Born to Jewish parents, David Nemerov and Gertrude Russek Nemerov, in 1923, Diane Arbus grew up in a wealthy family in New York. The family owned a department store Russek’s, which expanded into women’s fashion. Having studied art, Diane began her creative pursuits in painting. She later met Allan Arbus, her husband to-be, while both working at Russek’s. She was married to Allan at the age of 18, who gifted her with a camera. Diane began dabbling with photography, which evolved into her career for life.

Coming up with the concept is usually the collective work of a team, though the photographer and stylist typically play a larger role. The entire team communicates concepts using a moodboard, which consists of any images relevant to the discussion, including previous magazine covers, brand assets, or past work with a photographer with a similar style. The moodboard can be targeted at a certain fashion magazine, or at a brand’s message behind the collection to be shot. The moodboard also contains images singling out specific parts of the hairdo, makeup and props (if any).

To avoid glare in photographing books, change up the angles and planes in your setup, or use polarising filters and diffusers to modify the light entering the lens. To keep a book open while photographing, fold the book harder, tuck one side beneath the other, or incorporate styling materials and the hand into the frame.

For event photography, it depends on whether you adopt a documentary or interactive approach; for the former, wearing neutral tones is essential in reducing intrusion to the candid moments. For outdoor shoots, pay attention to temperature, sunlight intensity, your working environment and pick clothes that allow you to stay dry and flexible throughout the shoot. For studio shoot, you can go for outfits that has more of your personality and also look professional.

Photography is a fun hobby for many because it speaks to our innermost desire for beauty in this world we live in; the photography process can be very therapeutic to our dull daily routines. Photography does not have to be expensive although it can if you wish. Photography is not hard to pick up because it has something to offer to any skill level; the fact that many photographers are self-taught testifies to this. To start photography, you will need to find inspiration, get a camera, and start clicking. DSLRs are generally a good place to start the hobby.

The easiest way to get there is via MTR, exiting at HKU station, plus 10-15 minutes of walk. You can also get there via trams. To get to the eastern entrance, get off the tram at Hill Road Station; for the western entrance, get off at the station closest to the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool.

In terms of mindset, most photographers agree that it is most important to be patient, passionate, speak up, be present, and stop copying. In terms of techniques, the most important things agreed on include backing up, being always ready, learning manual exposure, master the art of waiting and picking a colour palette.

Here are 5 things to do to improve your photography skills while stuck at home. re-edit old shots, practice styling skills - lifestyle or food, upload your work onto online communities for critique, learn how to set up a home studio and develop photography appreciation skills.

Here is how you can learn photography yourself fast and for free:

1. Learn to shoot on manual mode

2. Watch the behind-the-scenes of photographers you look up to

3. Read photography critiques

4. Answer questions in the photography community

5. Find a mentor