What Do You Want To Learn About Photography In The Next 13 Months
By PNASH
I’m getting a big jump on the end of year posts by diving right into what I believe is an important part of achieving what you want in life; making goals.
Goals give us a sense of direction especially when we are faced with days where our rudder has gone missing and distractions are high. For photography, I try to outline what I want to learn at the beginning of the year as well as other general photo goals. And the goal list does not need to be a static document. It should, in fact, be alive and constantly added to as new techniques and art forms are discovered by you.
I love the collaborative utility of the DPS community and as much as I enjoy writing for it, I also love learning from it. Reading DPS has turned me on to techniques and concepts which had never crossed my mind. The information contained on this site has also help me understand concepts in a different way and for that I am thankful.
Looking ahead to the coming year, what are your goals, photographically speaking, for 2012? We’ll even throw in the month of December, 2011, as a bonus.
To start things off, I would list:
- Learn HDR techniques I’ll actually use. I’ve avoided it for the most part, but come across enough situations when it would be helpful to employ.
- Design and execute concepts with neutral density filters. I have a number of ideas in my head of what I want, now’s the time to get them shot.
- Employ a flash when traveling more often. I know I can pull more character out of certain scenes if I’m using an off-camera flash, but I’ve been hesitant to lug one around.
- Help others improve their photography. This is always on my list and something I earnestly love. Knowledge is more valuable when shared.
- Get my hands on a medium format camera and play. I had one in the days of film, now I’d like to see what the digital world holds for this format.
In the comments section below, please list any photo goals you have for 2012.
Who knows, some might even be turned into DPS blog posts to help you learn!
166 Responses to “What Do You Want To Learn About Photography In The Next 13 Months” - Add Yours
November 30th, 2011 at 5:45 am
I want to learn to use a flash on/off-camera properly. I want to learn more about light and proper exposure.
November 30th, 2011 at 5:47 am
Here’s what I posted on my blog when I shared this post of yours:
Interesting topic!
Since I had already posted something about learning and it being one of the reasons why I like photography, I could add the following off the top of my head:
- Learn how to “paint light” with my flashes as I am still way too much unidimensional in my portraiture;
- Learn more about post-processing using Lightroom;
- Learn how to use filters like neutral density and polarizing ones;
- Expand my ability to teach others the skills that I have acquired.
http://maximegousse.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/what-do-you-want-to-learn-about-photography-in-the-next-13-months/
November 30th, 2011 at 6:23 am
I’d like to become better at shooting portraits and at using PS
November 30th, 2011 at 6:24 am
I want to learn “everything” meaning I am very green, a rookie who knows nothing
I bought a Nikon D3100 just because I thought it would be simple. I was wrong
Maybe you can create a rookie section with a glossary
November 30th, 2011 at 6:25 am
My Photography Goals for 2012 are:
Buy a 50mm fixed focus lens
Buy an external flash
Book 5-10 Portrait Shoots
November 30th, 2011 at 6:46 am
Really want to explore night shots to expand my understanding of lighting and exposure. Also want to learn more aspects of black and white photography
November 30th, 2011 at 7:04 am
On one level, it would be to use polarizers and Grad densities more.
On another level, it would be to improve my Bird-in-Flight tracking and focus skills.
November 30th, 2011 at 7:05 am
How do I take pictures in the snow, expecially when it is below freezing?
November 30th, 2011 at 7:29 am
Two things: 1) learn more about how to shoot better with one or two flash guns, and 2) Want to learn some basic ideas about how to setup and use places like my own website and other social networking sites.
November 30th, 2011 at 8:16 am
I am going to concentrate on food photography and the different aspects of that genre. Also, I will be using only artificial light since I have a rather demanding day job that is not photography related.
November 30th, 2011 at 8:35 am
I’d like to get into some macro photography, and perhaps try out some hdr as well. Also I’d definitely like to explore some more lighting techniques.
November 30th, 2011 at 9:04 am
I’ve got so much to learn in photography that it’s hard to narrow it down, but that being said, it’s probably best to pick only a few areas to focus.
