Interesting... After a lifetime of doing things photographic on my own, I decided to take some courses which allowed me to see where my skill level was relative to others, and to discover that while there were lots of things that I was good at, I also had gaping holes that I was not even aware off (ah, ignorance is bliss). One of the photographers encouraged me to join a local photo club. This club has about 150 members, and while many are beginners and duffers, there is a core of very competent amateurs and even a handful of working professionals. As with any collection of people, there are very helpful ones, jerks, pompous idiots, and superbly talented but humble people. In a relatively short time, you find out whose few, quiet words are better than gold, and whose verbal diarrea is to be avoided as self-aggrandizing blather. There are some who are hyper-competitive, and others who don't care to submit even though their stuff is amazing. I've notice that those who are stingy with their advice are usually relatively low down on their own learning curve, and therefore overvalue their recently-acquired knowledge. Life's too short to allow yourself to get bent out of shape by uncooperative people. But do make sure that those interacting with you also get something back, in thanks, recognition, support, or help in some other area.
