I’m surprised when people complain about boredom.
The truth is I have never been busier…
I do not view this shutdown as a time for relaxing, but rather a time sort some of the stuff that you have been putting off for a while now.
Rather than glue your face to Netflix, here’s a list to help stay productive during these difficult times:
Clean Your Equipment
Has your camera been collecting dust because you have been confined to your home, or maybe your phone has replaced it as your everyday camera?
Use a soft cloth and a blower brush to clean your camera and lenses. (I often use an old toothbrush to scrub off stubborn stains and get right into all the little nooks)
Use a Sensor Cleaning Kit to clean the camera’s sensor, or check the camera’s menu for an automatic sensor cleaning function. And most importantly- don’t forget to clean the inside of your camera bag!
Edit and Sort your Images
You’re the one that said: “I’ll edit and sort out the photographs from our last holiday once I have enough time.” You have enough time. Just do it already!
Challenge Yourself
Nothing gets you going with inspiration like a photographic project and you can easily do it on your own as a personal project. I once met a lady that photographed 21 beaches in 21 days as her personal project. Or join an online photographic project or challenge. A photographic project or challenge helps you to look at things differently. It also teaches you so see interesting things in the most mundane objects. Before you know it, everything looks magical to you.
Take a Family Portrait
Now that the whole family is together (and not going anywhere) you can easily get that long overdue family portrait done. Simply mount your camera on a tripod and use the 10 second self-timer. And while you’re at it, why not update the photographs of the children and don’t forget about Woofie and the Kitty Cat.
Play with your Food
Take photographs of your fantastic home cooked meals and start your own family recipe book. (it also makes a great personal gift for a loved one)
Luck of the draw
Unpack the kitchen drawers (and tidy them while you’re at it…)
How many interesting and unusual photographs you can take using the cutlery, foil, cheese grater and whatever other accessories might be in there? This is also a fun activity for the whole family. Not the tidying… the photography!
Feed them
Setting up a bird feeder in your garden is a great way to practice and improve your bird photography.
Experiment with different camera settings. Using a fast shutter speed like 1/4000th of a second will freeze a bird in flight, while a shutter speed of 1/60th will create movement blur. So much fun!
Plan your next trip
Although everything is on lock down at the moment, it is not going to remain like that forever. Now is the perfect time to do a bit of armchair travel to all the places you would like to visit.
Why not start planning that now?
I have my eye on Namibia, India and Jordan. Where will you be travelling to once this is over?
I would love to hear from you… and remember, we now offer an unique Travelling Photocoach service, where I will travel with you, wherever the destination, to ensure you learn and take fantastic photographs of while on vacation.
Learn how to take better photographs
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Learn how to take better photographs without leaving the comfort of your home. Book a SKYPE or Zoom session with your personal photocoach at a time that is convenient for you and start learning today!
