Cristina Mittermeier – Photography Competition – Open to Submissions

As part of Cristina Mittermeier course with Masters of Photography, we are thrilled to launch this new photography competition. It is open to all Cristina’s students who have bought her Platinum Access Masterclass but only to those.

Participating in photography competitions offers numerous benefits for photographers seeking to enhance their craft. Firstly, competitions provide a platform for constructive criticism and feedback from experienced judges, in this case Cristina herself, enabling photographers to identify areas for improvement and refine their skills. This competitive environment also fosters creativity and pushes individuals to explore new techniques and subjects, ultimately broadening their artistic vision. In general, the exposure gained through competitions can bolsetr confidence, lead to opportunities for networking, collaboration, and even professional recognition, opening doors to further advancement in the field. We therefore thought it would be a great addition to Cristina’s course.

Theme: Hope

Capture the essence of optimism and inspiration. Share your vision of HOPE! Unleash your creativity and showcase the beauty that arises from resilience and positivity. Whether it’s a radiant sunrise, a tender moment, a powerful symbol, or an inspiring story your photographs have the power to uplift. Send us your images that tell a story of strength, renewal, and the enduring spirit of humanity and the planet.

© Cristina Mittermeier

Competition Guidelines

• PRIZES:
• 1st Prize: Sony Camera Sony a7R V and a 24-70 GM lens (Value: US$5,000+)
• 2nd Prize: 30min videocall mentorship session with Cristina
• 3rd Prize A signed and dedicated copy of Cristina’s Book
• Competition starts February 1st 2024 12 midnight PST – Closes August 30th 2024 12 midnight PST
• Open to all fully enrolled users of Cristina Mittermeier Platinum Access Masterclass can enter, all entrants will be checked and any entrants submitting but not enrolled in the Cristina Mittermeier Platinum Package will be automatically disquailfied.
• The competition will be judged and winners announced on Oct 5th 2024.
• Maximum number of images submitted by any one registered user is 5, Any entrant submitting more will be automatically disquailfied.
• Load your entries to instagram using the hashtag #cristinamophope and tag @mastersof.photography
• Load a maximum of 5 images
• Final judging will be made by Cristina Mittermeier
• No prizes can be swapped for cash or other equivalents.

© Cristina Mittermeier

Photo Competition Rules (T&Cs)

By entering the competition you are agreeing to these competition terms and conditions.
The competition is being run by Masters of Learning Ltd.
The competition is automatically open to all and only to individuals who have bought a Cristina Mittermeier Platinum Access Masterclass on https://mastersof.photography website before the end of the competition. Ensure you comply with the specified Course purchase in the competition details.

Theme Adherence:
All submissions must align with the specified theme. For example, as the theme is “HOPE,” entries should reflect the positive and uplifting aspects associated with the word.

Submission Guidelines:
Each participant can submit 5 entries.
Submitted photographs must be uploaded to Instagram for judging using the hashtag #cristinamophope and must be tagged with @mastersof.photography
Images must not contain watermarks, borders, or any other identifying marks.

Originality and Ownership:
Participants must be the sole authors and owners of the submitted photographs.
Submissions should not infringe upon the copyrights or intellectual property rights of others.

Editing and Manipulation:
Basic edits such as color correction and cropping are allowed.
Heavy manipulation, compositing, or alterations that compromise the authenticity of the image are discouraged.

Technical Specifications:
Ensure submitted photos meet specified resolution and file size requirements by Instagram.
Submissions should be free from distortion or pixelation.

Deadline:
All entries must be submitted before the specified deadline as specified in the competition guidelines. Late submissions will not be considered.

Judging Criteria:
Entries will be judged based on creativity, adherence to the theme, composition, and overall visual impact. The decisions of the judges are final and binding.

Prizes:
Details about prizes, certificates, or any other awards will be outlined in the competition guidelines.
The prizes are non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternatives will be offered.
We reserve the right to substitute prizes with another prize of equal or higher value if circumstances beyond our control make it necessary to do so.
The decision of Masters of Learning Ltd regarding any aspect of the prize competition is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into about it.
Entries will be judged based on creativity, adherence to the theme, composition, and overall visual impact. The decisions of the judges are final and binding.

