The Value of Photography: Tips & Clips

Taking photos to capture special moments will always be around. When a picture is taken the moment’s emotions are captured, which lasts forever. It is not necessarily the camera or equipment you are using that matters the most, more often than not it is the photographer. The person behind the lens has all the power to control how a shot turns out. Whether it is casual photography, a snapshot, or professional work, an image is invaluable.

Photography is a universal language that speaks to the soul. Photos have the power to inspire, show expression, and allow humans to appreciate the little things in life. Perspective has a significant impact on how the viewer perceives the atmosphere, depth, and mood of an image. By changing your camera angle, proximity to the subject, and focal point, you can control the viewer's perception and create astonishing visual effects.

I have been interested in taking pictures ever since I could remember. I have striking memories of using disposable film cameras my parents would get me. The wait to get the film developed and in my hands was an extremely special feeling. At the moment the type of images I like are captured by phone, DSLR, polaroid, and aerial photography via drones. Over time I have chosen aerial imagery as my favorite.

The more I go out and practice my camerawork the greater my understanding and skill increases. By taking the time to go through trials and errors I have learned a lot. From me to you, here are some of my favorite captures.

1. Sun halo (Mzimba, Malawi)

2. Lake Malawi

3. Sun rising in (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

4. Vervet monkey carrying her infant (Nkhata Bay, Malawi)

5. A silhouette photo of Vera Dam (Kokoligu, Ghana)

6. This dragonfly also gets to enjoy the hot springs in the Ruby Mountains (Elko County, Nevada)

7. Bee on flower at Apple Hill (Placerville, CA)

8. Umpqua River (Roseburg, Oregon)

9. University of Nevada Reno: Redfield Campus (Reno, Nevada)

10. Sun setting along the coast in (Bend, Oregon)

Images do not only have to be taken, they can be created. Paintings, sculptures, and pretty much anything that has artistic intent behind them can be a form of fine art. If photography is not of interest to you there are other ways to fulfill the pleasures art gives the spirit. Boosting self-esteem, reducing stress, enhancing fine motor skills, and allowing more opportunities to meet new people are all. benefits of taking up an artistic hobby.

You don’t have to have a $5,000 lens or be a drone pilot to take good shots. The camera on your cellular device ought to do it. You also don't have to travel far, there's so much to capture in your backyard or local parks! Creating photos is just one click away. Photos can be secrets or shared with the world. The choice is all yours. Now I encourage you to get outside and capture the world around you! Have fun and hopefully make some new memories.

About the Author

Nyaabila is a Youth Recreation Leader for the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation. Working with kids has always been a passion. He is excited to serve for TMPF through AmeriCorps. For around 10 years he has been coaching and refereeing youth basketball. In the Spring he will graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. Nyaabila is Battle Born. Throughout his life, he’s lived in Nevada, Canada, Washington, California, and two years overseas. He highly enjoys traveling, the outdoors, flying drones, and playing basketball in his spare time.