So it's 2018, a new year and you have set new goals or are searching for new ones after accomplishing some. One of those is to dive into the world of photography. Whether it is to start doing it as a hobby or if you are already doing photography. Should I keep doing it? Should I start pursuing it professionally? If so, should I go to school for it? Should I buy more camera gear? What kind of editing software should I use? Lastly and in my opinion, the most important, What are the best back up systems that are right for you. Overwhelming? YES! Yet quite honestly it shouldn't. Remember photography is an art form at its core and although there are rules in the technical aspect. If you know the technical aspect of a camera as well as the basic fundamentals that go into a turning a picture go from a regular picture to a decent photograph then you are all set. When starting and dipping your toes into photography, it may seem like there is so much to do or learn. Especially thanks to social media and picture sharing apps such as Instagram and VSCO. Here we see great photos being shared every single day, photos where the subject is clear, bright, vibrant and colorful. As the background is nice and blurred out, not just out of focus but smooth and nicely toned as well.

Of course, we see on Instagram how some photographers and Instagramers have started to use a film camera and use film to develop, expose and then scan the picture digitally to give it that vintage classic feel to the photo. A nice added touch if you're into that. Another thing you might notice is that most photographers display their gear for a "what's in my bag" photo. A nice piece of information, but do you really need all that gear that can be summed up to $3000 dollars or in some cases even more? The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! You see, we live in an age where you got to sell yourself, sure showing your expensive gear could help you stand out from the rest, but that only shows that you have just that... expensive gear and that's it, by no means does this make you a better photographer.

You see the thing with photography is that anyone can do it, you will get good only if you spend enough time with your camera, and how much you go out and simply take your camera out of your bag and practice taking pictures. That's all that really matters, you see if know how to compose your shot and know where and to get a decent quality of light, then your all set. It's about how you edit, which by the way there is literally an infinity of options to edit a single photo (An edit is never truly done, just put away for later). As for what kind of editing software is good for you? Well, both Lightroom and Photoshop are top the top high-end software out there. But even mobile apps such as Snapseed and VSCO work great.

Now if you're taking it photography more seriously, one thing that is definitely needed is backup systems. By buying good external hard drives and getting extra insurance by getting an online backup service. your avoiding every photographer's worst nightmare, which is to lose all your work permanently. Adding to that is also as important to capture the moment to be shown for the rest of the masses to see and experience.To provoke a feeling, to get people thinking or simply hope for people to enjoy your photo. Trying to share and tell a story on a single or set of photos.

Like Chase Jarvis, a famous commercial photographer said "the best camera, is the one you have with you!". So even if you have a cell phone, what are you waiting for? Take it out and practice! Don't know how to edit? Simply download and open an editing app and just start! Remember guys just start and have fun while doing it! New year right? New you? Well take a risk, enjoy and just start!