Winner Announcement:
Winners will be notified through the contact information from their account on Masters of Photography and through a message on their Instagram account.
Results will also be announced on the competition’s official website and social media channels. If the winner does not respond to the emails notifying them of their win within 14 days of the second email, they will lose their right to the prize, and Masters of Learning Ltd reserves the right to choose and notify a new winner.

Publication Rights:
By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to use and showcase the submitted photographs for promotional purposes, crediting the photographer.

Code of Conduct:
Participants are expected to uphold a respectful and positive attitude towards fellow participants, organizers, and the competition as a whole.
Any form of harassment or unethical behavior will result in disqualification.

Data protection and publicity:
You consent to any personal information you provide in entering the prize draw being used by Masters of Learning Ltd for the purposes of administering the prize draw, and for those purposes as defined within our privacy notice.
All entrants may apply for details of the winning participant by contacting us at support@mastersof.photography.
The winner agrees to the release of their first name and place of work to any other prize draw participants if requested via Masters of Learning Ltd.
An announcement of the winners first name and place of work will be made via Masters of Learning Ltd site.
All personal information shall be used in accordance with Masters of Learning Ltd Privacy Notice.

Limitation of Liability:
Masters of Learning Ltd does not accept any liability for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrants as a result of either participating in the competition, save that Masters of Learning Ltd does not exclude its liability for death or personal injury as a result of its own negligence.
On receipt, all responsibilities relating to warranty and the product are that of the competition winners.

General
Masters of Learning Ltd reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time, without prior notice.
The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Our terms and conditions for purchase of the Platinum Package state that course refunds can only be made up to 30 days after purchasing the Platinum Package.
By entering the competition, participants acknowledge that they have read and agreed to comply with all the rules outlined above. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the specified criteria or violates the rules.

Good luck to everyone! We can’t wait to admire your creativity.

Masters Of Photography - Online Photography Courses

From Click to Riches: Discover the Top-Selling Photographs in the World

Photography has evolved from a niche art form to a lucrative investment, with some photographs fetching staggering prices in the art market. Our masters all make money selling photographs in galleries and online on their websites. They give their experiences and advice on how to make money by selling your photographs in their courses. They cover a wide range of possible solutions from working with galleries, selling photographs online, finding the right market and obviously creating amazing art. (https://mastersof.photography/).

As this is a subject that we get asked a lot, we thought it would be interesting to explore the most expensive photographs ever sold, showcasing the intersection of artistic brilliance and financial prowess. This list is subject to a lot of debate and you’ll find different rankings on the web. We’re not trying to provide the definitive list here but to give you an insight into the genres, styles, subjects and money that these expensive art photographs were sold or valued at.

“Phantom” by Peter Lik (Sold for $6.5 million in 2014) – Image at the top of the page (© Peter Lik)

In 2014, Australian photographer Peter Lik captured the attention of the art world with his photograph “Phantom.” This black-and-white image, depicting a ghostly shaft of light in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, exudes a sense of mystique and natural beauty. Lik’s unique approach to landscape photography, combined with his mastery of composition and lighting, contributed to the photograph’s extraordinary sale, making it one of the most expensive photographs ever sold.

“Rhein II” by Andreas Gursky (Sold for $4.3 million in 2011)

© Courtesy Monika Sprueth Galerie, Koeln / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn and DACS, London 2024

Renowned German photographer Andreas Gursky claimed the top spot with his photograph “Rhein II.” Captured in 1999, the image depicts a serene and surreal landscape along the Rhine River. Gursky meticulously composed the photograph, digitally removing signs of human presence to create a sublime representation of nature. The photograph’s minimalist aesthetic and Gursky’s mastery of scale and detail contributed to its record-breaking sale at an auction in 2011.

“Untitled #96” by Cindy Sherman (Sold for $3.9 million in 2011)

© Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in self-portraiture, achieved an impressive feat with her photograph “Untitled #96.” Part of her Untitled Film Stills series, this 1981 image features Sherman in a vintage Hollywood-esque pose. The photograph challenges traditional notions of identity and representation, and its sale in 2011 at a Christie’s auction marked a milestone, making Sherman the highest-selling female artist at that time.

