I’m gonna break it down into 2 sections.
TOP 5 “Must Knows”… followed up by TOP 5 Props!
Owning a new DSLR camera is a huge and exciting adventure, to say the least. We want to dive in, jump through it all, and create stunning images like our favorite professional artists. It’s a brand new day, and an adventure is awaiting you and your new digital “baby”. I’m not gonna carry on about the in’s-out’s of the business side (or how hard it truly can be to be a professional in this industry)… but instead, we’re gonna have some fun!
At Prop Insanity, we are all about the fun in photography, and sharing inspiration & whimsy with all. So we complied this TOP 10 list (broken down into 2 top 5’s), to help you get your feet wet. Here we go…
TOP 5 “Must Knows” for NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS
1. Love and Learn your camera guide. Grab that cheesy manual out of the box and read up. Have your camera in hand and go through the functions & buttons. Try to get out of auto mode too. I dont mean you need to jump into manual, but do try out the creative modes on your camera mode dial. Get acquainted with your manual, it can be your greatest tool.
2. Don’t use your “on camera” flash. Natural light is your dslrs best friend, hey… it’s built for it! The best tip I can give you is always have YOUR back to the light… this way, your subjects face/front is towards the light source. If you are shooting into the light, chances are (as a newbie) your images will be blown out and your background will be lost. Find some indirect light, and play around with it.
3. Newborn Photography is NOT easy, and not for the new photographer. It’s one that many have interest in, and want to dive right into. But the facts are, its NOT an easy job, or one for the newbie. It requires not only full knowledge of your camera in manual (IMO), but most important it requires handling & training of newborn babies. Handling them properly, safely posing them, and all the other important factors that go into newborn photography… and it is most likely that the newborn photographers you love and whose work you follow have been professionally trained, and/or working in the business for years. I suggest, TAKE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP… in person. Get that hands on experience, and watch a professional in the field up close. The investment is worth more than you will imagine.
4. Don’t judge yourself. This is every photographers, new & professional, worst enemy. Criticism will get you no where but in the dumps…. be your #1 fan & cheerleader, and not your worst critic. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep shooting!
5. HAVE FUN! What is the point of this great creative outlet if we are not doing things to enjoy it. Find what photography you love, and go for it. Landscapes, babies, animals… they are all out there waiting for you to capture them!
TOP 5 “PROP Must Haves” for NEWBIE PHOTOGRAPHERS
1. Hats & Bonnets... we all love them, we all have them, we all cant resists them! A great lil shop, Knits by Sarah sells them in all sizes… from newborn to baby to toddler. I own a handful myself, and they always make me proud to use.
2. Mini Blankets & Layering. They are great for babies, newborns or any sort of “child” photography. Totally versatile, and a great prop to own. My favorites come from Ooops I Knit it Again… they are super soft and beautifully crafted… plus, they come in money saving sets.
3. Photoshop & Actions! I use Photoshop Creative Cloud Photography… $9.99 per month, and it cant be beat! My favorite actions come from GREATER THAN GATSBY… the Innocence Collection is my “go to”, but they are all lovely.
4. Buy a bench, or crate, or box of some sort. They are great for all “baby” ages… sitting, standing against, etc. Head over to Mr & Mrs Company, they have a darling wooden bench/stool!
5. Get Educated! I highly suggest taking an in person workshop for ANY genre of photography you wish to get involved with, but 2nd best… take an online course. One I personally took myself was THE MILKY WAY classes. Or do something fun & get your inspiration flowing with an online set up by SHOOT 2015 {shoot along}.
Lastly… KEEP INSPIRED! Follow us on FACEBOOK and check out our weekly Prop Theme & Image Inspiration share. We share images from a plethora of artist submissions, who are looking to inspire and help grow this fabulous industry. New themes weekly keep it alive & fabulous!