What’s Your Preference?

Jill H · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 02:17 PM

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!

CapnJack · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 02:51 PM

Hi Jill-

To steal a phrase from a large company, "Just do it", especially if you have a digital camera (I assume you do, but most of the techniques in this forum work fine on film camera too).

Look at the "how I took it" or whatever that forum section is named as they describe the technique.

Know you camera(s) and other tools- know what is capable, and not capable, of doing.

But mostly- take lot of pictures, look at the EXIF data since that tells you the camera parameters for the picture, and think how the shot could improve.

Take pictures that please you- everyone's styles are different...and that makes things interesting.

windrider86 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 04:50 PM

The best way to learn, is to never stop learning. Never stop reading and searching out new information. Keep taking courses, join groups and most importantly, keep practicing

harrypalmer044 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 05:35 PM

Have to say I agree with both these excellent bits of advise, just get out there and do it. Play around with the setting, light, composition and just go for it. I am sure you will soon learn what you like and don't like and it will all fall into place for sure. And remember if you ever get stuck you have some wonderful people on here who will always help to put you back on the right track everytime they can. Remember, Have fun and just enjoy it

David.

VegasMike · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 05:56 PM

For me, It is what has been said above. Many years ago I dabbled with a Canon AE-1 35mm camera and remember how discouraged I became after shooting several rolls or 36 and have them return from the developer with maybe 2 or 3 keepers! It got to the point where it was becoming rather expensive. Now I don't mind reading and going out and trying what I've read and be thankful there is a delete file option. When I purchased my dslr less than a year ago I never thought I would be taking the kinds of photos I find myself taking and a lot of that has to do with people here at DPS sharing their work as well as their techniques, and offering up encouragement and advice on different things to try. Hopefully I have moved away from the "snapshot" mode as I continue to learn about exposure, composition, etc. I think here pretty soon I will have to submit my work to the critique section and open myself up to lean some more.

Mike

Jim Bryant · #6 (**permalink**) 11-21-2009, 06:03 PM

PRACTICE, Practice, practice, practice is about the best way to learn. Use advice from reading books, watching videos and tips from teachers and friends and then go out and make pretty pictures. There's no really easy way to learn, but with the various dSLR, PhD (Press here Dummy) camera available...it's much easier to learn these days, if not........just put the damn thing on P (professional mode) and let the camera think for ya.