What do you think is the best way to learn photography?

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by Preacherman

By making as many mistakes as you possibly can.

My flying instructor suggested learning from others mistakes

I agree with what others have said here, but I have to say getting involved with a good local camera club is a great way to learn.

It seems a bit strange when you all head out into the field to take photographs of the same thing, but when you're starting out, it's a great way to see what composition & settings work and what doesn't work so well.

[SNOOPY]

get involved in a 365...
this means you take a photo every day for 365 days of the year.
I am currently doing one, and its the best thing ever for learning!!

We have a DPS 365 group over at Flickr if you are interested.

[kgb224]

Originally Posted by Jill H

Hi everyone. I am interested to know what you consider is the best way that you have learned, or are learning, about photography and improving your skills and creativity.

I have done a couple of weekend short courses, a couple of online courses, read photography magazines and books, and of course there is DPS and being in contact with a hole bunch of creative and talented people that you would not otherwise be in touch with. I have never done a formal long term photography course or joined a camera club, but I know these are great ways to learn from others. I think being with a group of like minded people in a photography course or club is a great way to learn and be inspired, and perhaps challenges you to do more.

Anyway, I would really be interested in what other people think. And what they have found is the best way for them to learn.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

I am doing distance education photography course and i can teel you they do force you to practice and yes my photography did realy improve.Joining a camera club will also help and yes DPS is a superb website with so many talented photographers sharing advice.

[kgb224]

Originally Posted by SNOOPY

get involved in a 365...
this means you take a photo every day for 365 days of the year.
I am currently doing one, and its the best thing ever for learning!!

We have a DPS 365 group over at Flickr if you are interested.

Thank You Snoopy i will have a look at The 365 Flick R group.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Preacherman

By making as many mistakes as you possibly can. Cheers. PAUL

Aye....a bad photo certainly hurts a lot less than falling off a bike but either way seems to work for me.

As well as getting to grips with camera controls I'd suggest one of key things to learn is to be critical of your own work.

[FoG]

Like anything that is hands on practice practice practice the more you do the more mistakes you make and the better you learn reading is all well and good (and for some things photo is necessity) the more you can confuse yourself.. read a bit aboput a subject practice it till you know what it is how to implement it paractice it then try something new

NEVER be told you cannot do that as there are no set rules (thirds pah a mere guideline) and most of all experiment many will say they emulate so and so but find your own style and embrace it ... good luck

ooh and can you explain what exposure is to me please I keep takling shots of darkness ... what is a lens cover anyway

[Jill H]

thanks everyone for your replies. It has been interesting hearing from you. I guess it really is up to the individual - we all learn differently. I am really interested to hear what works for you.
Thanks!