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It’s been 15 years since I start doing photography, but I don’t feel good to tell anyone especially friends among photographers. It’s a simple reason, it doesn’t show of 15 years experience when I look at my photographs.

As much I love photography as I love movie, it’s always easier to see the great work than actually taking by own self. The imbalance of the knowledge and skill to produce it could continue discourage me, and sometime pushed my confidence to the bottom line.

I know the way to improve but never look at it seriously or practice it. May be it’s a time again to take a close look and some action has to be done, I have list down 10 things for myself, they are from the experience, reading and observation.

I would like to think that it might be useful for everyone, so I am sharing it with you. If you are new to photography, this list might not help as much, try to get yourself a course or a book to study the basic of the photography.

1. Use what you have
Stop buying new equipment. Of course we cannot deny that the technologies helps but they only assist you, not to improve you. And more often, we are not fully explored the maximum capability of what we have.

It constants remind me that there’s so many classic photography which took in the past and the equipment they have at their time is certainly not as good as ours yet they have so many powerful picture.

I admit that I am caught into this as well, we have to learn to say no to advertising. It’s not easy but I have to overcome it.

2. Shot less take more
Instead of shot everything you see, focus down to the one that attract you the most. And take more frame of it on different timing, different composition, different angle, explore the each possibility or even wait for something to happen.

I found myself often snap and go. Taking more frame allow you to think, to explore what you have never done.

We are having advantage over this digital era and don’t waste the luxury benefit.

3. Repeat it
Go back to the same subject or location regularly, improve on what you have done and explore a different possibility. Try different time of day or season, different perspective, different setup or even bring in a new element to interact with the subject.

I found myself do not patient enough for this and I should try as much as I can.

4. Do not repeat
Do not repeat all the shot with same old way, each subject should have their own identity. Try to see it with different perspective. Let go of what you usually do and try not to repeat yourself.

I have tried hard and this is one of the most difficult to do. I believe the harder it is, the more it will give back to me.

5. Learn from yourself and others
Compare your photos with the others (on the same subject). See what others have done and you missed. You may go to the extend of trying to duplicate the shot yourself with the one that you likes.

Look at your own photo again and again, does it convey the message you want to deliver, what is the message. Do it over and over until it’s clear.

This is a personal to-do-list, it will be different for everyone, list down yours today. I hope what helps me help you.