We’re a few weeks into the new year already and, as usual, many of us have made New Year’s Resolutions. According to Inc, 26% of us are considering taking up a new hobby this year, making it the fifth most popular resolution. If you’re reading this, you’re already interested in photography, and maybe you’ve more than dabbled.

No matter how experienced you are – or not, as the case may be – now is the perfect time to take your photography to the next level. With the right tools, you can unleash your creativity in 2019, and create stunning photography that you can be proud of.

We’ve outlined some important tips and tools that you can use to improve your photography this year.

1. Invest in a Tripod and Know When to Use It

A tripod is an essential piece of gear to have as a photographer. By mounting your camera on a tripod, you’ll be able to use a longer exposure, saving you from standing there perfectly still to get your shot.

This way, you’ll benefit from a faster shutter speed without having to worry about a shaky picture. Obviously, you won’t use the tripod in every situation – such as taking photos in the middle of a busy city street – but it can be useful for landscape photography and shooting other nature scenes.

2. Photoshop & Lightroom Are Your Friends

Photo editing can turn your photo from good to great. By using editing tools such as Photoshop and Lightroom, you can rectify and enhance images that couldn’t quite be captured perfectly at the time. Adobe’s popular programs will allow you to focus more on the moment and less on the minutiae, safe in the knowledge that relatively minor issues like a camera flare or an unwanted object coming into the frame can be edited out.

If you’re new to Photoshop, this course will teach you how to get started. And if you’re using Lightroom Classic to edit your images, the Decoding Lightroom video course is a great place to start.

3. Learn to Use Layers

If you haven’t already, it’s time to introduce yourself to the layers panel in Photoshop. One of the most powerful aspects of Photoshop is the ability to combine various shots to create your ideal image. You’ll be able to work on elements of your photograph without affecting others that you don’t want to change. This powerful tool can help you craft photos as they appear in your mind’s eye.

4. Try Taking Photos at Different Times of the Day

A hallmark of being a great photographer is being able to work in various environments and conditions. If you want to give your photos a bit more of an edge and variety, and push yourself as a photographer, consider taking photos at different points in the day.

Twilight is considered one of the ideal times to shoot. Also known as the blue hour, twilight allows you to capture a unique scene — one where buildings start to light up but you still benefit from natural light. Taking photography at night is also a great way to challenge yourself to adapt to different conditions and increase your versatility as a result.

5. Take Part in Photography Contests

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned photographer or an amateur shutterbug, photography contests are a great way to test your skills and improve. With specific criteria on the subject of entries, photography contests will challenge you to work to a brief and create a stunning result. Try taking part in competitions with subjects that you’ve never shot before. Even if you don’t win the prize, your photography will be better for it.