Sunset at Wolf Creek Dam by Amber Flowers of Soul Gaze Photography www.soulgazephotography.com.

The start of a new year is a time for changes and fresh starts. Each New Year, resolutions are essentially the same. Someone wants to lose weight, make money, find success…etc. People are always seeking a way to make it easier to fulfill their promised resolutions. Ironically, there is something that can help you lose weight, make money, and bring success! Two words: Learn photography. To some this will sound so simple and you will be skeptical. To others this is a challenging idea for a new resolution. Photography can inspire you to get you and your family outside searching for beautiful locations to take pictures. This ‘exercise’ will help people with weight loss resolutions and your family will grow closer by doing something you can all do together. Photography can also help you make money and find success. That may seem unlikely to some, but realize this: if you go out and capture the moments that inspire you then you will have unique images that you can sell as stock, prints, products and more. You could even become recognized for your creativity! If you wanted, you could go so far as to create an online gallery, join local photography clubs and online websites. The options are up to you! So if you have a camera it’s time to start your own ‘photographic’ resolutions. If you’ve been given a camera for Christmas, considered buying one or already have one, then continue reading. Photography can give you the creative outlet you have been searching for whether you plan to just take family and vacation photos or want to work yourself up to starting your own business.

I’ve been a photographer and artist most of my life. Even as a child I was always experimenting and creating something unique. I still take a camera with me everywhere, determined to capture a moment that has inspired me. This year, I plan to spend more time researching photography tips and tricks in books and online. I’ve also been forcing myself to get out and shoot more, spending less time behind a computer editing and more time out doing what I love. I’ve even created a new local photography club so other local photographers of all levels can work and learn together. I wanted a place to meet other local photographers and share knowledge. Photographers can always improve and there will always be something we could learn or share. Amateurs and Professionals are essentially the same in this aspect. If you’ve seen an amazing photo online, in a paper or magazine and wished that you had been the photographer, then wish no more and get out there and practice! Join one of the many local photography clubs or even an online club or photography website. There are always photographers willing to help you. With digital cameras, you’re not losing any money by trying. Unlike with film you can just delete a photo off your camera that didn’t give you the result you wanted and try again. If you would rather try your hand at film, there are still people that are proud film photographers that would be more than willing to help you. Photography has been around since the early 1800’s, but a lot has changed during that time. Each new decade has seen improvements in the technology and quality of photography. Why not let this year be the year that you make your mark in the photographic community?

In order to help you with your ‘photographic’ resolutions, I will be writing a series of articles all year with tips, tricks and ideas to help you improve as a photographer whether you are an amateur or professional. I will occasionally interview some of our amazing local photographers so we can learn more about them and photography from behind their lens! I will also be answering photography questions from people just like you! So no more dust on your camera or thinking you’ll never get the perfect shot you’ve always wanted. It’s time to pick up your camera and try! If you don’t yet have a camera, watch for part two of this article: Tips and Tricks for Buying a Camera!

About the author: Amber Flowers is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers and Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her husband, two children and several pets. You can learn more about her on her website: www.soulgazephotography.com

If you have photography questions email: soulgazephotography@yahoo.com to see them in the column. Please indicate if you would rather them be answered privately by email.