The Photographic Journey of 2020: Tips and Reflections

In the early days of 2020, a lockdown in England coincided with a perfect summer beach day. Photographer Claire Gillo recounts the special moment spent at the seaside, captivated by the natural beauty and awe-inspiring cliffs. This inspired her to share insights and tips for aspiring and seasoned photographers alike to kick off their new year and decade with a renewed passion for the craft.

Reflections on 2020

24th June 2020, marked a significant moment with the first lockdown in England and one of the hottest days of summer. As a photograph walking along the coast with a favorite book in hand, basking in the sunshine, and enjoying the melodious tunes, it was clear that the seaside was more than just a backdrop for a photo; it was a tranquil escape.

Adding to the charm, taking in the view of the awe-inspiring cliffs, makes the seaside an unparalleled environment for capturing memories. The simplicity of having nature and solitude, with only an ocean breeze to keep away the boredom, is a moment to be cherished. This experience serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures that photography can capture, providing timeless and often serene imagery throughout the year.

Stepping into 2020 with New Photography Goals

As 2020 drew near, Claire Gillo emphasized the importance of assessing one’s progress and making new aspirations for the upcoming year. Whether aiming to improve skills, explore new genres, or aspire to a photography-based career, small tasks and challenges can be powerful motivators. Here are 22 tips to inspire a new beginning for your photographic journey.

1. Get Up Early: Embrace the early morning light for stunning, natural photographs. Early risers often catch the best light, such as the 'golden hour' or 'blue hour.' As a priority, aim to capture the first light at least once a month. For those in colder regions, the effort is worth it, despite the initial discomfort. 2. Shoot a New Genre: Break out of your comfort zone by exploring a different genre of photography. If you typically shoot still life, try sports or portraits. This can lead to new challenges, skills, and a fresh perspective on your chosen field. 3. Enter a Photo Competition: Participating in photography competitions can boost your confidence and expose your work to a wider audience. Both small and large competitions offer opportunities to showcase your talent and creativity. Remember to carefully read each brief to ensure your work meets all the requirements. 4. Go on a Photo Workshop: Investing in a photography workshop can significantly enhance your skills. Look for workshops closer to home to save on costs and ensure accessibility. These workshops often provide the same benefits, such as networking and learning from professionals, regardless of the location. 5. Keep Equipment Clean and Organized: Regular maintenance of your photographic gear is crucial for optimal performance. Cleaning your lenses, maintaining accessories, and keeping your equipment organized can prevent malfunctions and save you time in the long run. 6. Experiment with Different Angles: Capturing images from unique angles can add a fresh perspective to your photography. Don't be afraid to try new shooting positions to find the most compelling and engaging compositions. 7. Learn from Mistakes: Failures are not the end but rather opportunities to learn. Analyze your mistakes and understand what went wrong to avoid repeating them in the future. 8. Practice in Diverse Environments: Photography is not limited to one kind of location. Practice taking photos in various environments, from urban to rural, to develop a diverse portfolio. 9. Embrace Challenges: Set challenges for yourself, such as capturing a specific subject from a unique perspective or experimenting with a new editing technique. These challenges can help you grow as a photographer and push your boundaries. 10. Share Your Work: Share your photographs with others, whether through social media or in-person presentations. Receiving feedback can help you improve and gain new perspectives on your work. 11. Invest in Quality Gear: While it's important to have good equipment, the quality of the image often depends on the photographer's skills. Invest in high-quality gear, but remember that your proficiency with the equipment is just as crucial. 12. Study Photography: Continuously educate yourself about photography techniques, history, and trends. This can inspire new ideas and improve your skills. 13. Network with Other Photographers: Connecting with other photographers can provide support and inspiration. Join local clubs or participate in online communities for networking opportunities. 14. Use Post-Processing Wisely: Post-processing can be a powerful tool to enhance your images, but use it judiciously. Overprocessing can detract from the authenticity of your photographs. 15. Find Your Style: Developing a personal style will help you stand out and make your photography more authentic. Experiment with different approaches to find what resonates with you. 16. Explore New Locations: Discover new shooting locations to expand your portfolio and find inspiration. Photography is about capturing the world, and there's always something new to capture. 17. Share Your Photography: Share your work through exhibitions, competitions, or online platforms to reach a wider audience and gain recognition. 18. Take Better Edited Photos: Learn how to enhance your photographs through editing. This can help you achieve a polished, professional look for your work. 19. Keep a Photography Journal: Document your journey as a photographer through a journal. This can help you reflect on your progress and stay motivated. 20. Document Your Motivation: Write down what inspires you to keep going, whether it's a personal goal or a desire to capture specific moments. 21. Stay Passionate: Photography is a passion, and staying passionate can help you overcome challenges and continue to grow as a photographer. 22. Embrace Failure: Failure is part of the learning process. Embrace it and use each experience to improve and grow.

Conclusion: The journey of 2020, marked by personal reflections and new beginnings, has inspired many to rethink and renew their photography goals. By setting small, achievable tasks and challenges, photographers can build on their skills and find new inspiration in every moment. So, as you look forward to 2020, remember that every photograph tells a story, and your journey is an ongoing adventure.