“To Her Majesty” by Gilbert & George, created in 1973, (Sold for $3,767,960 at Christie’s in London in 2008)

© Gilbert & George

Created in 1992, this large-scale tableau photograph presents a haunting scene of soldiers seemingly engaged in conversation amidst the aftermath of battle. Wall meticulously stages each element of the composition, blurring the lines between reality and artifice. The photograph confronts viewers with the harsh realities of war while also raising questions about the representation of violence and the role of photography in shaping collective memory. With its intricate detail and powerful narrative, “Dead Troops Talk” commands attention and sparks contemplation long after viewing, solidifying Jeff Wall’s reputation as a master of contemporary photography.

“Dead Troops Talk” by Jeff Wall (Sold for $3.7 million in 2012)

© Jeff Wall

This photograph, part of the duo’s renowned series, depicts the artists themselves donning their signature formal attire against a backdrop of vivid colors and bold patterns. Gilbert & George, known for their confrontational and politically charged artworks, utilize symbolism and imagery to challenge societal norms and critique authority. In “To Her Majesty,” the artists subvert traditional notions of reverence and decorum by addressing the reigning monarch directly, invoking questions about power, class, and the role of art in society. With its striking visual impact and layered socio-political commentary, “To Her Majesty” remains a significant and enduring work in the oeuvre of Gilbert & George.

“99 Cent II Diptychon” by Andreas Gursky (Sold for $3.3 million in 2007)

© Andreas Gursky

Andreas Gursky makes a second appearance in the top 5 with “99 Cent II Diptychon.” This 2001 photograph captures the interior of a 99-cent store in Los Angeles, presenting a dizzying array of consumer goods. Gursky’s ability to transform mundane scenes into epic compositions, coupled with the sheer scale of the photograph, garnered significant attention in the art world. Its sale in 2007 solidified Gursky’s influence and the market’s willingness to invest heavily in his distinctive vision.

“Billy the Kid” (1880) by an Unknown Photographer (Sold for $2.3 million in 2011)

© Unknown

The only photograph on this list not created by a contemporary artist, “Billy the Kid” is a rare tintype capturing the infamous American outlaw. The image, believed to be one of only two authenticated photographs of Billy the Kid, fetched a remarkable sum at auction in 2011. The mystique surrounding the Wild West and the scarcity of such historical artifacts contributed to the photograph’s exceptional value.

These record-breaking sales underscore the increasing prominence of photography in the art market, reflecting not only the technical skill of the photographers but also the market’s recognition of the cultural and historical significance embedded in these visual narratives.

Masters Of Photography - Online Photography Courses

Our Masters regularly exhibit their art all around the world. Exhibitions are a beautiful journey through the lens of another’s perspective, inviting us to see the world through fresh eyes. Each photograph tells a story, evoking emotions and sparking curiosity. They are a multisensory delight, offering a moment of respite from the chaos of daily life while simultaneously enriching our understanding of the human experience. They will spark ideas and help to develop your photography, so don’t miss them if you have the chance.

In our masterclasses you can find out how they get their work into galleries and how they print for exhibitions. They also give you all their tips and advice on how best to maximise gallery sales. Find out more here: https://mastersof.photography/

Below is the exhibition calendar of our masters with dates and links to the galleries and locations. They will sometimes personally attend some of these events, so check the websites to see if you can meet them there. If you are going, don’t hesitate to let them know that you are a Masters of Photography student. They’ll be delighted!

We will keep this list updated (Updated Feb 8, 2024) but it is not exhaustive. If we are missing events please don’t hesitate to email us with the details at contact@mastersof.photography.

Albert Watson

Mar 23, 2024
Online
https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/12700129/albert-watson

Cristina Mittermeier

Between Land and Sea: Saving Our Oceans to Save Ourselves
Apr 16, 2024
University of California, Santa Barbara, US
https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/events-tickets/events/23-24/cristina-mittermeier/

David Yarrow

On Going, 2024
Durango, CO, US
https://sorrelsky.com/pages/david-yarrow-collections

On Going, 2024
Book signing Aug 19
Santa Fe, NM, US
https://sorrelsky.com/pages/david-yarrow-collections

Joel Meyerowitz

Artist and Society
On Going, 2024
Tate Modern, London, UK
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/display/artist-and-society/joel-meyerowitz

Paul Nicklen

On Going, 2024
Paris, France
https://www.gadcollection.com/en/104-paul-nicklen

Steve McCurry

ICONS
Ends Mar 3, 2024
Chicago, US
https://stevemccurryicons.com/chicago/

ICONS
Ends May 1, 2024
Melbourne, Australia
https://stevemccurryicons.com/melbourne/