I’d love to get better at using manual focus – I dabble with it, but always go back to the comfort of AF. I’m also very interested in shooting astrophotograpy, but the light pollution in my neck of the woods is pretty terrible so I’ve got to plan a trip to really even practice the technique.
Good luck to you in 2012 with your goals!
November 30th, 2011 at 9:05 am
2012 goals for photography.
1. Get better with OCF by shooting 2 more subjects power week.
2. Practice more with light painting by a couple hours power week.
3. Learn how to get super clear,crisp, sharp photos. Pointers anyone?
4. Make enough money to buy more photography toys!
November 30th, 2011 at 9:08 am
Wow daRN auto spell on these phones!
November 30th, 2011 at 9:29 am
I want to move from amateur to semi-professional….even if it means earning (only) my first £10…
November 30th, 2011 at 9:54 am
I’m beginner using a baby bridge Camera
So my goals is
1. Learn how to use lights
2. Learn how to focus
3. Learn how to shoot Portrait & advertising photos
November 30th, 2011 at 10:27 am
1. Take use Lightroom 3 to an advanced level.
2. Buy a 50mm lens
3. Learn to shoot tack sharp photos
4. Learn who to leave out of the frame
November 30th, 2011 at 11:09 am
1. Learn how to use flash lighting properly
2. Figure out how to manage my images
November 30th, 2011 at 11:50 am
1. Build self-confidence
2. Improve my storytelling through photography
3. Read at least 10 non-photography books
November 30th, 2011 at 11:59 am
My biggest goal is to focus hard on composition. That seems to be my biggest weakness right now.
November 30th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Book more sessions
Find more time for my Passion
Learn to edit propperly aka class!
Any pointers on where to begin?
November 30th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
1. Improve my black and white conversion skills. I’m doing an adequate job now, but I’m afraid adequate is not good enough for me.
2. Learn how to be less afraid of asking strangers for their picture. So far I only have 3 of my 100 pictures of strangers. At the rate I’m going it will take me 10 years to reach that goal -.-
3. Tackle in motion portraits in low light conditions. For that I will need a faster prime lens which I hope to find under the Christmas tree.
November 30th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Without learning the composition and lighting, we just can’t go far.. Therefore, I am still continue learning the composition in quite a creative way, and describe them using the basic composition taught by Michael Freeman.
While concentrating on composition, I put much more focus on lighting, I think I will be learning lighting for the next 13 months.
Once i have grasp the basic of composition and lighting, learning portrait, product, wedding will be on the fly.
At least I believe this is the way to go.
November 30th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
I want to learn how best to add flash to my wildlife photography. I have a Nikon SB-700 and a Better Beamer just not sure how best to use it.
November 30th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Sell $1000 gross.
November 30th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
I would relly like to learn to slow down and look at what is in my viewfinder before I take the shot rather than look at the shot later and notice clutter in the foreground or background, then I may be able to like my photos more than I do now.
I also need to learn better time management and not be so slack when it comes to getting out with my camera.
Another thing I need to do is learn to fully use what I have before buying more gear.
November 30th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Simply and sincerely… LIGHTING, LIGHTING, LIGHTING! Thirteen months of experience would be a wonderland of excitement for me!
November 30th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Study photo journalism especially using B/W. Create ebooks.
November 30th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
I am working through a list too – and blogging about it
November 30th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
“M”
November 30th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
I took note of many points from post and comments… adding mine (few are duplicate though, sorry for spamming)
Buy an external flash (if possible two)
Buy remote trigger
Buys Soft-boxes and Lighting equipment
Experiment and learn Strobist and photography with lights
Start 365 days Project
Shoot Portraits
Publish Photographs regularly on my Facebook Page as well as on Flickr
Learn and experiment high speed flash photography (Splash and balloon burst)
Earn Money (minimal though for motivation) from photography
Shoot a Marriage
November 30th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I first and foremost want to create more opportunities to take pictures!
