Last week I did a day of child minding for two 2 years olds from 11-7 with a third child arriving at 3:30. The women who has no children – but two cats! Why am I even telling you this you ask? Well,because I thought I would take that time of craziness to test my own advice for finding the time to take images.  In between juggling play-dough art classes, dress up time, frozen sing alongs, meal times, naps and general health & safety scares I managed to get some pictures that I liked. I tested my skills, played with my creativity and had some fun. This isn’t a post just aimed at stay at home mums  or people with kids- because I myself am not one and have none. But, it is aimed at the person who starts their sentences with ‘I would… but I just don’t have the time’. With a few changes to our approach, we (me included) can all make the time to do more  – if we want to 😉

The main thing that stood out from my day  was preparation, and this just covers the board for pretty much everything. Whether it be wedding, portraits,food, children, street, child, pet or travel photography – what ever it is – preparation is the key.

In this particular instance for being at home I think doing the below, will keep you ready, take the ‘oh I wish I got that picture’ out of the equation and  create the opportunity to keep more moments.

It’s all pretty simple – but so easy to put to one side.

** Keep your battery charged.

Get into the habit of having your camera charged when you have used it. It takes less than 30 seconds to pop in a charger.

** Keep clean cards loaded in your camera.

This is just a good habit to get in to. You don’t want to be in a place where you can’t take a picture because your card is full and you haven’t downloaded the other images.It also saves losing work that you haven’t yet backed up.

** Think ahead of an image that you want to create.

We all see images everyday that we would love to create, because we love the feel of it. Plan ahead and recognise your opportunity to strike 😉

** Don’t stress about changing lens. Get one on and  use it.

So many times people worry about what lens to use. Pop on which ever you prefer and play with it. Try it in different environments. Test it in different  lights -what can you do with that lens? Use it to the max so you know what you love about it  – and what you don’t.

**Have fun. This is the main one. If you enjoy what you are doing and like the results – then its working.

You. Your eyes. What you like. That thing that you feel. It’s you, and if you like it – own it. We all have subjective views, but the chances are if you like something then someone else will too. Trust yourself, and like your own work.

You are your own creative director. Have fun & love what you do.

Happy Tuesday.

N x