7 Reasons Why Photography Should Be Your New Hobby

Grab a camera and start snapping shots! 📸

College burnout is real. Whether it’s the looming threat of midterms and finals or just grinding through all your schoolwork, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. That’s why it’s necessary to take a break and do something fun, just for yourself, every now and then.

But if you’re wondering what hobby you should pick up to relax, we have the perfect answer: photography. With the help of MPB and their seriously great student discount available at Student Beans, it’s never been easier to pick up a camera and start shooting. Here are the top reasons why photography should be your newest hobby.

1. It’s a great creative outlet.

It’s always a good idea to take some time to step away from your usual grind, regardless of what your college major is. Giving your brain a chance to rest will help you problem-solve and work more efficiently once you hit the books again.

If you’re not in a creative field of study, this gives you the chance to flex your creative muscles and do something a bit out of your wheelhouse. For those who are already pursuing a more artistic path of study, applying your skills in a different (but still innovative) outlet will benefit you immensely by giving you additional inspiration.

2. It’s not as expensive as you think.

One of the biggest barriers people see when it comes to pursuing photography is the cost. While some brand-new, high-end digital SLRs can easily cost over $1000, used cameras cost on average a third less at places like MPB.

And don’t worry, they’ve got all your accessories covered, too. From lenses to even video equipment, you’ll be able to get everything you need while staying in your budget.

3. You’ll create lasting memories.

You know that warm feeling you get in your chest when you look at your favorite photo of you and your friends stuck up on your fridge? Or that cute snapshot of your dog pinned to your bulletin board? That nostalgic feeling of being transported back to such a happy memory is all thanks to the power of photography.

If anything, being able to capture these moments in your life is just plain fun. Even if you’re only learning photography for yourself, it’s worth it to give yourself a memory that will last a lifetime.

4. There’s plenty of free resources available.

If the thought of picking up a digital SLR camera seems a little daunting, don’t worry—the internet is full of free resources devoted to teaching you whatever you might have a question about.

From free tutorials covering the basics to photo editing software, there really is an endless amount of information you can read through to find out how to get started with photography. MPB also has plenty of original content and blog posts covering tips and techniques related to photography.

5. You can be as casual or serious as you like.

The great thing about photography is that it’s easy to pick up but takes a lifetime to master. The best hobbies have a low barrier of entry but allow you to hone your skills over years of practice.

If you just want to grab a basic camera and snap a few shots, you can totally do that. But if you want to get into the more technical side of things (think things like shutter speed and aperture), you can learn about that, too. That’s not to mention all the photo editing software you can use to make your photos really stand out.

6. It helps buff up your resumé.

Plenty of professional fields nowadays expect you to be able to do a little bit of everything. Being able to add basic photography to your resumé is a great way to give it a quick boost.

Even if you aren’t directly using it in the job you’re applying for, employers will be impressed that you took the initiative to teach yourself a new skill. Every skill you can add to your resumé (especially if it’s a fun one) is worth the effort!

7. You’ll learn to live in the moment more.

Of course it’s easy to use your phone to snap pictures of whatever you want, but by pursuing photography with a real deal camera, you’ll be able to disconnect from your screen. Choosing to shoot with a camera is more of a conscious choice than just grabbing your phone.

Seeing the beauty in everyday moments and capturing them as they are is what photography is all about. Regardless of whether you’re shooting just for yourself or to share with others, it’s an entirely different experience than just using your phone.

Save on all your gear at MPB with Student Beans

Take your first photography adventure by visiting your friends at other schools this fall!

This post is a sponsored post in partnership with MPB.