In my series of articles on frugal hobbies, I break down an individual hobby for people who want to have fun without breaking the bank. The overview will include the details of the hobby itself, how to go into it with a frugal mindset, and the best ways to make use of your money. Not all of the hobbies covered are cheap or easy to get into, but I find ways to help you save money while still being able to partake in your favorite pastimes.
Photography
Photography is a great pastime for the artistically-minded. There is something about capturing the perfect visual landscape that appeals to all of us. Whatever your individual goal may be, photography is something that can be enjoyed by everyone – and it should be. It’s another art form that can help enrich people’s lives and add meaning throughout them!
Getting Started
The good news is that everyone has the opportunity to get started with photography. All you really need is a camera and the eye for good scenery. Of course, your photos don’t have to deal exclusively with scenery, you could always focus on specific subject matter. Ultimately, the choice it yours. The trick for getting started is really just finding what you’re passionate about taking pictures of and running with it. You can even start small with your photos and work yourself up to bigger and bigger projects!
Finding The Right Equipment
Ultimately, it’s up to you to find the right equipment for your photos. Sometimes you need better cameras, or better editing software, and other times you may be fine with what you have on hand. Either way, it’s important to do the research and to find what can help you best do what you’ve set out to do. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to opt for better cameras and pictures in lieu of more pedestrian looks and graphics.
Sometimes A Phone Is Enough
More often than not, your phone’s camera may prove to be enough. I get it, we all want nicer cameras that can take the perfect picture. However, those can come with a steep price. Alternatively, phone cameras these days are more accessible than ever before, and they make it easier to get into photography. It is likely surprising, but a phone can offer high quality photos and an easy way to save them for long-term access.
Printing
Printing your photos can be a tough challenge. Sometimes it’s best to pay for a third party to print your photos out. Honestly, that’s the best case scenario for most individuals who enjoy photography as a hobby. However, it can also be worthwhile to invest in your own printer. Printers for photography can often be incredibly expensive. However, they can also be cheap based on how many pictures you expect from their lifecyle and the total investment they need to bring up and activate properly. Instead of opting for a cheap printer that ultimately fails on you in the near future, it’s usually better to:
- Invest in a cheap printer that is readily accessible.
- Print each photo on a to-order basis so that you only have a physical copy of your top preferences.
Leveling Up Your Camera
Once you get past a certain stage in photography, you may have to update your camera and get a better one. It’s easy to fall into a pattern for what is “normal” or “standard” but you must realize that eventually it’s worth improving what you have. You can’t take a photo of everything you want with a free picture or personal photograph. Even if you could, it could be problematic considering the feelings of individuals. It’s up to you to decide what’s worth it, but most opportunities to level up camera quality have been well worth the efforts. We also want to avoid any last-minute decisions.
Finding Your Subject Matter
Honestly, the hardest part of photography may just be finding your subject material to go over. Finding your subject matter may not be easy, but it’s worth it in the long run. Keep experimenting with it until you find something that jives well with you and gives you a good sense of fulfillment to do. Not everything is perfect, but focusing on the beauty of your surroundings can help you appreciate everything just a little bit more.
Selling Photos To Pay For The Hobby
Sometimes it pays to sell your pictures online. Not everyone wants them, but it can be a good boost that gets you started and helps you get off the ground running.
Conclusion
Remember, enjoying your hobby is just as important as finding your niche inside of it! Sometimes it can be easy to forget what you’re good at or what you enjoy the most. If you have any other tips for getting into photography as a hobby, let us know in the comments!
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