November 30th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Some of my 2012 goals:
1. Create a self-portrait that I actually like!
2. Explore long exposure night photography.
3. Master how and when to use that white balance thingie.
4. Make a 2012 book ( blurb, or mypublisher? ) of my photo adventures.
November 30th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
1. Print homemade cyanotypes.
2. Shoot medium format film for the first time.
3. Shoot more photos of people. / Work on building up the courage to capture photos of strangers.
4. Become more familiar with photography’s history and photographers of the past.
5. Maybe develop film myself. Haven’t done that since my school days.
Then I’m going to steal this one from Jean-Pierre:
6. Improve my storytelling through photography,
November 30th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Cobi’s Photography goals for the next 13 months are:
1) Watch all the photography tutorials on lynda and Kelbytraining.
2) Imbibe the knowledge I learn and incorporate into the photographs I snap
3) Travel to North India especially Kashmir
4) Try my hand on HDR & also try my hand Wedding photography.
5) Master photoshop
6) Win the young photographer’s award if there is one
November 30th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
1. Improve
2. Actually use my cokin filters
3. Learn more about use of flash and portrait photography
4. Improve macro and make DIY light box for off cam flash
5. Continue to develop software skills (photoshop; flash; dreamweaver)
6. Arrange more meetups with fellow photographers over here in Wellington NZ
7. Learn to live with the lenses I have (whilst continually saving)
November 30th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Must learn a post production! I don’t know what software so I want to get the trial versions and play with them. I cannot take my photography to the next level without this knowledge.
November 30th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Hi
I am pretty good at Landscapes – now I want to be good at People Scapes.
I have shot a number of Models and want to get to Pro Quality…lighting and directing
Getting the connection with he Model is the Key…still trying Hard
Latest effort
http://kerstenbeckphotoart.wordpress.com/2011/11/27/high-key-lighting-part-ii/
November 30th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
HDR and high speed photography
November 30th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
1. Spend more time on streets than 2010
2. Do one exhibition only on concert shots (may be a small one )
3. Doing mor strobist work
November 30th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
I’m quite new to this, but I’d like to learn more about working with light, particularly where say the foreground is dark but the background sky is bright. I’d also like to try and feel comfortable using manual focus, external flashes and tripods.
November 30th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
buy an external flash and extra lens (50mm fixed fucos)
November 30th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I have three wishes: master exposure, composition and lighting.
Same as last your and probably the same as next year
November 30th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
I want to learn about “Painting light” ,trying “Stop motion”, doing effects with light room, learn using flash and control with light in my photo and learn how to focus good in moving subjects like birds
November 30th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
I would like to learn how to HDR, how to use a flash properly, and light painting techniques.
November 30th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Learning to use my Speedlite for good and not evil.
December 1st, 2011 at 1:05 am
I want to learn more about black and white photography, composition, and photoshop tips.
December 1st, 2011 at 1:21 am
I would Like to be able to understand . why when I order Prints my photos lose a arm , head , and so on . I use a canon 7-d – with ef Lenes and it seems to look good on my cmoputer in cs-5and Light room 3 but when I go to place them in Rose program to make a order they get croped HOW DO I STOP THIS . ?
I think learning about Light Metters would be good to .
December 1st, 2011 at 1:38 am
Flash! Flash! Flash!
How to know which scenes that you say “that would be a nice shot” can actually BE a nice shot.. Can they all, or do some things just not translate?
December 1st, 2011 at 2:17 am
To learn more about macro
To learn more about off camera flash
To get some paid work and maybe publication
To grow some guts and start taking more photos in the street.
December 1st, 2011 at 2:25 am
@johnny – my guess is that your file’s aspect ratio is not equal to that of the print you want to print. For example if you’re photo is 4:3 and you want to print a 16:9 print you will be losing the top and bottom of your photo thus the head and legs of any portrait. Make sure your photos are cropped to the print size you want to order before ordering and you’ll be all set
!
December 1st, 2011 at 2:30 am
I would like to get a handle on Histograms and White Balance
Also…How to charge for my work! Tired of giving it away!
