Taking the perfect picture can be frustrating for many people who lack photography skills. Sometimes, you must retake the picture multiple times before you capture the perfect image. Nocebo Bucibo, the Programme Coordinator for Photography at Durban University of Technology, shares tips on how even amateur photographers can snap the ideal picture.
Last year, while speaking to photography students, Bucibo encouraged these budding photographers to embrace both creativity and self- learning to stand out in the competitive photography industry.
“The first thing is your level of creativity and your willingness to attempt to take a picture many times,” Bucibo explained. “I think it starts before you even reach the camera.” She underscored that creativity in photography is deeply personal and subjective. While this can make the creative process feel challenging, Bucibo believes that with consistent effort, anyone can enhance their creative skills and produce exceptional work.
Bucibo also touched on the technical side of photography, highlighting the importance of light as an essential component for photographers. “Photographers are painters of light,” she remarked. “That is what photography is: we paint with light. So, it’s about how you manage, manipulate, and work with light.”
Pictured: Nocebo Bucibo, the Programme Coordinator for Photography at DUT, shares tips on how even amateur photographers can snap the ideal picture.
She emphasised that understanding lighting is an unavoidable aspect for photographers, whether they are working with natural light or artificial sources.
For those starting out, Bucibo recommends using the sun as the primary light source, especially when budget constraints make purchasing studio lighting difficult. “I suggest using sunlight as your first option because sometimes you might not have the equipment or the money to buy a flashlight or studio lights, but the sun is always there,” she said. Bucibo also mentioned the golden hour, which occurs during sunrise and sunset, as an ideal time for capturing photographs due to the soft, golden light.
While highlighting the importance of understanding camera settings, Bucibo acknowledged the technical complexity of photography but encouraged upcoming photographers to invest time in learning key principles. “There is an exposure triangle that we use; you must take the time to understand it because you will be balancing between its elements to get the picture you want,” she shared.
As a final note, Bucibo encouraged students to explore and practice by utilising resources like YouTube tutorials to supplement their learning. She believes that by combining creativity with technical know- how, photographers can successfully navigate the competitive landscape of commercial photography.
Pictured: A Photography student gushes over his pictures with a family member at the 2024 third-year Photography exhibition.
Photography: Nondumiso Sibi
Nkosingiphile Dladla
