my most cherished images: my own Canon EOS Rebel T6s. Now, with a DSLR in hand, I had to use it as a window from the mind to the media and filter between reality and perception.

Listed below are seven projects for aspiring amateur photographers.

1. Black Light Blow Out

Creatively simple and visually pleasing, this blacklight project requires the use of neon paint, basic aperture setting skills and a blacklight — or in my case, my dad’s LED aquarium lights. The design of your setup is totally up to you, ranging from merely a black background to a cloud of shimmering dust. Then, using your bottles of neon paint, brush on a generous layer of any design of your choosing, making this project unique to each and every photographer. Finally, after the paint settles, dim the lights, hook up your blacklight and experiment with different angles, shutter speeds and aperture settings to create the ideal image that clearly reflects the paint as well as the subject.

2. Smoke Bomb Soirée

This type of photo shoot is yet another rising trend on social media for amateur photographers, whether on a camera or a phone. The shoot can be merely created by using a smoke bomb of any color of your choosing, such as an Enola Gaye, and a clear scenery, such as a forest, which would create an alluring and mysterious depth whereas an architectural backdrop would create a nice contrast between colors. Containing lively explosions of color, smoke bomb portraits are able to bring your photos to life.

3. Architectural Aesthetic

Taking architectural photos is the best way to capture the intricate design and precision of modern architecture. Each building built, whether it be made of bricks, marble or glass has its own surrounding and style. By using the different angles and an artistic eye, you are able to capture a robust and articulate masterpiece of curves, edges and sides portraying the wonders of human development. Meanwhile, during your process of achieving the perfect photo, you can view buildings from a perspective that will make a lasting imprint in your memory.

4. Color Chromatics

Another social media trend, the "rainbow face" is a wonderful way to experiment with prisms and light to create an ideal shooting environment. The rainbow face trend involves using a ray of sunlight and a prism to cast a shimmering rainbow spectrum. As you change the tilt of the prism, a different rainbow is projected, which can assist in a naturally-lit environment as the lighting tends to fluctuate over time. In addition to its aesthetic and presentable outcome, light bending can greatly affect the originality and contrast of your photos. Usually, they are shot on a solid background to provide a "pop" of color and clarity of the subject. By attempting a color chromatics project, you are not only able to work with different lighting environments but also discover your strengths and weaknesses regarding such areas.

5. Underwater Endeavor

Underwater photography can be one of the most challenging yet endearing experiences in your photography career; however, it is an ultimate game changer to your regular routine. You can either photograph creature in a fish tank, which would not require any additional waterproof gear, or you photograph truly underwater, which would require a special camera case. Underwater photography usually requires a still hand and a calm presence as you are working with live animals, but the results are definitely worth the obstacles. Though sometimes costly, a good picture can be worth hundred of dollars. If you happen to land a fortune of a photo, you are also rewarded with a clear a detailed image of an underwater creature, allowing you to see their intricate anatomy like never before.

6. Potted Portraits

Plants are just one of nature’s splendid gifts, ranging from the glorious palms of Miami to the small succulents sitting in my living room. Microphotography is a great strategy to display the fine details engraved within each plant, stem to petal and flower to leaf. Such photos are easy and quick to take. Simply using one of the latest smartphone camera is adequate accompanied with a few editing apps on hand.

7. Digital Dynamics

Photography does not only have to rely on the image itself. With help of a Photoshop software, your photos can be greatly altered to fit your imagination or emotions. Digital assistance allows each photo to be unique to each and every photographer, which can create new trends or bring back distant styles. This type of project can vary in content, including everything that was covered in this article.

With these new inspirations within your reach, go out and embrace your inner photographer. Trust me, it’s not as hard as it looks!