ICONS
Ends Apr 7, 2024
Pisa, Italy
https://www.comune.pisa.it/it/evento/steve-mccurry-icons

Children
Ends Mar 10, 2024
Genova, Italy
https://palazzoducale.genova.it/mostra/steve-mccurry-children/

The Endless Traveler
Ends Apr 27, 2024
Santa Monica, California, US
https://www.peterfetterman.com/exhibitions/38-steve-mccurry-the-endless-traveler/works/

Steve McCurry
Ends Mar 9, 2024
Greenwich, CT, US
https://www.cavaliergalleries.com/exhibition/244/

Masters Of Photography - Online Photography Courses

Photography is a popular hobby and the perfect way to express your creativity. You can use photography to capture the world around you, but it also provides an opportunity to explore your own inner landscape. Whether you’re taking pictures of flowers, landscapes or people, photography can help you discover new perspectives on life.

Photography helps us find beauty in our lives.

It can be difficult to spot the beauty that exists all around us, but photography can help us see it when we might not otherwise. When we’re stuck in a rut, or have become accustomed to seeing the same things day after day and year after year, it’s easy for us to forget how amazing our world really is. Photography reminds us of this wonder by showing us new angles and perspectives on things we thought we knew so well—and maybe even helping us see them differently than before. We may start noticing details that were there all along but went unnoticed because they weren’t what we were looking for at the time: tiny flowers growing out of cracks in cement sidewalks; discarded plastic bottles sitting on top of trees; rusty metal fences standing guard against graffiti-covered walls; colorful window displays in empty storefronts where signs say “For Lease” or “For Sale.”

Photography is a good way to express your creativity.

Photography is a great outlet for creativity. When you’re stuck in a rut, photography can help you get out of it by forcing you to be creative and engaged with your environment. This can be especially helpful if you have anxiety or depression and feel like nothing is going right in your life.

The best part about photography as an expression of creativity? It’s incredibly freeing: there are no rules, just suggestions! You can express yourself however you’d like and find meaning in any image that resonates with you—whether it’s something as simple as a flower blooming on the sidewalk, or something more complex like a person standing on top of their house looking down at the world below him/herself.

The key here is finding what speaks to you specifically—and using those things as inspiration for your pictures!

Photography is an easy hobby to start.

Photography is an easy hobby to start. It’s a great way to capture memories, explore your creative side, and take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

If you’ve ever been interested in photography but weren’t sure where to begin, here are some tips:

• Start with your smartphone. Most people already carry one around with them everywhere they go, so all it takes is taking a few photos every now and then until you get the hang of things! If this sounds like something that would be fun for you—and even if it doesn’t—it’s worth giving it a shot!
• Take pictures of friends and family first. These are going to be pictures that will mean everything when later down the road when those same people are gone from our lives forever (or just out of sight). This may seem morbid at first, but anything else wouldn’t feel as genuine because these moments are what define who we truly care about most as human beings.”\

Taking photos can be a mindful activity.

Taking photos can be a mindful activity. Mindfulness is basically about being aware of the present moment, without judgment. It means noticing what you are thinking and feeling, without judging yourself for those thoughts and feelings. It also means accepting things as they are, instead of wishing that they were different.

Mindfulness has been shown to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. There are lots of ways to practice mindfulness—including meditation—but photography is one easy way to get started!

When you take a photo with your camera or phone/tablet (and even when you’re just looking at something), it’s helpful if you focus on one thing at a time in the picture: what do your eyes see first? What colours are in this picture? How does the light fall on each object? How many lines or shapes can you make out? Asking yourself these questions helps bring more attention into each scene rather than letting yourself wander away into thoughts about the past or future again!

To sum up, photography can be a great way to shift your perspective on life, find beauty in the everyday, express yourself creatively and have fun. And remember: if you don’t have a camera yet, there’s no need to buy one before starting out! With so many apps available for smartphones these days, it’s easy enough to start capturing images right away without having to invest in expensive equipment.

