5 reasons you should always carry a camera with you.

First off, let me expand on what I mean, before you start saying 'what about my smartphone?' When I say camera I mean smartphones as well. In fact, today's smartphones can have excellent cameras, even better than some compact cameras. Also, a smartphone can be a very good 'camera' because it's likely you will have it on you whenever you step outside. Also, you can install really excellent apps on your smartphone to edit any images taken on it before you upload them to social media such as Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook etc.

So, let's begin with the 5 reasons you should always carry a camera with you:

1. If you don't have it with you you won't be able to take any photos (or video) when an opportunity presents itself. Simple as that, no camera = no photos!
2. So, you have your camera with you. That's great! By purposefully remembering to take your camera with you you are subconsciously reminding yourself to use it. This is especially true of an actual camera because you will be more aware that are you are carrying it. Most cameras are bigger and more bulky than the average smartphone. They might just fit in your pocket but even if they do you will still notice it's there and guess what - you are more likely to use it to actually take pictures. 
3. By having your camera with you and actually using it on a regular basis your photographic skills will increase. You will start to notice things around you and think 'that would make a good photo' and the fact is, the more you use your camera, the better your photos (videos too) will become.
4. Similarly, by taking your camera with you and actually using it you will get to become familiar with it. Yes you can shoot auto and not even understand what a f-stop is or which shutter speed you should use. After a while though you find yourself wanting to understand these things and that's when the fun begins! Once you understand where the controls are and what each of them do you are on the way to becoming a confident and competent photographer.
5. Finally, as you get better at your craft, become more aware of your surroundings and getting a higher success rate, you will find your interest in photography as a whole. If you are like most folk (including me) once this happens you will start wondering if you are actually any good. Avoid the temptation to start comparing yourself to some of the great photographers. After all we are unlikely to become the next David Bailey, Dorothea Lange, Anna-Lou "Annie" Leibovitz or Martin Parr. The point is, don't be put off by the fact that you are not the greatest photographer to ever walk the earth (probably not but only you will know). Instead, look at the work or as many photographers as possible, especially if they are known for what you enjoy most - street photography, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, documentary etc.

So to round this post off I suggest you take a look at the following photographers. They are all known for, at least in part, street photography. I chose them because most of have responsibilities such as a job, family or caring responsibilities. Street photography is one of the most accessible genres to get started in. You don't need lots of equipment (start with your smartphone) like you do in other genres such as fashion or portrait photography. You can also take pictures without having to talk to anyone (but if you are confident you could talk to people and ask them if it's ok to take their photo).

There several approaches to street photography, some of which are very 'in your face' but some of us (me included) prefer the candid approach, in the sense that we try and blend into the background and not be noticed. So here is my recommended starter list of great street photographers with an example of their work.

1. Henri Cartier-Bresson - considered by many to be the father of the candid style of street photography. He is also known for coining the phrase "the decisive moment".

2. Martin Parr. He is a British photographer known for his documentary style images. The image below exemplifies the "decisive moment". Technically it might seem to lack finesse as its tilted, it doesn't follow the 'rule of thirds" and there are distracting elements in the background. However, there is no denying its emotional power and rawness.

3. Susan Meiselas. She is best known for her coverage of the insurrection in Nicaragua and her documentation of human rights issues in Latin America, which were published widely throughout the world.

Hope you feel inspired to take your camera with you. The three photographers I have listed are not just 'street photographers' but you can learn an awful lot from their style of working when it comes to street photography. Even if, at the end of the day, street photography is not your thing, you will, I hope learn something from their work. Try analysing what it is you like (or don't like) about their images and use this to guide you on your own journey in photography.

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