I am an art student.
Us art students are known for a few things. Being creative (I hope), being a little bit weird, and most of all being poor. (Cask wine and ramen noodles, anyone?) Of course being students, we are still learning. But there's a few things you can learn from us as well :)
It’s easy to get caught up in all the hubbub of photography equipment – hyperfocal whatsits, monopod somethings, the latest gear – and forget about the ART. I think we should all listen to our inner struggling artist every so often. So here’s some tips if you wanna channel your cheapo artsy side.
1. D.I.Y
Fake it ‘til you make it, baby. Or in this case, make it until you can afford it. It’s easy enough to knock up homemade photography equipment like light boxes, shutter remotes, underwater housing and more. And bonus artsy points if you make your own pinhole camera! Here's some online resources for photography DIY:
how to make a pinhole camera
DIY photography projects
top 10 DIY photography tools
lighting hacks for digi photographers
make a remote shutter trigger
2. Limit yourself (By using what you've got)
Sure it’s exciting to have a great camera with lots of features. It’s awesome to be able to control everything, and know how the photo will turn out. Every photographer should know how to shoot on manual mode, and understand how the settings work. This being said, once you’ve got that knowledge, its fun to limit yourself and experiment with the results. Try using a point and shoot film camera. You can’t control much, and it makes you focus on the composition more, and really think about what you’re shooting.
Photo I took with a film P&S:
Use what you’ve got! I’ll bet lots of you have some film lying around that’s probably passed its use-by date. Use it anyway! Expired film can result in some pretty cool effects, and even if it doesn’t work, you haven’t lost anything.
An example of a photo taken on expired film (sourced from www.kuru93.deviantart.com):
Put your expensive DSLR away for a moment, and get back to the cheap stuff. At the very least, it will make you appreciate all the functions your camera has!
3. Models
How many of you can afford to hire models whenever you want? I certainly can’t. That’s where my friends come in. I rope them in whenever I need to, and they are usually quite happy to pose for me.
Oh, you can afford to hire models? Well, I still recommend taking time to shoot (with a camera!) the people around you. If you love someone, photograph them! The sentimental value can make all the difference. Real people with real emotions are lovely to capture. Plus you can pocket the cash you would have paid the model with.
Maybe you’re sick of photographing your loved ones now? Or maybe they have had enough. Perhaps you are looking for something that they can’t provide. This is okay! Join model mayhem. You’ll be able to search for models in your area, from amateurs to professionals. It’s easy to find people who are willing to work for free if you give them copies of the shots.
4. Have fun, experiment, and don't lose your passion!
Feed the starving artist inside you!
-Em