December 1st, 2011 at 2:33 am
thank you John . do you know of a web page I can learn more about this ????
December 1st, 2011 at 2:43 am
I think, as I am new to DSLR photography I want to learn about my new camera and learn the basic principles of photography.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:15 am
Master flash photography. Sometimes its really tough!
December 1st, 2011 at 3:35 am
Film. Plain and simple. I want to learn to shoot film and significantly move from digital to film.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:36 am
To improve my street photography on my next years European trip.
December 1st, 2011 at 4:28 am
Use more off camera flash (requires more gear–wireless triggers)
Do more Lego portraiture–haven’t yet tried my telephoto. My Macro filter is absolute rubbish for this.
Get more paid gigs.
Sell some stock photos.
I’d like to try some light painting–I’ve read all the articles, just never actually tried it.
December 1st, 2011 at 4:35 am
printing: best gear options and advices | applying photo effects: Lightroom or PS | filters: when and how to use them | taking photos under low light conditions | how to get sharp pictures most of the time.
December 1st, 2011 at 7:56 am
Balancing getting the shot with enjoying the moment.
December 1st, 2011 at 8:07 am
I’d like to learn about applications to modify images like Grungetastic and Instagram but for regular camera photos. (non-cellphone images)
December 1st, 2011 at 8:09 am
I’d also like extensive education on embedded information in the image file (EXIF), all the fields and what should go in them. Which file extensions carry what data. (jpeg, nef, gif etc.)
December 1st, 2011 at 8:11 am
I’d like a lot more Leica coverage even though I don’t have a Leica in the sense that we learn if it is really worth the expense, and what makes it so special. Also, which are their most recommended lenses.
December 1st, 2011 at 8:14 am
Learn how to use infrared filters
December 1st, 2011 at 9:05 am
“How do I take pictures in the snow, especially when it’s below freezing?”
Quickly.
December 1st, 2011 at 11:39 am
My goal is to learn how to use my new Nikon SB900 Speedlight . Am interested in flash photography and using filters, etc.
December 1st, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I am an amateur trying to take big steps forward. Has someone written a paper on Lightroom – what is it? How does it work? What is the best use of it? Help me fit it in to Photoshop – work together? How do I begin using it? What is the best set up? What do I use it for? Short term use – Longer term use? Thanks.
December 1st, 2011 at 12:56 pm
One of my 2012 goals (wishes) is to get a wide-angle lense for my Nikon D90. Any suggestions?
December 1st, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Macro and close up lens. Different things on what you can do with digital cameras. Making you own website that isn’t expensive
December 1st, 2011 at 2:21 pm
-Really get confident with shooting in manual.
-Go outside my comfort zone of subjects that I have already photographed
-Work on better composition and “feeling” the photo. I want to take photos that capture the senses
-Upgrading my equipment kit with better glass
-ORGANIZE ORGANIZE ORGANIZE!!!!!!!
-Awesome portfolio to showcase my work!
December 1st, 2011 at 3:19 pm
-Learn the basics of iTTL. I’m about to take the plunge into flash territory and I have no idea where to start.
-Learn to see light more in the way my camera does.
-Pay more attention to details in my portrait compositions, such as stray strands of hair, odd objects in the backgrounds, etc. Simplify and exclude.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Also, figure out how to get the really smooth, even skin tones I seem to never be able to produce.
December 1st, 2011 at 3:37 pm
I would like to learn more on how shutter speed, aperture, iso and exposure all work together.
(Oh, and how to use that new external flash my husband has promised me for christmas..lol)
December 1st, 2011 at 4:30 pm
My 2012 goals include:
-Join an online photo group who use a Nikon Coolpix 5700 camera
– Take a basic digital photography course (online or in community)
– Set a weekly image count
-Organize the images I already have
-Learn, shoot, learn and shoot
December 1st, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Goal for the next year:
learn photoshop so it’s a tool, not a hinderance
Master Aperture.
get more experience with portrait photography, and all it entails.
