May is National Photography Month, the annual celebration of photography and a great time for professional photographers, amateur photographers, and even selfie shutterbugs to sharpen their photo taking skills. In 1987, Congress recognized the role that photography plays in modern society, and thus dedicated the month of May to celebrating photo taking. Usually, you can hone your photography skills in a ton of different ways during national photography month, but these days, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, your options may seem limited.
Below are some great ideas on how you can still perfect your skills while maintaining safe social distancing protocol.
- Learn Now and Display Your Work
- Capture Your Surroundings
- Offer Online Tutorials
If you are hoping to turn your passion for photography into a profession, now is a perfect time to hone your skills. Take this time in quarantine to learn more about retouching, color grading, filters, focus, and lighting. Play around with lamps and LEDs. Some professional photographers are even offering free online classes. Get creative and push yourself to learn something new.
It’s also an excellent time to work on getting your name out there. If you don’t already have one, create a website to showcase your portfolio and then begin promoting it. Social media is crucial today, especially when we can’t physically network with people. Instagram is a terrific channel to display your work. Ensure that your account matches your aesthetic and is kept up to date. Additionally, learning about Instagram and Facebook ads could be extremely helpful in showcasing your work and offering your services to your target audience.
By this point, the cabin fever is setting in for most of us. Get outside on a nice day. Go for a walk or a bike ride, while keeping your distance from others doing the same. Take your camera along with you and capture the world around you. Spring has sprung, and beauty can be found even in your own backyard. Neighborhoods all around the country are trying to lift spirits by leaving inspirational sidewalk chalk messages, hand drawn rainbows in windows, and even painted rocks with uplifting messages. If you notice any of these around your neighborhood, take photographs of them. If you would prefer to stay indoors, gather your family and document how each member is spending the quarantine. You can even get your pets in on the action.
Some people are breaking up the monotony of being at home by dressing up and taking selfies. Some do a fancy dress day and post it on social media. Others dress in costumes and do the same. The museum challenge involves replicating famous works of art by using items you have at home to copy the outfits and poses.
Professional photographers can take this opportunity to offer online tutorials for aspiring photographers. Organize a Zoom video chat or a webinar and promote it on social media. Teach your attendees the basics or advanced skills. Share your tried-and-true tricks of the trade. Teaching others who share your passion for photography will bring a smile to your face. Give your attendees a photography assignment and organize a new date for them to return and share what they captured.
Skyline Cruises is Here for You
Here at Skyline Cruises, we are very much looking forward to the day that we can all be together again. While we unfortunately cannot celebrate National Photography Month with you this year, we will be ready to have you aboard as soon as this is all over to capture the beautiful views New York City has to offer. Until then, stay safe and healthy!
