When it comes to attending gatherings these days, it's incomplete without the final action.
You know, THE photo session.
In fact, it can even cause major "disagreements" between friends and couples at that moment before everyone gets to see where you went and who you met that day via your Instagram profile.
Those who are accustomed to this repertoire would know that there is usually an "assigned" photographer or an "assigned" phone camera to make sure everyone is included.
Perhaps, these dialogues sound familiar?
"Use your phone, iPhone camera is better,"
" Later send the pictures to XXX please, so that she can edit them before posting and tagging, okay?"
"Make sure I look thinner and get my better angle from this side!"
Having said that, photography is no longer an "exclusive" film and shutter activity. Anyone can take a decent photograph anywhere and anytime, all thanks to modern technology.
In this article, we will look at why more people are taking up photography and where you can learn various forms of photography at different levels in Malaysia.
Why Is Photography Increasingly Popular As A Hobby And Career?
For those of you who are reading this article, you might be interested to learn more about photography and further develop this interest as a hobby now or even as a future career later.
Well, here are THREE SOLID REASONS why photography is here to stay and why you master it.
Reason 1: The emergence of mobile devices and content-sharing platforms
I think we can all agree that the invention of camera phones has changed how we use mobile devices over the years.
Now, whenever we get a new handphone, we are always eager to look at the various camera features and also the storage capacity of the phone. It's something that handphone designers are constantly working on, to provide the best user experience, be it through audiovisual means and also in terms of functionality.
Gone were the days when there was only one phone camera, but now we have quad cameras for that picture-perfect moment.
This also leads us to another point, which is the movement of content creation and content sharing. Selfies and reels are dominating our social media feeds like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok every day, whether we like them or not. A photo or a video is no longer just images or moving images, it represents a message and to a certain extent, self-expression.
In other words, modern photography gives people the desire to share and to be more intentional about what to share.
Photo by Jo Coenen - Studio Dries 2.6 on Unsplash
Reason 2: The fastest and most effective way of communication
As the saying goes, "A picture paints a thousand words".
Taking a photo is so easy these days, you can post it instantly and even edit it using various filters or effects. You don't need to be professional to begin with.
It's the best proof of record on what has happened and what is happening, where it's absolutely direct and clear (provided the picture is in high resolution).
On a personal note, I remember the instance where I had to convey the situation of a sudden leaking sink to the plumber.
I noticed that the best way to communicate the severity of the whole scenario was to snap a few pictures and record a whole video to show him the source of the leakage.
To my surprise, he also replied via a few series of images and videos — what remedy products to use/buy, which equipment to prepare beforehand and so forth.
In just a few snaps, everything was taken care of and peace was finally restored!
Reason 3: Highly demanded across various industries globally
Visual communication is the main deal across different brands and industries.
That's why big names in the fashion line or other services are willing to hire good photographers to shoot their new products every month.
Not only that, when it comes to printed publications like magazines, newspapers and any media in general, good photography skill is a necessity to accommodate the high demand for image production on a daily basis.
Whether it's fashion photography, wedding photography, food photography, photojournalism, or sports photography, you can be certain that it is a career with various possibilities wherever you go.
What Are Some Core Skills That Are Needed For Photography?
Before we talk about the technical photography skills that you can learn through official lessons or self-learning, it's important to recognise other core skills to be a good photographer.
Skill 1: An eye for beauty (colour, coordination, harmony)
Of course, a good photographer is sensitive to aesthetics and how everything can blend in together.
For instance, how different pairing of outfits can create different synergy or how different colour tones of the sky make a good composition.
A good photographer does not hold back from capturing "beauty". That's why you often hear of photographers making various requests or having a say on how certain things should look or be on display.
Skill 2: A knack for editing (Post-production)
Professional photographers will tell you that their work does not end when the photo is taken. Post-production work is essential to make sure everyone is satisfied with the final presentation of what is shot, especially when clients and other stakeholders are involved.
You can refer to these resources to take your photography skills to the next level.
Photo by James Scott on Unsplash
How Should You Prepare For Your First Private Photography Lesson?
Now that you have reviewed the importance of learning photography and the core skills to be a good photographer, you might want to start your first photography lesson as a beginner.
We highly recommend you find an experienced photography tutor through a reliable platform like Superprof!
Superprof is a tutoring platform that connects passionate students and dedicated tutors across a wide array of subjects!
Depending on your preference for home lessons or online lessons, you can narrow down your tutor search based on these criteria such as:
- Your current physical location (if you want face-to-face lessons)
- Learning specialisation
- Preference for an hourly rate,
- Preferred learning methodology
- Any specifications about your tutor's experience or qualification
Once you have confirmed the following criteria when you're browsing the tutors' profiles at Superprof, you can proceed to contact your desired tutor via the messaging feature.
For your first lesson, remember to bring along your camera (a basic one would do unless instructed by your tutor).
Also, be clear about your learning expectations and learning outcomes with your tutor. Set a feasible learning goal with your tutor. For instance, you might want to come out with a photography album that's based on street photography after three months of basic photography lessons.
Throughout the lessons, don't be hesitant to practice and also to ask for feedback. The more you practice, the more you will get the hang of it and improve over time.
Find out what you should know and expect as a newbie to photography.
Where Can You Take Photography-Related Courses In Malaysia?
Perhaps after taking private photography lessons, you might be interested in pursuing a photography-related programme at a tertiary level after completing your secondary school studies.
Here are three local higher learning institutions that offer photography-related courses that you can refer to.
- University Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
There are two programmes that are offered under UiTM. One is a pre-university programme that is offered at the UiTM Melaka branch in Alor Gajah which is the Diploma in Photography and Creative Imaging. The duration of this diploma is 2 years and 6 months (5 semesters). Another programme is an undergraduate programme that is offered at the UiTM Puncak Alam campus, which is the Bachelor of Photography and Creative Imaging (Hons). The duration of this degree is 3 years (full-time) and part-time studies are available for those who have other commitments. - Sunway University
Those who are interested in a multidisciplinary programme across communication, multimedia and digital content should take this course, which is the Diploma in Digital Creative Content. The duration of this diploma is 2 years. - Management and Science University
Aspiring creatives and producers should consider taking this course, which is the Bachelor in Creative Multimedia (Honours). You'll learn about creative photography and advertising design in this 3-year course.
Don't forget to explore various branches of photography and the career pathways that you can pursue once you have mastered legitimate photography skills.
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash
Can You Become A Photographer Without A Background in Photography (Qualification)?
Before you are taken aback by the previous paragraph on pursuing photography as a career, we're here to tell you that you can always hone your skills and experience at your own pace.
Do you know that many famous photographers don't even have a background in photography and started exploring photography on a freelance basis?
Here are three ways to up your photography game.
#1:Start Building A Portfolio
Essentially, you should let your work speak for yourself. Nowadays, you don't even need a website to showcase your work. An Instagram page is all you need to display your work to the public.
Just make sure you post your content consistently to build rapport and engagement with your targeted audience.
#2: Join Various Photography Competitions
If you happen to win some prizes, good for you. If you don't, those are valuable opportunities to meet with potential clients or photography lovers too!
#3: Take Up Various Photography Gigs
Don't shy away from taking up photography gigs with your family and friends. Remember, you can take it as practice and a way to build your portfolio. You'll never know if that one image could land you on your next big break!
So keep going!
The next time someone asks for a photography session, be the first to volunteer!
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