Photography and Social Media

Some photography enthusiasts say that social media is destroying the art of photography. While this statement could be true in some ways, it’s best to think that it’s “social media for photography” rather than “social media vs. photography”. Photographers who have started their career in others platforms and have transferred to social media can attest that the platform works for the art just fine.

Image source: socialmediatoday.com

Photographers nowadays have more reach than photographers before who would have their work published to be noticed. With personal social media accounts gaining following from people around the globe, the spread of pictures taken by professional photographers are seeing more light than those of the past. However, using the social media as an avenue for sharing professionally captured photographs has its drawbacks.
Social media is known by many as a giver of instant gratification. Posting your photographs online, especially when they are not what the people are looking for, may not gain a like or even a closer view. Few of the Internet’s population is interested in professionally shot photographs, as most would rather choose Instagram posts by their favorite personalities. It has become a daily thing that a thoroughly conceived picture may not garner the applause of social media regulars.
Being successful in making your mark in photography with the help of social media can be challenging, but it would always be worth it. Reaching your favorable audience and sharing with them your best work will surely help your art thrive in a platform once thought to be its enemy.

Image source: getbusyliving.ch

Jack Elway is a retired photographer who has traveled around the country to take photos of national parks. At present, he is in Denver spending time by himself to shoot the wilderness there. Follow his blog for updates about photography.

Picture This: Three Tips For Starting a Photography Business

Are you the go-to photographer in your family? Do you have your camera with you wherever you go? Why don’t you turn your interest and talent into a business? So, if you’re looking to make the jump from a photography hobbyist into a professional, here are three tips for starting your own photography business.

Image source: freelancernews.co.uk

It’s not a hobby if you’re making money

Your business needs to be legitimate for two main reasons: First, because the government requires you to. Second, potential clients prefer to deal with professional photographers.

Being your own boss is a blessing and a curse

When you are your own boss, no one will make you do anything. It sounds like the best thing in the world, but it’s both a good thing and bad thing. If you don’t make something happen, it never will. You have to motivate yourself to be organized and be on top of things.

You must sell

It won’t matter how great a photographer you are if you can’t sell your work. This isn’t to say you don’t need quality in your work, you need to. The ability to sell is paramount to your financial success. But you don’t need a degree in sales to sell. If you have spoken to a client and after your conversation, they decided to book with you, you’ve already sold.

Image source : noobpreneur.com

Jack Elway here. I’m a retired photographer from Denver and love taking pictures of national parks. Visit my blog for more tips.

Been there, done that: How to establish a career in photography

As a retired photographer, I get this question a lot: What do you need to do to become a successful photographer? Well, there’s no easy answer, no shortcut. Here’s what you can do to establish a successful career in photography. 

Image source : onthewebbsocialmedia.com

1. Grow your network It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when people are readily available to help. But when you need the help of someone, it is too late to get to know her. Grow your network as you start your professional career. Get out there and help people, praise their work, show interest in their craft. You’ll be amazed how far someone will go to help a friend. 

2. Narrow down your genre and focus on a specialty Decide what you want to photograph and master everything you can about it. Being a photographer that shoots “everything” isn’t going to take you anywhere. People usually choose the best photographer for their needs. Of course, as you start your career it’s ok to take any project, from children’s parties to weddings just to support you financially, but as you go along, you need to master a genre that you will be known for. 

3. Learn from the greats Find a photographer producing great images, and learn from their techniques. If someone is doing something good, learn how they do it. 

Image source : hbculifestyle.com

Hi there, Jack Elway here. Follow me on Twitter to get regular photography tips.

Traveling with a DSLR camera? Here's how to keep it safe

One of the many benefits of traveling is that it allows one to see sights and create new memories. For some people, they want to preserve these memories through photographs.

                 Image source:disneytouristblog.com

And what better way to take pictures than using a DSLR camera equipped with the needed accessories. But during transportation, photography equipment are prone to damage or theft if they are not packed properly. Written below are some essential tips on how to keep the camera safe.

Make sure that the bag has sufficient padding inside that would serve as a cushion while the bag          worn.If possible, the bag should also feature a hard-sided exterior for better protection.

Disassemble everything before packing the equipment inside the case, especially the lens.                    Forgetting to do so could damage the threads that attach the camera to the lens or place pressure          on the lens itself.

Use a sealed plastic bag if water or toiletries will be placed near the equipment.