December 1st, 2011 at 7:51 pm
I want to learn more of the ins and outs of my DSLR and get more and more comfortable using it.
AND
I’d love to learn how to do post processing with GIMP in such a way that my photos come out more and more like what I’m actually seeing.
December 1st, 2011 at 10:55 pm
1) learn how to use both Lr and Ps
2) ask to shoot the people I wish to shoot
3) develop the concepts of the pictures in my head
4) get better with lighting
5) keep shooting
December 1st, 2011 at 11:54 pm
For 2012:
5) become proficient at long exposure daylight photography with use of ND filters.
6) study and understand in depth minimalist photography
3) get better at winter photography (I don’t see many good ideas anywhere)
4) continue with my 15 minute daily challenge where I try to get out for at least 15 minutes per day to shoot
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:19 am
Would liabout white balanceke to learn more
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:20 am
white balance
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:17 am
I’d love to hear more about natural lighting for portraits!
I love everything you guys post though.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:21 am
1. Learn to be more efficient with Capture One Pro processing.
2. Improve flash photography.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:21 am
I want to about how ot read Histogram & photoshop techniques
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:23 am
1) Learn how to use my new 5D Mark II!
2) Learn more about flash photography for indoor shooting.
3) Learn more about infrared photography.
4) Take an awesome trip somewhere where I can incorporate goals 1-3!
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:26 am
I want to know about how ot read Histogram & photoshop techniques,also wild life & bird photography
Regards
Nitin Bhide
Pune (Maharashtra)
India
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:26 am
I want to learn more on how to take pictures at night and also learn how to use the flash…
Also want to learn about LIGHT…tnx apprct.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:38 am
to really see
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:49 am
I’m new to DSLR. My pictures when printed are too defined. I want to know if I should ‘dumb’ it down so my pictures turn out better.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:50 am
Buy an external flash, buy a wide angle lens, get more creative with my shots
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:52 am
1. Become involved in the photography community (outside of the internet) to learn/share ideas and skills. 2. Take classes from professionals with something to offer aside from the basic entry level skill sets. 3. Become a participant in online photo sharing sessions or contests. 4. Elevate my confidence, stop making excuses because “I’m not a professional photographer”. 5. Start saying “Thank You” when my work is complimented. 6. AND, Create a calling card noting my PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:53 am
Sell a photograph.
Get better at people portraits.
Get my lazy butt out of bed and take pictures in the morning more often.
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:54 am
I want to improve my photos. I have a NIKON D90 18-200mm and 35mm 1.8f and a 75-300mm TAMRON.
accessory a tripod, polaroid and UV filters, L358 Seconic and WB expodisc.
I like to add a 10-18mm lens for my travel. NIKON is way out of my price for an amateur, would like a good on for half or less the price.
Your suggestions are perfect. How to focus, night shooting using low shutter speed, full midday bright light, cold snowy, windy, overcast, foggy or smoggy and raining weather.
Aperture 3 techniques editing
December 2nd, 2011 at 3:55 am
i’d LOVE to get better at keying in on subject’s eyes when shooting portraits. this is probably a technical issue on my behalf, but, when i shoot, i pay particular attention to get the focus points on the subjects eyes. then when i review the photos in post, some of the eyes are soft, and other parts of the image are in focus. kind of discouraging and annoying all at once. i’ve lost some good shots because of this
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:02 am
I just bought a LF camera, so:
- I want to learn the use of movements
- I plan to “focus” on calm and thoughtful composition
- I want to experiment with film scanning (something I always loathed)
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:04 am
Indoor gym sports photography, especially volleyball. Pulling together the color (use of white balance to reduce the yellow in most gyms), depth of field, lens selection, court positioning and balancing stop action and low light.
The basics of how aperture, fstops and ISO work together or not – in English, for those of us who have taken pics for years but are never really sure why the good ones work and/or how to recreate the effect when they do.
