Why Photography is a Skill Worth Having
Photography is a wonderful skill to have. The practice can bring several positives to your life and open the door to opportunities that will enrich your experience during your time on earth. Picking up a your camera can go way beyond making photos, and in this piece, we’ll look at the multiple ways you can get value from practicing photography.
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Allow me to share a small, personal story. In a brief sentence: photography changed my life for the better. Offering a little more detail, photography made a major contribution to my journey of improving my mental health; while also helping me build a life full of richness and adventure.
Today, I travel the world making images and immortalizing memories. I don’t say that boastfully. On the contrary, I say it from a place of total gratitude. Because without the practice of photography, I’m unsure where my life would be; for better or worse.
Having the skill of being able to make photographs doesn’t always need to be life-changing. They’re many day-to-day positives it can bring to you, and to the people around you. Let’s take a look.
Practicing Photography Lets you Create Memories
Today, almost everyone can make constant photographic records of their life. We must thank smartphone manufacturers for that. The reality is that not everyone can make beautiful, high-quality photographic records because not everyone puts in the time and effort required to become a skilled photographer.
Go through your photo archives. Look at the images of those family dinners and weekends away with friends. Try and appreciate how awesome it is looking at memories that you documented at such a high standard. Having a “professional portfolio” of your life is an incredible gift to give yourself, and of course, to those with whom you shared those memories.
Photography can Gain you Access to Cool Spaces
Most of humanity loves photography in some way or another. Having the skill of photography can help you impress others and gain you access to spaces you wouldn’t normally have if you were not a photographer. Over the years, I’ve attended festivals, private parties, and yoga classes to name a few, because people wanted me to take photographs.
Even if it’s not a paid gig, if there’s a space you would like to access, reach out to the organizers and request a photographer's pass. Free photos for free access can be a great deal. It won’t always work, but having the skill of photography lets you throw your name into the hat.
Photography Let’s you Give Back
Having the skill of being able to make good photographs shouldn’t only benefit you. I believe we should share every skill we have with others. You can pass the skill down by teaching, or, you can use it to make quality photographs of others for free. Think of the young student that would like a photo of her coffee-making skills, or the elderly couple next door that would love a photo of their diamond wedding anniversary.
By knowing how to make photographs you have the ability to bring so much joy to people's lives. I’m not saying do everything for free. Of course, use your skill for economical benefits. However, I imagine all the photographers reading this love making images on the side of their gigs, and doing it to make normal, everyday folks happy is a wonderful thing to do.
Skills Boost Confidence
Whether it’s the skill of photography or the skill of baking brownies, being an authority in any field is going to give you a confidence boost. High self-esteem is essential to one's happiness, and practicing something until you become good at it is a sure-fire way of boosting your inner confidence.
Photo by Javon Swaby
Being able to say “I can” do something will give you the belief needed to push on in life and succeed in any way you wish. Letting bias take over, I also think being able to make photos is one of the cooler skills to have and it makes me feel good that it’s something I can do–and it should have the same impact on you.
Final Thought
Most people reading this are likely deep into their photographic journey. If you are, see this article as a celebration of how awesome it is that you—and others like you—have the skill of making images. Be grateful for that skill, while also being proud of the hard work you put in to obtain the level of talent you now enjoy.
And for those beginner photographers, wondering if they should pursue it further and get deeper into the practice, I assure you it’s something you won’t regret. There are countless examples I could share on why photography is a skill worth having. And should you take it up, I’m confident you will learn them for yourself. So pick up your camera and capture them frames.
Why do you think photography is a good skill to have? What benefits have you experienced since picking up a camera? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
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