Photography is the subject that is misconstrued as a hardware-intensive skill with owning a well-costly camera being thought to ensure quality pictures. The truth of the matter is that photography is an art that is based on observing, patience and seeing not technology per se. Most novices pay too much attention to the models of the camera, the lenses, and settings, but forget about the most significant aspect gaining knowledge how to see. Photography awareness will educate the learners that good photographs are made through the knowledge of light, subject location, and timing and not by the cost of equipment. Even the simplest cameras generate strong images when there is an enhancement on observation.

Light is first noticed and then one observes. The direction of light, its intensity, softness, and colour have a dramatic impact on the way in which a photograph feels. Amateurs tend to take shots without considering the source of light and thus end up with two dimensional or brutal shots. Consciousness will motivate the learners to notice the effects of light on objects at various times of the day. The morning and evening light is soft and midday is harsh. The development of photography depends on the development of the eye to perceive the light conditions. Technical skill cannot work much without light awareness.

Learning to see composition naturally is also another way of observation. The arrangement of elements in a frame is known as composition. Without any purpose, many beginners focus everything in the middle and make the images sound dull. Photography awareness trains the learners to observe lines, shapes, patterns, and empty space. Knowledge of the interaction between backgrounds and subjects will help avoid distractions and enhance clarity. Once there is a heightened awareness of composition, there is purposefulness as opposed to the accidental in the photographs. Composing prior to clicking is a significant change in skill.

Observation also involves patience. It is usually impossible to take good photographs without waiting to find the appropriate time. Movement, expressions, gestures and change of lights make storytelling moments. Novices are also prone to hurry-up shots, without emotional appeal. Awareness teaches to slow down, observe the scenes unfold and wait to get in line. Photography is not so mechanical and more thoughtful. Tolerance enhances narration.

Learners also get distracted by equipment obsession and as a result, they do not get to work on fundamental aspects. There are numerous cases where photographers keep on upgrading their cameras after a very short period of time but experience minimal change due to the poor observational capability. The consciousness educates that it is good to master the fundamentals first before upgrading equipments. Knowledge on exposure, framing and light makes growth irrespective of gears. When it is time to buy, the skill is developed at a slower pace, whereas the practice yields the desired changes faster. The cameras are instruments, vision art.

Even without photographing, daily observation practice enhances photography. Visual intelligence is earned with the sight of light on buildings or shadows on the roads, or the reflection on water or the expressions on faces. Consciousness stimulates a mental observation of the scenes before taking photographs. This trains anticipation. The timing of the shot is enhanced by anticipation. Photography is proactive and not reactive.

Observation tools also include mistakes. Reexamination of photos and examination of the reasons as to why the stories failed make the subsequent photos better. Being conscious educates the learners to learn failures without getting frustrated. Bad experience makes one more observant. Development does not occur when an individual is perfect.

Finally, the process of improving photography begins once the learners cease to focus on equipments but on observation. As the eye comes in better, the camera comes in better. The awareness of photography is a good source of visual foundation, which fosters creativity in the long-term. Better perception produces better pictures.