Pet pics
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:17 am
Learn, learn. I’m new to digital photography and cameras that can do so much pre- photo mods.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:19 am
My goal for 2012 is to learn all about lighting.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:20 am
I want to work on my off camera lighting technique.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:22 am
1) Become more intentional about using my camera every day. I can’t get better if I don’t keep trying.
2) Learn more about post processing.
3) Photography classes at the tech center this summer.
4) Remember to “see” photo opportunities wherever I am.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:23 am
Learning how to shoot in low light and nighttime would be my goal for 2012.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:59 am
I would like to improve on my Astrophotography with my Sony a390 dslr and telescope.
December 2nd, 2011 at 5:13 am
I want to learn to learn to take the best photos of Canada geese; I spend a lot of time with this city’s permanent resident geese and get some good photos when the light is good and they’re standing still but I want to get them when they’re moving and flying. I have the best opportunities anyone could wish for because these birds know me and are very comfortable around me and my camera, but I want to get lots of beautiful flying photos. This summer I went from a film Pentax to the Pentax K5 and all the adjusting and menus etc drive me crazy; I’m not technically minded so it’s very frustrating; when I see them flying I get so flustered I usually just resort to autofocus but I know this camera can do a lot better than that if I learn to use it!
December 2nd, 2011 at 5:54 am
I would like to spend more time reading Photography books, both technique and pictorial based. I would also like to improve my workflow methods and categorise my photos in a more logical and practical way.
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:01 am
Tips and tricks for photographing animals to get the best shots to help re-home our charges.
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:07 am
Need to learn how to photograph Jewelry, especially Sterling Silver. I always get glare and sometimes teh silver looks gold. I find it very difficult. I Have a decent DSLR camera (Nikon) and a self built light box but can never seem to get the lighting right.
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:23 am
I would like to learn more about sports photography and specifically how to do that in low light. Thanks
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:27 am
Number 1,2, and 3…. Exposure and exposure compensation. Bedevils me to no end.
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:52 am
These lists are so inspiring! Mine:
1. Start a 365 Project 1 Jan 2012
2. Take some more online photography classes
3. Faithfully record photos on my blog and through photobucket
4. Build confidence
5. Ask the owner of a local restaurant if I might exhibit some of my photos of our pretty little beach town. (I cringe and become a little freaked-out when I think about doing this.)
6. Be an assiduous student of composition.
7. Chase the light.
December 2nd, 2011 at 7:31 am
I love that you are seriously interested in helping others with their photography. This industry is interesting in that there seems to be such polarity in wanting to help other photographers. Personally, I think helping others only makes the craft better.
I have really set goals for myself for the new year, but this article made me really think seriously about setting some solid ones for myself. I know that I want to keep collecting images for projects that I’m doing so that I can create different books for myself via Shutterfly or Kodak. I also want to upgrade my camera and hone my overall knowledge of different photography techniques.
December 2nd, 2011 at 7:50 am
I want to learn how to use Photoshop, a course to take, or an instruction book, etc.
December 2nd, 2011 at 7:56 am
I would like to start learning how to charge for my photography sessions, do a photography course, and learn how to use photoshop better!
December 2nd, 2011 at 8:44 am
Good the read I am not the only one with a huge ambitious ’2012 to improve’ list…
I need to think where to start – as I need to work on
A. my photography skills (really know what I am doing in all light situations & what technie camara/flash settings to use
B. Work on a consistent portfolio / think in themes and make time to go and get the images….
C. Post processing – LR I kinda master now, but need to master Photoshop & make collages and ways to professionally present my work
D. Market – firstly get a REAL website and quit with the ‘complementary’ photoshoots…. Hm, maybe that’s for 2013 ; )
Pffffffff – however, I’ve seen reactions with more points on their lists. So this should be doable – LOL!
December 2nd, 2011 at 8:45 am
I want to learn how to shoot infrared that compares to infrared film. So far what I’ve seen doesn’t even compare.
December 2nd, 2011 at 10:31 am
I would love to learn how to take portraits with our kit lens cheap lighting instead of all the posts that you think will help you. Then you check the post only to find, you need to buy this lens or that lens, you need to buy lights that will cost you lots of money and light up an airport runway.
