1. Never leave your cameraphone at home.
Sounds simple right? But get into that habit of always having your camera available. It is always those times when you need it most when you left it behind or couldn't be bothered. Remember the best camera is the one you have with you. Thank god for smartphones!
2. Don't go looking for 'the shot'; it will find you
If you go out with the intention of 'finding some killer shots' invariably you won't. You will end up frustrated and envious of pro photographers who just seem to pull it off. Keep calm and find your flow. Put your camera down and look around. Be patient and the moment will find you.
3. Hang out at interesting places
Sounds crushingly obvious, but it's true. Visit edgy, interesting and ambient places or events that can offer something different. Find a new angle on the world. It doesn't have to be insanely crazy places. You can find beauty in banality!
4. Understand the fundamentals of photography
Of course mobile photography is just another genre or form of photography right. So you need to understand photography before you snap away. Study composition, framing, lighting and subject matter. Learn from the masters. Read books.
5. Edit fast and on the go
Don't sweat over shots. Edit with speed and ruthless conviction. Don't wait to go home and take a look. Edit fast and on the go. Crop with confidence, retouch with imagination and aim to make your pictures 'pop'.
6. Avoid overcooking with filters
The allure of filters can be intoxicating. But you must resist! Only apply a filter if it adds some other dimension to your picture. You will know when your picture is overcooked because you have lost its original footprint and intention.
7. Publish before the dust collects
Don't wait to publish and share. The best thing about social mobile photography is its currency of now. Publish with confidence and speed. Get it out to your photo sharing platforms before you agonise over whether 'is it good enough?'
8. #hashtag or die
Your pictures will get lost in the digital void if you don't tag your images. Its not cheesy or beneath yourself to #hashtag. If you want your pictures to be discovered (who doesn't?) then tag them. Or die.
9. Get involved with your photo community
Share the love. If you get some Likes or Comments from admirers take an interest back. It's good to get involved with like minded enthusiasts. Keep criticism constructive and promote your favourite followers. You get back only what you give.
10. Archive your keepers
If you haven't already establish a simple workflow to archive your keepers. They should be automatically backed up by whatever photo sharing platform you are using but it's important to have a back up. Archive only your best though.
11. Keep on looking
Never give up. Keep on searching for those moments to be captured and recorded forever. Be like a restless soul and be forever curious about the world.
(Photo credit: me)
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