Don't Be Forgotten

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BONUS PHOTO CHALLENGE | Creating a sense of relevance for yourself online through social media, sharing the photos you’re taking, and keeping your content fresh.

As we get into darker, colder, rainier days, we tend to slow down in a variety of ways. As photographers, it will often mean less shooting, less social media, and instead you’re filling that time with family and tv. Maybe that’s true or maybe it’s not, but either way, you want to maintain the good habits you’ve cultivated these past months.

I’m sure you also might be feeling the need for a break, but allowing time to rest and recharge can very quickly turn into forgetting, and all good habits are lost. If you are taking time away from your camera and social media, spend some of that time seeking inspiration and being mindfully present. Also give some time to reflect over this past year of learning and shooting. What have you learned? How do you feel about your work?

Now, some notes on how we can keep things fresh and relevant:

  • Remember what you’re good at, practice more of it, and build upon it.

  • Bundle up for cold weather and rain, and get outside with your camera. Look for little moments and scenes around you.

  • Look around your home for something that stands out to you. Or, create a lifestyle scene representative of what you’re doing now, like my husband bringing me a seasonal Starbucks coffee. A rare treat, and something to shoot.

  • Change your lenses and seek window light, look for signs of the season inside and out.

  • Lastly, if you completely rest from social media (sometimes it’s truly necessary) you’re being pushed down the line behind those that are posting regularly. Not every photo has to be a gold ribbon shot, but it does have to tell a piece of your story and your art. Post in stories and on your feed to maintain some sense of relevancy. Especially as we move away from prompts in December, this will be more important than ever to keep your stride in practicing, shooting, and creating an online presence.

  • People love to look at photographs, so don’t be afraid to put yours out there.