Man-made artwork is beautiful but can’t compete with pure nature forms. They are way too different to compare, but sometimes they converge and provide awesome product of synergy.

That’s how I think about art including photography.

So, you need a cam and two hands. You can find inspiration being while in progress.

Step 1

You should feel envy (and it’s okay)

There are so many shots that make me jealous.

Not so long ago I swore to myself I’ll be able to do the same stuff. I found great source and learned step-by-step all the theory about what exactly camera is and how it works, how to make a composition, how to apply curves and retouch.

So, I haven’t became a pro but my envy is a bit smaller now.

This is a first step you have to take.

Step 2

You should live right in the middle of nowhere (pro-tip: you can move to)

I’ve been living not-so-far-not-so-close outside of Moscow for 5 years. To get here you could get (take) a suburban train or bus and spend nearly an hour. If you ask me did I have a right to vote where I should live, I’d tell you «no». But I was glad for every time I walked around.

So, bring the cam with you and don't hesitate to make shots. The more, the better. Then check it out and pick up nicest. Train your eyes, practise more.

Step 3

The day you feel enlightenment

One day was nice weather. I decided to go for a walk and shoot (with a cam, not a gun) at things I thought would be nice. And at the moment I captured one little bird above electric wires, I felt I won the prize. I was so excited that I immediately returned to home to see on the laptop screen what exactly I got. I know, it’s pretty subjective, but for me it was two stunning pics, the pics I’m proud of and ain’t shy to send to friends.

Next time I was walking down on the street and saw a car, not after crash, but definitely hit by someone or something. Without wheels with windshield cracked the car appeared so abandoned, but wasn't so. Then I approached to door, and a shadow quickly jumped out of backseat window before I even got the wind up. That was just a cat woken up by my interest.

And last time I met two dogs, they were going side by side. Then I passed by they attached to me. Unfortunately I had nothing to feed them, but I'll fix this before I meet them next.

So, don’t be shy, feedback you receive is a great accelerator to make you productive.

And at one day you’ll be staring at other works not with envy, but with a calm and respect as they inspire you.

Last step

There is no last step in improving your skills, take it as infinite process of perfecting.

When you feel you’re okay at making great pics but have no idea what the Photoshop or Lightroom is, it’s the right time to study. You can find any course on youtube, but here is one source providing basics (http://www.cambridgeincolour.com) I love most for simplicity and clarity. Check it out then the time comes.

To be honest, it’s my first try to type more than paragraph, but I’m following my own advice to practise more -)

Forgive me if I made any grammar mistakes or my sentences look weird as english is non-native for me.

Thanks for reading!