by Steve Midway

Created on: January 24, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

There are several good ways to get started in photography and an equal number of good articles written about these ways. Obviously, the best thing to do would be to read as many as possible and to research the credentials of those writing the articles. Instead of formulating another list of tips (please see my other articles for a list of photography tips) I will suggest a photographic exercise that I believe employs many of the important tips without directly thinking about them. Often, I hear from beginner photographers telling me about the improvements developed from this exercise, but it certainly isn't exclusive to novice photographers.

The exercise is simple. For a period of 6 8 weeks take one photograph each day. Although you can certainly do this for the rest of your life, it's important that you keep with it for at least six weeks. The exercise will likely become tough - most of us aren't used to critically visualizing something everyday. For some this will happen in the first week, but for others it will take some time. Usually a hurdle and subsequent improvement will occur within the first six weeks. It is likewise important that you take exactly one photograph. A day without a photograph can disrupt the cycle and serve as an excuse not to deal with finding your photograph. Also, taking more than one photograph can serve to dilute the exercise, as you'll see. (Obviously exceptions can be made for events weddings, births, graduation that require several photographs. Think of this as separate from the exercise.) Taking precisely one photograph helps to train your eye to notice one thing each day. What is special or worth remembering about this day? How can I make today's photograph unique, despite the uniformity in my schedule? Ask yourself these questions as you commit to six weeks. You'll no doubt have difficulty finding something everyday, but stick with it and remember that not shot will or should produce a National Geographic cover.

At the end of the exercise, have the photographs developed or printed. You'll likely notice that some of them are horrible and regrettable and that you took a picture just to fulfill the requirement for the day. Others you will be glad to have taken, thinking that you would have never taken that photo if not for the exercise. What you do with the photos is obviously up to you, but I would recommend amassing them and identifying what you like or dislike about each photo. Put them in piles. Use permanent marker on them to identify what you like or what you would have done differently.

The exercise takes some commitment (although perhaps less if you use a digital camera), but the chances for improvement are staggering.

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