Social media is a great way to connect with other photographers and creatives around the globe.
Now it’s easier than ever for people to learn, share, and support each other across time zones and screens.
It’s always a joy to bring together photographers and hear about their work, the communities from which they hail, and why photography has such an important place in their lives.
We partnered with Black Women Photographers this year to showcase the work of women we admire. The virtual stage was opened for an inspiring, uplifting Twitter Space Conversation.
Listen to the full conversation below and then read the highlights. You’ll find some great advice for other photographers, gear recommendations by our featured guests, and shout-outs to important women in their life.
Images on the cover courtesy of Elsie Kibue Ngare, Amanda Cain, Betty Tamrat, and Jillian Atkinson.
We had the opportunity to speak with four photographers from London, New York City, California, and Ethiopia.
Meet Elsie Kibue Ngare, Jillian Atkinson, Amanda Cain, and Betty Tamrat.
We asked these photographers, when planning our talk, to choose a few images to discuss and share. Listen to the stories behind the images they chose and look at their photos below. Follow these women on Facebook to see their latest work.
https://twitter.com/grafikamanda/status/1631173075248242691?s=46&t=WusDmwrkkOmuPu935edENg
What advice would you offer to other photographers or aspiring ones?
We love to share words of encouragement from photographers, tips, and tricks from professionals as well as uplifting messages. What is your best advice to fellow photographers or aspiring ones? Let us know by tagging us (@photoshelter) on Twitter.
Elsie :Photography is a lonely profession. You’re usually alone. My advice is to find a partner to hold you accountable. Polly Irungu even encourages this through Black Women Photographers.
Another tip I have is to practice self-care. Even when you are going through downtime, like I am currently going through, where I haven’t taken any photos in a long time, and I feel bad, I take it as an opportunity and my body’s way of telling me to prepare myself for my next stage of photography journey. Remember that there will be days when you are not motivated. It’s okay. Use it to prepare for the next step in your photography journey.
Jillian : Repetition is key. You should definitely get up and start shooting. I began cooking for myself and taking pictures of my food at home. This progressed with time. It was encouraging to see my progress.
My second tip is to not rely on the gear or camera you use as a reason for taking great photos. The question I am asked most frequently is, “What camera do I have?” But I still need to start out with this camera. I began shooting with my iPhone and captured pictures this way for many years before investing in a camera. Trust your eye and decide what you want to achieve. Your eye is your picture, so work with what you have and go for it.
Amanda: My go-to tip would be to take as many pictures as possible. Many skills will transfer if you want to become a food or sports photographer.
We recently interviewed Amanda about her experiences with representation in the hockey and photo industries, her beginnings, and much more. You can read our feature article here.
Betty: These photographers have said everything. I can tell you to trust your gut and the process and use what you have. You’ll find out the answer to any question you have.
What is the essential gear you need to work on a project?
Camera gear and photo equipment for food and street photography can vary depending on the photographer.
There are many factors to consider when lighting and photographing foods, whether in a kitchen or studio. In a studio, you can use all the bells and whistles. Documentary work is an entirely different experience. Photographing people and interacting with the environment around you with fewer tools is more effortless.
Jillian: When you ask me about equipment, my first thought is The kind of layout and styling work I do. I base my photography decisions on bowls, plates, food, temperature, etc. This is not the gear but the first thing I do. I make a lot of notes, and then I plan out the shots in my mind. I do overhead shots, straight-on shots, and angles of about 45deg. Next, I need to consider the light. Do I want the light to be softer based on the plates or not? Do I have to change the shape of my umbrellas because I am shooting glass?
I use a Speedlight instead of a flash but would love to switch to a strobe. You get a much better functional experience. Then there is diffusion. I diffuse a great deal, especially when I’m talking about food. I highlight the main part of the picture or where I want people to look first on the plate.
Betty: As an iPhone street photographer, that’s what I use. You get more attention when you use an iPhone than a camera. You can be yourself. Cameras are a big concern for people today.
Sony is what I use for my indoor photos. I use a lens between 70-200mm for my travel photos.
