Food for thought!

[Jim Bryant]

Learning photography is easy, there are so many articles, books, blogs, videos, workshops, and schools. Yet, becoming a photographer is a completely different story; it’s a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires knowledge and experience.

[Bruce A]

And it's a long never ending journey, and I feel I've only walked a few yards into it - phew! What I'll add to your wisdom Jim is that if you don't fancy a long trip - don't start.

[Tzetsin]

I'll add one thats been around for a while that I keep firmly in mind every time I think "Jeez, i could do this for a living!"

"The easiest way to make a small fortune in photography is to start with a large one."

An its the God's honest truth.

[Tzetsin]

Learning photography is easy, there are so many articles, books, blogs, videos, workshops, and schools. Yet, becoming a photographer is a completely different story; it’s a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires knowledge and experience.

Its safe to say that after you've read the books, blogs, watched the videos, attended the workshops and schools, and can finally pick up your camera and dial in the exposure for the image you have in mind.... You've finally graduated the BASICS, and are ready to start learning to be a photographer.

[Kayulani]

Well... I just gotta say, for myself, I am REALLY enjoying this journey in my life. I had no idea I would enjoy photography so much. I tend to dive into my hobbys, quilting, cross stitch, painting.. etc. But, this is something that I feel I am putting my art into my images. That is what makes us all unique. Our eye for what we see for everyone else to see. I feel pride, frusteration and encouragement after I look at my practice shots at the end of the day. I see my mistakes and my "wow, I took this!".

I don't want to be a 'photographer', I do it for myself, my family and self esteem. Just me and my camera.

[sk66]

As I write more and more articles on "how to" I am reminded how deceptively simple taking pictures really is. There's SS, ISO, Aperture, and light.....and it's always "the same." You always have to make decisions and manage them, but the considerations are always the same. Being a "creative photographer" is something else. And making a living from it is another animal entirely.

[metallion58]

First, you get a camera.
It's all uphill from there...

[NgaiHill]

Pah! Don't know what you're on about, I've got it all nailed. I'm an awesome photographer. My kids say so

[RichardTaylor]

Steve;
My sons ex girlfriend was doing a design course (art) at a university. They only spent one morning doing the exposure triangle etc. The course was a 4 year full time creative degree.

[SwissJon]

Steve;
My sons ex girlfriend was doing a design course (art) at a university. They only spent one morning doing the exposure triangle etc. The course was a 4 year full time creative degree.

And at the end of it I'll bet she learned to become a really excellent burger vendor.

Seriously though.. I'm loving this journey into photography, and I must be good because last year I took 30,000 photos! In reality however, I'm aware of my limitations and whilst I'd love to do what I currently do with photos for a living, I'm not doing what I need to be doing with photos to make a living, because the bulk of the work of a photographer is incredibly dull, and doesn't involve having a camera in your hand unless you're incredibly lucky, and make enough money to be able to pay someone else to do the dull stuff.

On the other hand.. 5 years time, perhaps I'll change my mind.. But my wife is quite right.. I'm no good at marketing myself.. As an amateur, that's perfectly ok... As a pro, that would be a real disaster..

I think I'll stick to what I currently do for a living, and use photography as an escape..

My dad quit his job to become a professional pilot instructor when he was 38.. He's been a pilot for many years and it seemed like a good idea to turn his hobby into a job.. Only he worked harder, longer hours and so on, than he'd ever worked previously.. in his words..

"Keep your job and your hobby separate.. It's easier that way, you get to go home and put it down at the end of the day".