Top 5 reasons for why Every Artist should own a Camera
There are many reasons why an artist should own a camera. Whether it’s because you’re into photography yourself or need a perfect picture of that pose, there are countless ways that one can be useful. Here are just a few examples:
1. You can take your Own reference photos
Have you ever started a composition and then spent hours on that one, tiny detail? Like, why does that hand look like it just escaped from a maximum-security prison?
You understand the point. You also understand how helpful it is to have a resource where you can store an indefinite amount of references. Say goodbye to not understanding how to bend that arm! Just take a picture and draw.
2. Photography is considered a Fine Art
Though this is not as relational to drawing or painting, it is still just as important. What better way to improve upon one art than by learning another? Fine art is fine art, and photography is a fine art.
By learning photography, you’ll create more opportunities for artistic growth, as well as produce more job openings.
3. Instant Inspiration Opportunities
A classic way of solving the infamous artist’s block is by creating inspiration. If you don’t feel motivated, go outside and take a picture of a daisy. But make it unique. Take the picture with the camera facing towards the sky, so you can see the undermost petals of the daisy. Then go inside and paint it.
You can do this in almost any situation, and the pictures are there to stay, as is your inspiration material. This is especially helpful if you’re taking a trip and see some unique object that you would never be able to remember the details of! If you own a camera, even just a phone camera, you’ll never run into that problem again!
4. Creating Art with Life
Drawing or painting from photographs gives a composition a lifelike feel, similar in the way that gesture drawings give a pose rhythm. By creating art from photographs, you are given the chance to learn the anatomy of the objects you’re drawing, as well as how to create them with aesthetic lines and color.
5. Composition
If you’re a photographer, then you likely already know how important things such as color saturation, depth of field, and the rule of thirds are. These elements are instrumental in the creation of a working composition. Without them, you’re just taking pictures.
Unfortunately, as an artist, you usually don’t learn about those elements until further into your hobby or career. Luckily, the most important part of owning a camera, and mastering photography, is mastering these components.
With that being said, don’t become stressed or anxious over not owning a camera. You can still be an amazing artist without one! A camera is similar to a cheat sheet, it makes the progress a tiny bit easier.
