As this is the fourth article in my blog, it might not surprise you to learn that I’m still quite the amateur in photography. However, I am eager to improve and create better photos with more compelling stories. So, how does one get better? The answer is simple: practice. And then practice some more.

However, there’s a challenge: practicing alone without any guidance or feedback can make improvement difficult. To me it always feels like adventuring without a map. Fortunately, you can seek guidance elsewhere. Finding someone with experience who is willing to help and provide feedback can make all the difference.

---

At the start of this year, I wanted to follow a course on basic photography. What do all the functions of the camera do? What do your shutter speed and aperture do, and what is that bloody ISO that everyone is talking about? I signed up for that class, but I got sick just a few days before the course, so I couldn’t attend it. However, I signed up for another class that is a bit more than basic (because I thought I sort of get what the basics are): Portrait Photography.

This class was provided by Ymke Myrte. She started photography as a hobby with her partner, but she found there was more for her in photography than just a hobby. She started YM Academy and began providing workshops, like the one I attended this weekend. In addition, she has taken some amazing photos for magazines, artists, performers, fashion companies, and beauty products.

This course consists of one day, where Ymke gives a great amount of information about working with a model, how to work with light and ofcourse also what to do with your camera settings.

The model in this photo was Edwin (take a look at his Instagram!)

I think I forgot many of the details Ymke shared, but a few important points stuck with me: how to handle daylight, especially bright sunlight, and how to adjust your camera settings accordingly, and how to communicate effectively with a model (communication is hard!). Fortunately, she provided all the information on paper, which was a great bonus!

Thank you so much, Ymke, Edwin, and your intern, for this great course. I enjoyed it a lot! Of course, I learned a billion things, and I will gladly continue practicing. 🙂