Four daily creative exercises for photographers

NPU alumnus Peter Hsieh shares that photographers must keep upgrading their skills whether they do it for fun or as a way to earn. Check out these creative exercises.

1. Make a version of your favorite photo

You can choose a photo from your favorite photographers or even from your albums. The goal here is to try the aesthetic or the style that made the image appealing to you as a photographer. Or, if you realize what you can do better after you've seen the pictures again, this is your chance to enhance the photo you're looking to recreate. This exercise will help a person understand what they think makes a good photo.

2. Start a themed daily photo challenge

Almost everyone has tried this challenge, but photographers can take this exercise to the next level. Instead of capturing random photos for a whole month or an entire week, they can choose themes from nature, technology, colors, people, and many others. This way, they would get to practice their ability to spot good subjects even in hidden places.

3. Edit a fellow photographer's work

It might be beneficial for a photographer to look at other artists' work. Creating edits such as cropping, changing the colors, or enhancing the image will improve a photographer's skills. The exercise doesn't need to be shared online. Peter Hsieh says that the goal is to get inspiration and to explore the different aspects of a photo even without a camera.

4. Use film

The beauty in using film is that it helps a photographer become more conscious of the moment. Instead of just snapping away, they become more thoughtful of the subject and even the background. It would be helpful for photographers to take at least one picture a day with their film camera to hone their eye for developing their aesthetic.