Do not overpack, as some photography enthusiasts are in the habit of doing. Be sure to bring only       what is needed to avoid the damaging the accessories while inside their case.

When flying, do not leave the photography equipment in the checked baggage. Instead, it should         be hand-carried onto the cabin to avoid mishandling. 

                    Image source:moshileatherbag.com

Jack Elway here, a retired photographer. I travel around the country, but I am currently staying in Denver because the wilderness here makes for great photo opportunities. For more photography tips, subscribe to my blog.

Boost Your Mental Health And Shoot Some Pictures

Photography is wonderful, isn’t it? You get stories with the images you capture. If you’re lucky, you even get paid for it. With the advancement in technology, it’s pretty easy to learn the trade and capture shots like pros. But did you know that photography has amazing psychological benefits as well? It can relieve you of stress and provide a host of other mental advantages.

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There have been some scientific studies suggesting that the simple act of photographing a subject makes the photographer happy. This feeling of elation is often associated with how information arrives in the brain. Another finding is that people who take pictures more often than not find themselves immersed in the moment. They take it all in, which leads to increased brain activity. This makes their minds more active. Photography also pushes people to be more focused and vigilant, both qualities being very important whether or not you’re shooting an image.

Image source: tripadvisor.com

However, one of the best mental benefits in our opinion to come out of photography is a more creative mind. If you approach photography with a passion, becoming more creative will be an inevitability. You will be training your mind to look for new ways to tell a story with each shot, to look for new angles for subjects, and to come up with different and unique methods to emphasize your backgrounds.

Hello there! My name is Jack Elway, and I’m a retired photographer. I’m currently exploring the wilderness here in Denver. For more photography discussion, follow this page.

Best Places In Denver To Shoot Photos Of Wildlife

Denver, CO is home to countless species of animals that are perfect subjects for wildlife watching or photography.  Some of the best places to do those are the following:

Belmar Park

A 15-minute drive from downtown, there are various bird species in Belmar Park in Lakewood, such as blue herons, cormorants, and avocets.  The gazebo on the east side of the lake offers a terrific view of the islet where the birds nest.

Image source: flickr.com

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

The previous location of a chemical weapons manufacturing center had been cleaned up well, so much so that various animals can be seen in the national wildlife refuge.There is a bison enclosure, but their presence is unpredictable.During the fall, there are plenty of sightings of mule deer and sand hill crane in the area.

Waterton Canyon

Those in search of bighorn sheep will not be disappointed when they visit Waterton Canyon.Late fall is an ideal time to visit the place to watch or take photos of bighorns as the males start their annual head-ramming ritual during that time of the year.

Image source: hiveminer.com

Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake is a great place to spot moose.Be aware, though, that moose are very dangerous animals, especially during the fall because it is the mating season.Winter or spring are then the best seasons to visit the lake to catch a sight of the majestic animal.Keep in mind, however, that you should still maintain a safe distance from them as they are very protective of their calves and they dislike having their territory encroached.

Jack Elway here, a retired photographer who loves to shoot different wilderness scenes in Denver. Read more about it by clicking here .

How to take nature photos like a pro

In my years working as a photographer, I have learned that for some, it’s not really about the technicalities. Even with a simple camera, an eye for detail will take you far. If you want to make your nature photos look like it was shot by a pro, here’s what to do:

Don’t put your subject in the center.

When you take nature photos, you’re not just focusing on just one detail. Show what’s happening in the environment and capture how your subject is blending with it. For example, when taking pictures of insects, the scene would look more incredible if you show the flowers and plants they’re crawling on.

Image source: Boredpanda.com

Play with natural lighting.

Natural light can do a lot for you. Aside from being a natural filter, it also adds a mood to the photo. Learn to play with lighting brought by the gray skies and the misty filter caused by drizzles. Once you learn how to roll with different weather conditions, you’ll have a new appreciation for what it does to nature.

Convey your own insights about the place or the subject.

If you’re a photographer who just wants to snap away without thinking of the photo you are taking, then I suggest you take a minute or two to contemplate the shot you’re capturing. If the goal is to let others marvel at what you’re witnessing, then work toward conveying that in the shot.

Image source: Mnn.com

Of course, practice will greatly improve your skills. Looking at the works of other photographers will also give you an idea of what details to capture and which aspects to focus on your shots. Have fun!

Thanks for visiting. I’m Jack Elway, a retired photographer exploring the wilderness in Denver. For updates, drop by this page.