New Skills Festival - Photography with Cathy

Cathy is one of my neighbours, well she lives in a neighbouring town! I met her not that long ago but instantly loved her enthusiasm and love of artistic expression. She takes some stunning pictures so pop over to her website and have a look around and those of you in Japan might spot her on TV as she has been doing some talento work too.

Hello Jojoebi fans!  

I'm Cathy, a Creative Commercial Photographer from Australia, currently living in Tokyo. Thanks so much to Jo for inviting me to guest post on her blog. I started blogging about a year ago, I hold a Bachelor of Photography and have experience working in various photographic fields. I recently made the move to Facebook and I love using my photos to visually communicate my life experiences. I admit my experience with crafts is limited to the occasional Martha Stewart tip of the week, getting inspired by blogs like A Bit of This & A Bit of That and checking out all things gorgeous on sites like Pinterest. *However* I still love to create things... I just use the camera instead of a needle + thread if you know what I mean. Now I know a lot of you out there are just as creative and like to take your own photos, maybe even for your own blogs/websites etc., so here are some tips for you: 

What You'll Need

- 1 camera (point and shoot, DSLR, a film camera or even a mobile phone, whichever tickles your fancy)

- 1+  objects you would like to photograph

- indoor or outdoor locations

- props, backgrounds where necessary

- 1 large dose of creativity 

1. A La Mother Nature 

As a professional photographer I'm not going to pretend that professional photographs aren't any good. When done well they are beautiful and can make a big difference to your creations but not everyone can afford to pay a pro. The good news for all of you DIYers is that you *can* take good photos without a studio and lots of expensive camera equipment. "How?" I hear you ask? Well, there is one secret ingredient - use what artists have used for 1000's if not 10's of 1000's of years.... nature! These photos were taken using nothing but a camera. No flashes, no reflectors, no tripods, no lighting needed whatsoever. The sun is a free + natural source of light and nature is the perfect backdrop for so many photographs. Not only is it free, it is right at your doorstep and with its ever-changing landscape nature offers a myriad of possibilities for photographs. What more can you ask for? 

 

2. Simple is Best 

What's more is that you don't even need to take a photography course or know all the technical mumbo jumbo to take a good photo. All you need is a camera (be it a DSLR, a point and shoot, a film camera or even a mobile phone). The photograph of this top was taken in my bedroom against the window using completely natural light. It helps to know a few camera basics but they only serve to enhance the photo. *You* control the camera and what you photograph so don't be afraid to experiment. And if you find yourself in all sorts of strange and contorted positions, or in your garden hanging from the limbs of trees, don't worry. That is what photography is all about! 

 
3. Use Your Imagination - Raid Your Cupboards 

Anyone who is good at crafts is pretty good, if not excellent, at using their imagination. So let it be free and think of all the different things you can use to make your photos special. And you don't have to go far - your home is full of them! Things to look out for are different colours, textures, tones + shapes. Over my summer holiday I  made some orange liqueur and had some leftover rock sugar which I used to shoot these earrings. I just love the stuff! Don't be afraid to venture outside as well. There are also lots of querky objects in and around your neighbourhood. 

I hope you've found these tips helpful and if I have inspired some of you to venture forth and try them out please have a great time of it. The only hard part is finding (or making) the time to take the photos. The rest is a whole lot of fun. 

Happy Creating!! 

xx Cathy 

  To keep up with Cathy's photography, visit:  her facebook page or go to her website.