When you spend years teaching photography, you start to spot trends. And there was one frustration so many photographers used to bring to me. Well, maybe two.

First, when they saw something interesting and pressed the camera shutter, what showed up on the back LCD screen looked nothing like they imagined. And as a result, their pictures were lackluster.

The other — they didn't think they were naturally creative. They knew others who were naturally creative, but they knew they weren't in that number.

I don't know if you see yourself in any of those situations, but if you do, give me a week and I'll help you fix it.

Learn more here https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/composition

Taking better photos sometimes boils down to choosing better subjects. It should seem obvious but a boring subject often leads to a boring photo. But how do you choose better subjects? That's what we'll discuss today.

If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

Don't miss another episode. Subscribe here to get an email reminder whenever I drop new content https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/youtube Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

 

You already have everything you need to be a photographer

 

Note: This is a replay from episode 32. I thought it was worth a revisit.

Jim didn't want to admit what his girlfriend already knew.

I met them both last week, and early in the conversation they asked what I did. When I told them I taught photography, Nancy exclaimed. "Jim is a photographer. He takes great pictures!"

"Is that so?" I asked Jim. "Wait a minute," he cautioned. "Let's not go too fast here..."

Nancy looked shocked. "You are a photographer. You take great pictures!"

Jim was clearly uncomfortable. We've all been there before. Someone asks the direct question, "are you a photographer?" and we hesitate. How should I answer that question? Am I an amateur photographer? Am I an aspiring photographer? What kind of photographer am I?

I'm going to make the case that you don't need the qualifiers. You already have everything you need to answer that question. "Yes. I am a photographer."

Why is this important? Because as Jeff Goins writes, 'activity follows identity. If we believe something, we generally act in a way that is consistent with that belief.'

If you tell yourself that you are not a photographer, you will pass up opportunities. You will shy away from challenges. You will act like a pretender. If you allow yourself to own the title, you will act very differently. Words and labels matter.

Are you a photographer?

10 ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own

If you are out looking for new gear thinking it will help you improve your photography, I'm here to tell you stop! Save your money. I'm willing to bet that you already have all the gear you need to improve your skills and create great images. So today I'll share 10ish ways to improve your photography skills with the gear you already own.

 

If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

 

In the world according to Lyn, there is one lens that should be in every camera bag. Today I'll tell you about it, and why I think it is such a good deal for you.

If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

 Free Photo Webinars —Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. Sign up to get notified of our next Free Photo Webinar.  

https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment.

https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back.

https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

Preparing for a photo walk

With the World Wide Photo Walk approaching, I thought I'd share some tips on preparing for a photo walk. Whether you are going out on World Wide Photo Walk or doing another photo walk, try these tips for a great experience.

Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples. You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

Free Photo Webinars — Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

 

8 Questions for great photos

Can you walk into any situation and find the best photo and create something interesting?

In today's video, I have eight questions, or eight decisions, that will lead you that point. These questions take you from reading the light, to composition, choosing the right settings, to storytelling. Take them all in order or just answer the ones where you are struggling. Wherever you are, the answer is in these eight questions.

If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples.

You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

 

Hi there Shutterbugs, guess who is back?! After a hiatus, I'm reviving this podcast feed with a reboot of the Shutterbug Life podcast.

This time you are getting the audio version of a new YouTube channel I launched, so you can follow me here and at the YouTube link below.

As before, I will be teaching and sharing helpful photography tips for enthusiasts and aspiring pros. I've also rebooted the community, so I'm including some more helpful links to other content and community items.

Finally, you can always reach out with any suggestions or ideas for the podcast. https://www.shutterbuglife.com/feedback

Here are more helpful links:

If you are wondering which lens you should buy next, I have an ebook that walks you through everything you need to know about camera lenses to find your next lens and best lens. I call it the Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — 55 pages with lots of photos and examples.

You can download it free at https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/lenses

Don't miss another episode. Subscribe here to get an email reminder whenever I drop new content https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/youtube

Every month, I also hold free webinars where we go deep on photography topics. You can join our Free Photo Webinars at https://www.shutterbuglife.com/freephotowebinars

Join Project Momentum, our free photography challenge where we support and encourage each other to take a daily or weekly photography commitment. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/momentum

One-on-One Private Coaching — If you find yourself in a rut with your photography or struggling to grasp photography concepts and principles, one-on-one coaching is a fast and efficient way to get the help you need to break through. You can use your session to get answers to questions, to get tutorials on specific principles, to learn your camera, or get feedback on your images. In your session, you can tailor it to help you master any of the issues that might have been holding you back. https://learn.shutterbuglife.com/one-on-one-coaching

 

Hi there, this is Lyn from the Shutterbug Life podcast, and you must be thinking…this is a blast from the past.   Well I’m back to let you know that I’ve launched a new podcast and invite you to join us.   It’s called the EOS Photographer podcast and we will cover a lot of the same kinds of topics we did here in Shutterbug Life. The main difference is that all my examples will be focused on Canon gear.   As you might know, I spent the last two years working with Canon USA leading their Live Learning workshop program. I’d like to put that experience to its best use, so I’m focusing the podcast.    Our episodes will feature:  

• Interviews with great photography instructors
• Q&A with technical experts
• Photo Challenges; and
• Real world gear reviews

  This podcast first and foremost is about photography. It is for creators. People who go out with your cameras in your hand and try to create amazing art from the world in front of you. We’ll help you sharpen your skills and reach your goals faster — on the gear we all own and love.   If you’re not a Canon shooter, you’ll likely find helpful information in our expert interviews and photography teaching, but Canon photographers will get the most value.   With that, please subscribe to the EOS Photographer podcast.    Hope to talk with you there.   Listen on iTunes | Listen on the website   Lyn

Several months ago, I got a call from a potential client. She worked in the marketing department of a camera manufacturer and wanted help creating a marketing plan for them. We talked about a coaching program that would help her conduct the market research for her plan.

"Have you done this kind of thing before," she asked?

Of course. I gave her some highlights of my resume and pointed her to some links. One of the links was to the work we have done together on Shutterbug Life.

On her next call to me, she was so excited. "I looked at your work, and you seem perfect for this!"

I had another situation with a big camera retailer. They were struggling to create an educational program for their customers. After a reviewing some of my ideas and links, they invited me in to talk about how I could help them. They were excited to get started, they said.

You all know how this one ends. I saw that Canon was looking for someone to lead their workshop and learning program. Canon must already know who they want for this, I thought. I sent them my stuff anyway.

I recount these three experiences for one reason. They could never have happened six years ago. These opportunities were available to me because I created and worked the marketing system I want to explain today. If you use it properly, it will help you show, share, or sell your images more efficiently. If you are are an emerging photography enthusiast, entrepreneur, or freelance photographer, it can help you cut through the clutter and attract the right people to your work. 

Listen to the podcast