As Joel tells us in his online photography course, the title of this body of work is a translation from a French phrase – ‘entre le chien et le loup’, an idiomatic expression for twilight. However, in Joel’s eyes, this metaphor extends beyond time of day and embodies something much more fundamental. The blue hour is the boundary between “the known and the unknown… the tame and the wild”; and this can be reflected not just in subject matter but also in the wider theme of one’s photography.

The Known and the Unknown

As any photographer will know, light plays a key role in photography, especially with regard to the topic in question and moreso to Joel’s work in particular. Light has also been used in several cultures as a metaphor for knowledge, with darkness representing its absence, since light allows things to be seen and therefore to be known and darkness keeps things shrouded in mystery. The interplay between these two things is part of what makes ‘blue hour’ photography so fascinating, the oncoming or fading darkness of nighttime lends the perfect backdrop to your subject, isolating it from any distractions while still keeping it in its context. Indeed, though light is what allows us to see, too much of it can be blinding and the element of darkness which blue hour offers ensures that images aren’t over-exposed or flat. This is especially true in cases where the subjects or subjects of a photograph are emitting their own artificial lighting. The perfect example of this is Joel’s Red Interior. With the natural light of day largely gone, each element of this piece is highlighted in their own unique way, the titular red glow of the car in the foreground contrasting with the deep blue background in a way that would be impossible at golden hour or any other hour. Meanwhile, the houses in the background are all lit up individually against the darkness, emphasising them without disregarding their surroundings. Finally, the streetlamp above echoes the moon, the one source of direct natural light in the image.

Thus, in the light of Joel’s photoseries and ongoing exhibition Between the Dog and the Wolf, we hope that you are inspired to embrace the blue hour and the wild element of the unknown which it brings. Don’t be afraid to break the rules of lighting! You might find a new aspect to your photography which you never considered before.

If you’re feeling inspired by Joel’s twilight photography, learn more about how to master lighting in his online photography course. Or hone your craft by entering our new photo competition – ‘The Blue Hour’ – on Instagram. Your entries will be judged by Joel himself so don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity!

1. Flexibility

Life is busy at the best of times and it can be difficult to put enough time aside for your passions, especially in the early days. By taking online photography courses, you can fit your learning around work and other life commitments, taking advantage of the lifetime access and 24/7 availability to your online photography classes.

2. Learn from the best

Online photography courses typically have the benefit of being taught by true greats in the craft like our eponymous ‘Masters of Photography’ (Joel Meyerowitz, Steve McCurry, Albert Watson & David Yarrow). Thus, beginners can start off on the right foot, by taking the best online photography courses taught by some of the best photographers in the world! With decades of lived experience from their own early days when they first picked up a camera to their thriving careers nowadays, master photographers like these are able to offer the perfect online photography classes for beginners.

4. Variety

Following on from the above point, most local photography classes will be limited to their surroundings and therefore, tend to be quite limited in their scope. Whereas the best online photography courses should be more varied, especially when taught by those with practical experience rather than solely educational experience. For example, while David Yarrow is most famous for his aforementioned animal photography, he also teaches us about his model photography with Cindy Crawford and others. Meanwhile, in his online photography classes, Albert Watson talks us through not only about his iconic fashion photography but also his landscapes and still-life work. By taking a journey through all manner of photographic genres, beginner photographers will be able to see which one strikes their interest and discover their photographic identity. Our online photography courses have the added bonus of extending beyond the craft itself and including lessons from the Masters about their experience getting work, making prints and publishing books.

Cindy Crawford in ‘American Hustle’ by David Yarrow (2019)

5. Approachability

Some dedicated online photography courses for beginners can overly focus on the technical side of things, more like a strict recipe for the craft with very little room for experimentation or individuality. However, due to a combination of the factors above, the best photography courses for beginners consist of expert practical advice, biographical accounts of lived experience and on-location shoots. The end result is a series of online photography classes that don’t bombard beginners with technical minutia but rather give them the tools to begin pursuing their photographic ambitions in their own way. The best learning programme is the one you enjoy and therefore the one you stick to; and getting inspired rather than inundated is a sure way to do this!

With these benefits in mind, it is clear that even the most inexperienced photographers should not be deterred from seeking inspiration in online photography courses. There’s always something to be learnt from the masters of the craft and they were all beginners themselves at one point!

Start your journey of becoming a photographer and sign up for our free online photography classes! Or check out other free resources like our free photography videos, photography blog & freestream!

