From family photos, baby pictures, photo albums and more, I guarantee almost all of us use pictures to document our lives. We have all the heard the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words," and as a society, we take this in the most literal sense possible. Photographs serve a purpose on such a broad spectrum, I don't even think I could begin to describe the role they play in all of our lives. For the past few months, after my dad graciously gave me his Nikon DSLR camera, I too have set out to make photography a hobby of mine, and I have to say it has become very dear to my heart. So for those of you who also share this hobby or those who are itching to add a camera to their accouterments, here are a few things I have learned from life behind the lens.
1. Photography, in all it's glory, will teach you complete and utter patience.
Sometimes a photo is harder to take than you might expect, to get the perfect lighting and angle. You won't get the perfect picture right away, and sometimes you won't get it at all. While still getting the hang of your camera, sometimes the shot won't focus, your flash will go off when you don't want it to or the shutter speed will be completely wrong. But the reality of it is that the best pictures always happen when you are not only patient with your camera, but also with yourself.
2. Sometimes the best pictures are the ones you don't mean to take.
When it comes to taking pictures, you never really know how it might turn out. Sometimes you think a picture will be absolutely spectacular, but then you look at it, and it's blurry or the lighting just isn't working out. But then you are scrolling through your downloads and you find an absolute gem you may not even remember taking. I have learned that it's unrealistic for every picture to be perfect, but in the end, you'll come to terms with the fact that the best things do indeed happen unexpectedly.
3. Always, in every circumstance, take pictures of people.
Whether they are laughing with a friend or smiling at their dog, taking pictures of the people around you can be one of the most eye-opening experiences. After taking countless photos of my friends and family (most of the time without them noticing), I've learned that the best way to appreciate the ones you love is to notice the looks on their faces when they are completely encompassed in what is right in front of them. You will learn, too, that witnessing these moments is absolutely priceless.
4. You will forget to charge your camera on days when you truly could have used it, and it will frustrate you to no end.
This happens all too often. I have gone on adventures with my roommate and it will be a beautiful day for a photography session. We arrive at our destination and that little red battery light is staring me in the face. In the midst of all of this disappointment, you realize that sometimes you won't get everything out of a situation that you intended. But when this does happen, the most important thing is to shake it off, take a breath and make the best of it anyway.
5. Sometimes, as fun and as memorable as it can be, you don't need to take the picture.
The first few times I took my camera out, I found myself taking pictures constantly. My eyes were always focused through the glass. I was switching lenses every time I thought I needed it, and not soon enough, I realized I hadn't looked up the entire time. Eventually, I learned to simply not take the picture, because sometimes your memory is enough. So remember to look up. Because as amazing and beautiful as a photograph can be, I promise you, the real thing is irreplaceable.
Photography has practically become an asset to my sanity. I feel like I can never learn enough about the techniques and the tools that can be used to take a good picture. Photography has taught me to be present and to relish the moment that is in front of me, through the people I am with, in whatever beautiful setting I find my self in. So take a deep breath, take more pictures and appreciate every beautiful, unexpected and inexplicable adventure that life throws your way.
