History is the study of the past. But when it comes to Philippine photography, the term is more complex than it seems. Sure, there are photographs of important historical events, but what makes a photo “historical”? The answer is open for debate, but we can agree that just showing up and pressing the shutter is no longer enough to make a photograph “modern day.” Today’s photographers are working creatively to capture their slice-of-life view of Philippine culture and they’re sharing their photos in social media. This democratization of photography is bringing the art form to the masses.
On today’s social media, it is very common to see the works of amateurs being presented as the works of professionals. It is also very common to see people wrongly using the term “Photographer” when referring to themselves. Being a photographer is more than owning a camera and pointing it at something. It’s not just about pointing a camera at something and taking a picture. In fact, there are numerous other factors that are involved in the process of being a photographer.
You have probably heard of digital photography, and many people have a basic understanding of what digital cameras and social media are. But, if you are like me, you still need to learn more about these two topics. In this post, you will learn more about these two subjects that are changing the way we share images.
Every time we share a photo on our social media accounts, we’re telling a story. Our friends and followers have a much more intimate experience with us and our lives, going beyond words. At the same time, those posts can reveal a lot about who we are, and help shape how we are perceived in society. For example, if you’re the type of person who shares photos of themself and their pet, this may make you seem more caring and compassionate. If you’re always sharing photos of you and your partner, this may make you seem more loving and caring.
A photograph’s value is a complex concept to boil down into a simple answer. Value is driven by many things, including aesthetics, rarity, and personal connection, but in the end, it’s all about what someone is willing to pay for a piece of work. That said, there are plenty of factors that can influence how much someone is willing to pay for a photograph. For instance, a selfie taken at the perfect moment, featuring a celebrity or recognizable subject, is likely to be worth more than a selfie that features a stranger or everyday subject.
Having a great camera is an advantage, but it isn’t everything. It doesn’t matter how big your pixels are, how many megapixels are in your sensor, or how many AF points your camera has if you don’t know how to take a good picture. So how can you learn to take great photos? There are lots of ways to improve your photography skills. You could read a photography book, take a class, or just practice. The latter is by far the easiest solution, but it’s also the one that most people never consider. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, if you have a digital camera, all you need to do to take good pictures is to take lots of photos. The camera is a tool, use it wisely..
