For an idea built around positivity, the most popular New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on the negative – giving up junk food or quitting smoking or putting an end to the excesses of the previous holiday season. This year, we challenge you to make a more positive resolution in learning something new or developing your skills, and photography makes a perfect subject for your efforts.
If you were lucky enough to receive a camera as a gift this year, there’s no better time than the present to learn how to use it. But the great thing about photography is that even if you only have a smartphone camera to work with, you can still start your training. Good photography comes down to strong technical knowledge for using your equipment and an artistic flair for creatively capturing your subject. While you’ll need a camera – and preferable a DSLR – to get the types of stunning shots you find in magazines, if your January budget (or lack thereof) doesn’t have room for a camera just yet you can start by learning the basics of composition.
Of course, if you do have a camera, there is plenty to learn on the technical side. Finding how to best take photographs in different lighting and shooting conditions is one of the best parts of working with new equipment, whether you’re discovering the benefits of different modes on a compact camera or foraying into manual shooting on a DSLR. Even those photographers who know their way around f-stops and shutter speeds can always learn something new about specialty photography, like the best ways to light interiors or how to capture striking sports shots.
In any case, 2017 is sure to present you with plenty of opportunities to practice your skills. A night out with friends can also be a great lesson in low-light photography and a day at the park with your kids can become a tutorial on positioning vis-à-vis the sun and capturing high-speed subjects. An impromptu fashion shoot in front of some of Nairobi’s interesting street art makes for a perfect #latergram and, of course, any trip to one of Kenya’s national parks gives you the chance to live out your National Geographic dreams.
Every day presents you with chances to practice your photography, whether it’s the thousandth picture of you dog or capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event. With opportunities like Nikon School, which lets you learn from professionals, you’re sure to see your photography improve, meaning picking up this skill is a resolution you’re likely to stick with.
It’s also one that will allow you to reinvent yourself. If you’re looking for a new you in the New Year, there’s no better way to put your best foot forward than stunning photos of all your 2017 adventures. Happy New Year from Nikon Kenya and the ISL Team.
If you’re looking to improve your photography skills, be sure to follow us on Facebook for photography tips and tricks and all the latest news on Nikon School sessions. ISL offers a large range of DSLR Cameras from Nikon. We also include KShs. 20,000 of free training through Nikon School with all DSLR purchases.