Reading the Right Books

Our very ethos here at Masters of Photography is that one can drastically improve their craft by learning from the greats that came before them. Even the Masters themselves acknowledge the debt they owe to photographic legends like Cartier-Bresson. After all, standing on the shoulders of giants gives an excellent view. And it is with this view that photographers can develop their eye, namely by observing the great work of their predecessors collected in their books. As Joel Meyerowitz says in his online photography class: “it’s important to have books around, to have the literature of photography available to you. Not so much that you could copy or steal from these artists, but that you could find in their work the same impulses that you have”.

Generously opening his personal library to viewers of his online photography class, Albert Watson takes a broader approach to photography literature and recommends the very affordable route of purchasing second-hand auction catalogues from fine art institutions like Sotheby’s and Christie’s. While these may not have the same prestige as the iconic photography books that adorn coffee tables all over the world, they do provide an enormous amount of variety. As Albert notes “You would have 19th century photography, then you would have… modern photography from a year ago, and everything

in between. And I was just fascinated by these books, the diversity. There would be a landscape and a portrait, there would be still lives, there would be reportage from all the great photographers.” Such variety can even extend to other art forms like painting which can provide a visual form of inspiration that can be extrapolated and applied towards photography. 

For more recent additions to the world of photography literature, check out this article on the best books of 2021 in our photography blog.

Beyond Books

While books have been the traditional vehicle for photographic wisdom, it would be remiss in the modern age to rely on them solely when such a wealth of knowledge is available elsewhere. Beyond the photography books he recommends, Albert suggests engaging with pop culture for inspiration citing works like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones for his landscapes. Meanwhile, David Yarrow extols the importance of research in his photography, stating “we’ve got a huge advantage over people… working in photography in 1979 or even 1989, or even maybe 1999. And the internet gives you so much information… Research is the platform on everything that we do. And research is also free. So, we will never go into the field without having done a huge amount of homework. I think you do tend to photograph best what you know best.” Indeed, the vital resource of the internet is an almost limitless font of knowledge which any photographer can make use of, it’s how we transmit the knowledge of the Masters in our online photography courses after all; meanwhile, our Photostream & photography forums are further examples of where one can seek inspiration. Furthermore, those looking for free photography videos might wish to make use of our Freestream and other free films or sign up to access free photography lessons from our courses. As David says “never underestimate how much better a photographer you can become by using something that’s free, which is the internet”. 

So while choosing your guidance in how to become a photographer from home can be a daunting task, whether you’re looking for books or otherwise, there are countless affordable and accessible ways of finding inspiration. 

Photographing your Neighbourhood

While the Masters’ learning recommendations range from unparalleled collections of street photography to the limitless resources of the internet, they share one thing in common – the extraction of photography beauty from everyday life. Joel and Steve may travel to distant locales for their street photography, Albert may create his fashion photography with world-famous celebrities and David’s animal photography may feature the most exotic of wild creatures but it is important to remember that they did not start here. David Yarrow, for example, got his start photographing local sporting events and even now, creates beautiful images out of rural towns, shipyards and even rubbish dumps. While your everyday surroundings may be mundane and monotone to you, it could be fascinating to an outsider and the right photograph might just invoke a brand new aspect that breathes new life into your neighbourhood. There is no shortage of genres to practice your ambitions of being a photographer from home. 

‘Antz’ by David Yarrow (2015)

As Joel and Steve’s book recommendations indicate, street photography is an excellent way of finding photographic beauty in the comings and goings of everyday life. Despite its reputation, this doesn’t necessarily have to take place in thriving urban centres like New York and Paris. Any public place where people are coming and going is ripe for candid photography. Similarly, wildlife photography is plagued by the inverse stereotype, that it must occur in deep wilderness far from civilisation and must have as its subject the most exotic creatures. However, there is wildlife everywhere; backyard critters and even urban vermin can make for some fascinating animal photography. Indeed, deer, dogs and other more everyday animals are part of David Yarrow’s corpus. 

