How did you learn?

[baturn]

Reading, TPF mentor program, Camera club, practice and still such a long way to go.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Many different ways.

From an early age I was exposed to the arts through artists coming through my parents' place. I listened and learned.

Then, when there were some really big names around we also had some photogs from the main photo agency in town to shoot the event. And I followed them around, watched them, asked questions, etc.

Eventually I got my first camera and started reading manuals. Back then everything had a manual. The camera, the film, the chemistry, etc. So I set up a small darkroom, shot some film, processed them, printed them, analyzed them, started over again.

When I was 17 I went to work.

But there were many more years of learning in different ways to get where I am today. Actually, I'm still learning.

 

[imagemaker46]

Learned from my father, who told me when my work was good and when it wasn't. I did alot of this darkroom work and learned from what I was printing. I learned from other photographers and shared information with them. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by some of North America's best photojournalists. Working with them I was able to see what they saw, covering the same events and being challenged by what they produced. I still learn from them, although many have moved on to different regions of the world, I still see what they do. I admire their accomplishments as my friends and peers. We learned from each other.

 

[EIngerson]

I ask redundant questions and post useless snapshots for critique while ignoring the C&C.



Just kidding. As many have stated. Read, go shoot and then read some more. Google search and read. All the info is out there, just go get it. Having fun doing it helps too.

 

[sm4him]

Trial and error. And error. And error.

I started when I was about 11 and inherited my grandfather's Brownie (yes, that dates me, lol). I wasn't "learning" then, I was just taking pictures of what I liked. Or so I thought. Truth is, I was often emulating my grandfather's style, and even then beginning to see what worked and what didn't.
Moved up to an instamatic and then a film SLR. But back in the day, there was no internet, no Google, just...Books. I read a lot of 'em. There was also no EXIF data neatly embedded for you to view on the computer, because oh yeah, there were no computers. So, you took your camera and film, notebook and pencil and made laborious entries about every shot you took. Aperture, shutter speed, flash or no flash, what was the weather like, what time of day was it....then you got the film developed, looked at the photos and then at your notes, and decided what had worked and what needed to be adjusted. Then you started the whole process over again.

I love re-learning (and learning more) on a DSLR...it's STILL mostly trial and error for me, but it's so much quicker determining the "error" part!

 

[RyanSands]

Practice, practice, practice...oh did I mention practice?! haha I read a buch of websites online, read some books and taught myself everything I know. The best thing is just get out there and shoot. But not on paying jobs! Please for the love of everything that is holy DO NOT learn no paying gigs. I mean to be honest..we all learn a bit on paying gigs but you should get what I mean haha. But in reality...the best thing I could say is learn to see the light. This for me was the biggest challenge in taking my photography to the next lesson. Learn to see the light for what it is. Especially for photographing people. Just walk around and see how the light is effecting people's faces. Notice the shadows under their eyes...why is that happening? Where is the light source coming from? Notice these things when your out anywhere and everywhere. Seriously its such good practice to just take a moment and realize how the light is hitting a person's face...its actually quite fascinating once you get the hang of it...its almost as if your seeing a world there nobody else notices haha.

 

[raphaelaaron]

reading some, but mostly going out and shooting. a lot.

 

[rub]

How did I learn? Soo soo soo many ways.

I am a self taught photographer. In 3 years I have come a long way. It hasnt been easy, but it has been fun. For anyone who is about to step foot in this world, this would be my advice. Hopefully it can be of some use for you.

=====

1) Practice, with purpose.
Don't just go out and take pictures, but practice skills. Set aside time to focus on specific skills, like controlling your DOF. Freezing your subject. Using the rule of thirds.

2) Read.
Read a basics book. Read your camera manual. Read blogs, websites, tips, tricks etc. Then read it all again.

3) Get Critique.
Find your best work, and let people rip it apart. Try not to get defensive (its HARD) but see it for what it is- your image isnt perfect, despite what your mom, friends, and facebook all say. and then USE THAT FEEDBACK. Above all, this was the biggest reason my work has improved. A good ol reality check will help keep your ego in line and your skills growing.

4) Give Critique.
When you are viewing a thread that is asking for critique, comment on why you like or dislike an image. Practising your critiqing skills can help you develop into a better photographer, as I find the emotional attachment we have with our own images can make it harder to honestly critique our own work.

5) Get Involved.
Joid camera clubs, facebook groups, fundraisers, etc where you can surround yourself with others who also want to learn and share information. Try to give as much as you receive. Participate when you can, and give back what you receive.

6) Grab a roll of film.
A very quick way to work on your composition, and all technical aspects of photography, is with film. You only get that one chance. Grab a notebook and a few rolls of film, and then get out there and shoot. Have the prints developed, and look at where you went wrong. Refer back to your notebook and check your settings with the results. Film is a great way to teach you how to SLOW DOWN and think before you press the button.

7) Take a break.
Although practice practice and more practice is a good thing, its always good to take a few breaks. It's okay to leave the house without your camera. Its okay to just grab the point and shoot while you are on vacation. I found when I had my camera with me, I was always expected to be "on". I missed out on many moments over the past 3 years when I wish I was more present, and less concerned about capturing the moment.

All the best to you!!!
Kristal

 

[laurenivy]

Thank you all so much for your replies! It definitely gives me a good idea on how to begin making steps to improve. Thank you everyone who replied!

 

[IgsEMT]

I started assisting a videographer in mid 90s. Few year later started shooting but needed more excitement so began assisting a photographer. Learned and started shooting. Advantage of assisting many photogs is that I got to learn different styles and slowly incorporating it into mine. When I began shooting I was equipped with basic knowledge as well as "styles" of shooting.

 

[LadyJasmine]

Reading, trial and error, practice, lots of shooting of people willing to be "practice targets"...