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How To Become A Pro Photographer With 2014's Most Creative Tech

2014's Best Tech For Wannabe Pro Photographers
Sarah O'Meara
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Purestock via Getty Images

The world of amateur photography is changing rapidly. Every year sees photographic tech get more portable, flexible and user-friendly, perfect for the weekend snapper who wants to indulge their passion without mortgaging (or extending) their home.

In addition, photo editing software and storage solutions are improving and becoming more competitive.

So you don't have to blow a month's salary on top-notch editing tools, or lug around heavy devices in order to store your photos while taking pictures on holiday.

Likewise, photo sharing sites have moved way beyond Flickr (although this is still a great option for sharing and inspiration).

Photography pro-ams can now indulge their love of pictures in cyber space, everywhere from Instagram to critical forums.

Here are our go-to products and websites of 2014 to up your image game...

Best Pro Photographer Tech Of 2014
My Passport Wireless(01 of07)
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For photographers who want to travel light, this is the perfect piece of kit. You can insert your SD card into the built-in SD card reader to either back-up, or ingest and wipe clean, your card. The device can be accessed by USB or wirelessly, and also features FTP functionality to allow wireless-enabled cameras to send photos directly to the drive whilst shooting. It's a great way to manage your photos, without needing to lug around your laptop.Currently available on Amazon for £129.99. (credit:My Passport Wireless)
Satechi Smart Selfie Extension Arm(02 of07)
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If you're a keen photographer that loves the functionality of their smartphone, then 2014 is definitely the year to invest in a high-tech 'selfie stick'. Satechi's version is terrific for turning this amateur obsession into an art form. A single button on the handle takes photos, so there's need for a remote shutter. It's compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, 4 and Samsung Galaxy S5, S4, S3, Note 2, Note 3. Plus you can switch between iOS and Android modes with just one button.While the telescoping monopod allows for easy transport and wide angle when taking pictures.Its extended length of up to 3.1 feet lets you fit plenty of scenery or people into your selfie shot.Available on Amazon for £26. (credit:Satechi)
OneDrive Storage(03 of07)
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Not sure how to handle the increased demands that your photography love makes on your home storage?Well, Microsoft has removed its OneDrive storage limits for Office 365 subscribers. This makes Microsoft a super-competitive alternative to image storage sites such as Dropbox or Google. And if you're already a regular Office user, then you could potentially save yourself money and software headaches by swapping permanently to Microsoft's cloud interface.Find out more here. (credit:Microsoft)
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5(04 of07)
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If you're stuck for a great way to view and organise your photos, then wannabe photographers swear by this latest piece of software from Adobe. You can do everything from sort your pictures using their library to process them into perfection, whether you're working with a top-of-the-range DSLR camera or a camera phone. The Adobe lightroom includes a comprehensive set of advanced tools for tone, contrast, color, and noise reduction.You can also share images via Facebook, and Flickr, or in books, web galleries, prints, and slide shows.Available from Amazon for £99. (credit:Adobe )
HTC One M8(05 of07)
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This innovatively designed smartphone has many photographers putting away their regular cameras for everyday use, and shooting with their phone instead. The camera sucks in light to deliver optimal results, even in low-light conditions. It also has an additional sensor that simulates the effect of having a wide aperture, which is great if you want to make the subjects of your photos really pop. Check out the rest of the best smartphones for 2014, here. (credit:HTC)
Instagram(06 of07)
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If you haven't already, it's time to start following some great photographers.From Dave Yoder, a regularly contributer to National Geographic, to more quirky self-styled amateurs such as Mark Hunter , it'll remind you why you started taking photos in the first place. (credit:Daveyoder/Instagram)
Online Communities(07 of07)
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Don't be afraid of some object feedback. There are now multiple sites for photographers looking to share their work with others. A great place to start is Light Stalking, a site that includes tips and tutorials, online forums and downloadable photography extras.Or if you really want honest feedback, you could try 1X. A site where you can submit your photo and wait for the comments to start rolling in. (credit:Light Stalking)
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