Where to begin

[lyndajean]

Other than always having my camera in hand, what is the best avenue to get real practice? Anything I've read or anyone I've talked to said the best way to gain knowledge and practice is to shoot with other experience photographers.

I've emailed so many photographers and offered to be an "assistant" but never get any responses. I took a PT job as seasonal help at Target Portrait Studio this past Christmas season to see pick up tips but it really seemed to be a waste for me because it's more about sales than photography - and it's really dummy proof so I dont really feel like I'm learning a lot.

I'm not expecting miracles here, but I do feel very passionate about photography and in the course of the next few years I really want to dedicate myself to perfecting the art/skill and eventually do it professionally. I just have no idea where/how to start as I dont seem to have any sort of help or guidance!

Any ideas, tips, suggestions - anything you got, please share!

Thanks
Lynda

[RLucas]

Hey Lynda! Just wanted to say that I know exactly where you stand at the moment. The best advice I can give you is to find photos on the web that really strike you and try to deconstruct them bit by bit. If you have to, get in touch with the photographers who's work you admire, and see if they will explain to you how they took it.

Work on one technical aspect at a time. Try not to overwhelm yourself with everything at once.
If you are having trouble with proper exposure work on nothing but that for a week. Don't worry about anything else until you can get consistant results with that. Then build from there, with dof, framing, and composition. I am not saying not to experiment, but just try to focus on one aspect at a time. Build a solid understanding of each principle, and you can add them all together to get consistant shots.

It's not practice makes perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect,

Kinda vague don't you think?

What is it that you want out of this? Money? Fame? Fortune? A larger gentlemen's area?

~Eric

[SusanH1970]

Pick up the book Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson. It's sort of in a workbook format and he gives "assignments".

[lyndajean]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Kinda vague don't you think?

What is it that you want out of this? Money? Fame? Fortune? A larger gentlemen's area?

~Eric

Well for starters - I don't know what "a larger gentlemen's area" would have to do with anything... gross.

I don't know what more detail you're looking for other than I want to get good enough to eventually go pro.

Originally Posted by lyndajean

Well for starters - I don't know what "a larger gentlemen's area" would have to do with anything... gross.

I don't know what more detail you're looking for other than I want to get good enough to eventually go pro.

Well, to me that's half of the problem. You have no end goal in mind other than money.

~Eric

PS - Besides, who doesn't want a bigger 'situation'?

[lputman]

Are there any camera clubs in your area, or even other type of photography meet-up groups? Post photos for critique, do a 365/52 type of project...

[candidrachel]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Well, to me that's half of the problem. You have no end goal in mind other than money.

Nothing wrong with that afterall if you look after the pennies the pounds look after themselves at least that's what I've always been told.

Susan I have Understanding Exposure but my edition isn't in "workbook format" just a chapter on ISO, chapter on Shutter Speed, a chapter on Aperture etc etc

Which edition do you have?

[lyndajean]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

Well, to me that's half of the problem. You have no end goal in mind other than money.

~Eric

PS - Besides, who doesn't want a bigger 'situation'?

My end goal is not money, I never said money was my goal. Neither is fame or fortuen. I said becoming a professional photographer is my goal; I'd like to get to a place where I can make a living doing something I love, who wouldn't? I know I have the potential & capability I just don't know where/how to start.

Please keep anything to do with yours or anyone eles's 'situation' to yourself.

[lyndajean]

Originally Posted by lputman

Are there any camera clubs in your area, or even other type of photography meet-up groups? Post photos for critique, do a 365/52 type of project...

Can't seem to find any photo clubs/groups... wish I could! Maybe a 365 would be a good idea though... thanks Lori