A good place to start is with subjects that interest you. Photographic subjects may include people, flowers, insects, nature, landscapes and cityscapes. Also, there are many incredible photo opportunities around Arlington. Take your camera whenever you go out, such as when you join one of our regular outside walks. As you photograph your surroundings, you'll start to discover what piques your interest.
Serious photography is a form of art you can use to showcase your talents. As you become more aware of the basic elements of photographic art, such as line, shape, form and texture, you'll start to develop a style that expresses your personality. It's an activity that requires nothing more than a camera, editing software, your time and patience. It's a great hobby to keep you busy while enjoying your retirement.
If you're serious about photography, you need a suitable camera. Smartphones take good photos, but they're not for everyone. Drawbacks of smartphones include a screen that's hard to see outdoors and performance and design limitations.
Alternatives include compact cameras with a fixed lens and interchangeable lens cameras. As their name indicates, compact cameras are small and easy to carry. Get one with a viewfinder or you'll have the same difficulty composing photos outdoors as with a smartphone. While most compact cameras have fixed focus lenses, certain models include a zoom lens, allowing you to adjust the focal length for different subjects.
An interchangeable lens camera allows you to swap the lens on the camera to suit different applications. For example, if you take pictures of flowers or insects, you need a macro lens, while a wide-angle lens is better for landscapes. Telephoto lenses are good for portraits and wildlife.
When choosing a camera, don't forget to take into account the fact that a smaller, lighter camera may be more suitable for senior photography than a bulky, heavy model.
As you experiment, you'll start to appreciate that there's a big difference between taking snapshots and creating a good photograph. Key elements of a great photograph include:
After a photo shoot, sort through your pictures. To avoid clutter, delete photos that are poorly exposed, out of focus or simply duplicates. Do this on your camera, using the photo managing software that comes with it, or use free software like Google Photos.
Most cameras provide an option to take JPEG or RAW photos. You can use and share JPEG photos right away but will have to edit RAW photos. The benefit of RAW editing is that you can get so much more out of the photo than with a straight JPEG photo.
In most instances, it's best to lightly edit your photos using photo editing software. This type of software lets you straighten photos and crop them to improve the composition. You can use the software to bring out details hidden in dark areas and reduce the intensity of highlights, like a bright sky. Other useful adjustments include adjusting the contrast to help the subject stand out better and increasing the color saturation.
Take your creativity to the next level by sharing your photos. Post them on social media, place them on one of the many photo-sharing sites or print photo books for family and friends. Another idea is to join a local camera club where you can show your photos and learn from constructive criticism. You may want to take pictures of activities here at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living, have them printed and share them with other residents.
Taking up photography in retirement is a fantastic way to fill your time and extend your skills and abilities. It’s a rewarding and satisfying hobby that helps keep you on your feet and active.