Meanwhile, model photography like Albert Watson’s need not feature professionals or renowned celebrities. Any friend or relative can serve as the model for your portraiture (and unlike painting, it won’t even take up much of their time). In his virtual photography course, Steve expresses a similar idea in his high praise of Elliot Erwitt’s Photographs and Anti-Photographs (another of his books recommendations): “Some of Elliott’s best photographs are of his family these are two pictures he took of his wife and his child in the bedroom. And you can see the baby and the mother. And again, you don’t have to travel far. You can photograph your family, you can photograph in your own neighbourhood. These pictures of Elliott’s are so human and tell such great stories… you can make some of the best pictures just working close to home.” If you’ve got no loved ones at hand, with the right set-up of a well-placed mirror, you can even be the model of your own photography. The ‘selfie’ might be most associated with social media vanity but self-portraiture is a time-honoured art form in both painting and photography. 

Another genre perfect for those learning how to be a photographer from home is still life. Unsurprisingly, the craft of photographing commonplace, inanimate objects is very accessible to the home photographer. Albert’s most famous still lifes feature renowned objects like Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and the possessions of Tutankhamun but his first forays into the genre involved far more mundane and vulgar subject: bedpans. Joel similarly excels in finding an interesting facet in ‘junk’ for his still life work, really putting the life into still life photography.

Just as is the case with reading the right books, there aren’t nearly as many barriers to practicing photography from home as one might initially think. Try picking one of the above genres and see how you can make your everyday surroundings shine with your photography.

Marketing Yourself as a Photographer

So now that you’ve read up on your craft and practiced it in its purest form, what’s next in learning how to become a photographer from home? While one doesn’t have to be a professional photographer to call themselves a photographer, it is the motivation of many; and even hobbyists might wish to develop a portfolio. Whilst times have changed since the masters found their success, something each one explicitly acknowledges, the sage advice they give is nevertheless still relevant and truly timeless in its wisdom. 

Steve also acknowledges the importance of the hard work but encourages the photographer not to forget their purpose: “I think the most important thing to know, if you want to make your living as a photographer, is to photograph, make pictures. It seems simple, seems obvious, but too many people spend their time on the phone… but if you want to make your living as a photographer, photograph every day. This should become a part of your life.” Ultimately, the professional photographer must balance these two halves of themself – be professional but still be a photographer. Or as Joel ever-eloquently puts it: I think before you put the cart before the horse, you learn to ride the horse. You learn to express yourself, to  make photographs that are true to you consistently so  that you actually have something to sell.” 

While putting your work out there can be a daunting endeavour, creating a well-defined brand that is true to yourself will undoubtedly get you off on the right foot to start pitching to galleries, creating prints or putting together a book and in the 21st century, more than ever before, this can all be done from home.

Keep on learning!

We hope this guide has helped you, wherever you are on your journey of becoming a photographer from home but keep in mind, for beginner and advanced photographers alike, there are always new things to learn. At Masters of Photography, we want to inspire and educate philosophers of all levels – amateur and expert, hobbyist and professional – with the knowledge and lived experience of the true greats, which is why we created our online photography courses.

If you feel inspired by the Masters’ knowledge presented above, be sure to check out their free photography lessons!

Over the last couple of weeks, we ran another photo competition on Instagram and on the Masters of Photography Photostream. Thank you to all those who entered!

The theme of the competition was ‘Love’. Well done to all the winners. Here is winning photograph, the runners-up and the highly commended entries:

Winner

by Elke Scholiers ©

Runners-Up

by Vero Sitepu ©

Honourable Mentions

by Zahra Mirmalek ©

Thank you to all who entered! And if you didn’t win this time, Masters of Photography will be doing plenty of our photography competitions in the future!

“Through his manipulation of position and light, Joel shows us how to animate the inanimate, bringing life to each still life.”

In a time where travelling to exotic locales to photograph nature in all its glory or engaging with strangers for classic street photography are uncertain opportunities, still life is the perfect outlet for any photographer yearning to create – the natural pandemic-era genre. Even if you’re sheltering at home, there is no shortage of subjects for your photography, no matter how ‘boring’ they may initially seem.

Though the personal effects of Cézanne and Morandi possess a certain rustic charm that our own junk may lack, it must be remembered that most of the objects, at the time of their painting, were every bit as banal as our own. Some might assume that ‘legitimate’ photography must have, as its subject matter, things of enormous natural or political significance, but still life is the art of mining such significance from everyday objects, extracting the sublime from the mundane. Through Joel’s tutelage, we learn that nothing can be called boring under the gaze of the photographer, junk is never merely junk and grey is never merely grey.