• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Any Camera Will Do
• Embrace Imperfections
• Capturing Life in Motion
• Limiting Interruptions
• Capturing Simplicity
• Capturing Stories
• Photo Essay: The Great Fire
• Understanding Light
• Tips on Composition

Practical Exercises [Coming Soon]

As you become more familiar with taking everyday photos, you can start to work on the quality of your photos by learning and applying the following principles.  These are simple tips designed to help you become aware of other principles that apply to photography.  

• Start Where You Are
• Observe
• Shoot What It Feels Like
• Idea Starters
• Shooting for Instagram
• Shoot a Photo Essay
• 5 Object, 5 Stories
• Shape
• Story Structure
• Stories Within Stories
• Moments
• Linger Longer

Photos & The Stories Behind Them [Coming Soon]

• The Great Fire
• The Story of Mitch & Photos
• Coloring
• Serendipity
• Little Signatures
• Mother & Son
• Playground
• Stumble
• Christmas Memories
• On Life & Dying
• The Shadow of Death Looming
• Wishing It Weren't SO

Any Camera Will Do

STORY:

I took a photography class for one semester in college.  I don't remember a single thing I learned there--at least not from my professor or the curriculum.  Not one thing.  The most powerful lesson came from a friend taking the class with me.  

On my first day of class, I had my father's film camera with me.  It was robust, even by today's standards. Sitting next to me, my friend produced a simple point-and-shoot camera from his bag–nothing special.  I wondered what kind of photos he would take with such a simple thing.  Concerned for my friend, I offered to let him borrow my camera.  He smiled gently, looked at the simple camera in his hands and said, "Thanks Chris.  I think I'll be okay."

Before long, we were sent on photo field trips.  I was excited to see what kind of photos my father's camera would take - so I began shooting with great enthusiasm.  Digital cameras were not yet in the market, so we shot with film - which meant we had to send our rolls in to be processed.  When my first packet of photos came back, I opened the envelope like a child unwrapping a birthday present.   I couldn't wait to see the images I took.

Meanwhile my friend sat next to me looking through his photos.  I peered over to see his work and to my surprise, his photos were unquestionably better than anything I took with my camera.  I marveled at his composition, subject matter and artistry.  On every level, his photos–taken with his humble, dime store camera–were superior to mine.

That moment I learned the quality of a camera has little to do with the quality of photos.  The best paintbrushes don't make someone a good painter any more than the quality of ink makes for a good writer. Those are simply tools - incapable of making art themselves.  

Now, to be clear, not all cameras are created equal.  There are professional cameras that cost more than a mid-sized car.  Some cameras are highly specialized and designed for unique purposes.  But, for the purpose of everyday photography, virtually any camera you buy is more than sufficient.  In fact, modern smartphones have cameras that will get the job done.  So rest assured, if you have something that shoots, you have enough to get started.  

As you set out to take photos, be confident that your camera is sufficient.  It will shoot what you decide to shoot.  Good photos don't come from good cameras; they come from having a good eye.  And having a good eye can be learned. 

Are you ready?  Let's get started.