articles/Lighting/bigdogrollingwiththeomd-page2
by Damian McGillicuddy Published 01/11/2012
The point I am trying to make, is that it is most definitely not about the kit. Having the gear doesn't mean you automatically have all of the ideas. Knowledge is the secret to being the best photographer that you can be. The camera may take the image, but it is the photographer who creates it. Owning a camera does not make you a photographer, it simply makes you a camera owner. A photographer is born through years of continual training to obtain the technical knowledge and artistic vision needed to create a top-quality image and countless hours of practice to fine tune their creative abilities. If I were to give you one 'top tip' it would be to take your time. Learn as much as you can and practise what you have learnt at every opportunity. Take your time whilst shooting an image and pay close attention to the fine details. Only press the shutter button when you have created the image you want to capture. Do not rely on Photoshop to rescue an image, it is a tool to be used for enhancement.
Now, it's all very well and good me telling you that the secret to photographic success is knowledge, and that it takes several years of hard work to obtain the knowledge that you will need, but the world is a very real place indeed and sometimes a 'quick fix' is needed. Now unfortunately a quick fix isn't such a quick fix when it comes to photography. There are, however, 'fast lanes' that can help you to develop your level of understanding at a faster rate. If I had to start from the beginning I would most definitely be factoring in education costs in to my plans. Now is a brilliant time to start making a successful career in the profession, partly due to the number of training opportunities available to new photographers. Team McGillicuddy are more than happy to share our wealth of experience and knowledge, check out what we are up to, what adventures we are on and, more importantly, what we can do for you by checking in at www.damianmcgillicuddy.com or following me on twitter @McGillicuddy1 or indeed the team @McGillicuddyHQ.
Thankfully we are not alone and that's why my hat goes off to The Societies for the work that they put in to organising seminars and training days to help photographers develop. The images illustrating these very words were indeed shot whilst touring Scandinavia with none other than The Societies' CEO Mr Phil Jones, spreading the 'good photography word' to all who would listen! I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed shooting them.
I would strongly encourage those who are new to the profession to listen to the knowledge that the old guard are sharing; after all, we've been there, done the job and bought the t-shirt. Learn as much as you can from the best that you can, as my grandma would say, you're only ever as good as your teacher, so choose a grandmaster wisely and listen carefully.
Keep up to date with all things Team McGillicuddy by following them on Twitter (@McGillicuddyHQ) and reading Damian's blog at www.damianmcgillicuddy.com. Check out training opportunities with Damian and the team at www.art4artssake.co.uk.
ttfn
Damian McGillicuddy
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