Just my 2cents…
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:15 am
“Help others improve their photography….”
Thinking back on the odd occasion for this opportunity, I recall that the benefit is a two way street especially if you are fortunate enough to coach someone who is not pigeon holed or paralyzed with fear of photography or fixated on the equipment. What can and usually does happen is that the teacher is taught and stands amazed thinking, “now why didn’t I think of that idea/concept”, or “wish I’d thought of using that angle or viewpoint”.
Even during my days of film, I’ve been fairly quick to get the shots and move on, so now with the the digitally reduced incentive to slow down and conserve film and cost, I’m trying to get more involved with the subject, hence;
1) help others
2) slow down
with a bonuses of,
3) become proficient with LR
4) find a market place for my photography.
Cheerz Brad
PS for those who mentioned the desire for a reasonably priced WA lens, consider the Tokina 11-16 f2.8, but only if prepared to use it as it will add weight to your kit.
PPS @jeff
“some of the eyes are soft, and other parts of the image are in focus.”
Sounds like a depth of field problem where the eyes are not on the same focal plane and if so, try focusing half way between the eyes using f5.6 or smaller with longer shutter speeds to compensate. Let us know if this helps.
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:56 am
Just bought version 5 of the Camera Axe (www.cameraaxe.com), so I want to learn more about high-speed photography. More specifically, water drops, bursting balloons or similar sound based captures, possibly ballistics.
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:58 am
portrait photography – natural light and studio and getting over my own awkwardness in working with the individual
better use of my flash
December 2nd, 2011 at 12:24 pm
How to use a Canon Speedlite flash.
December 2nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Larry said: “One of my 2012 goals (wishes) is to get a wide-angle lense for my Nikon D90. Any suggestions?”
I have the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6D EX DC HSM Autofocus Zoom, which I bought for my D80 and am now using with my D7000, and love it! $479 at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381611-REG/Sigma_201306_10_20mm_f_4_5_6D_EX_DC.html
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I want to lean to pose poeple in the Wedding, thing like creative shots.
How to clean my canon DSLR
Which light to have in wedding photography
December 2nd, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Choice of lens for different purposes. I find my photographs aren’t sharp.I am using a Nikon D90 with the standard 18-105 and a non-vr 7-300 lenses.
December 2nd, 2011 at 4:02 pm
I want to learn more about Port indoor shooting, portrait photography, self-portrait, long exposure night photography.
December 2nd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Shifting to a DSLR from my compact camera and explore more in photography.
December 2nd, 2011 at 7:33 pm
My goal for 2012 is to expand my business just enough so I can finally quit my day job and do Photography
December 2nd, 2011 at 8:16 pm
I’d like to learn how to get the most out of fast lenses. Also about remotes.
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:55 pm
sell enough stock photography to buy a Canon 70-200 f/2.8L USM II lens.
December 3rd, 2011 at 12:04 am
Wow! Reading everyone’s thoughts really inspires me. I have such a low goal, but given my work-life balance I have to set something more realistic.
1. Transition fully to Lightroom 3 and make it sing! (from ACDSee Pro)
2. Process 10-20 pictures a week and get prints to the family for their scrapbooks.
3. Make a book of what I like most from my pictures from the year with notes of why I like those photos best and print it via some online book service. (recommendations?)
4. See more of the world through my lens’.
5. Take some wedding photos. (Recently saw some inspiring photos from a wedding. I do love weddings.)
Thanks for reading my goals. Thanks more for sharing yours. JP
December 3rd, 2011 at 2:23 am
Medium format? Film? Careful, slippery slope here. You might be seduced by the incredible charms of film and scanning with its depth and quality. Once “hooked” you too may agonize over the resultant impact of this powerful combination vs. the ease of digital. I’ll be interested in reading of your experiments.
December 3rd, 2011 at 3:12 am
I’m a novice looking for tips on camera settings such as shutter, contrast, ISO, resolution. Also working on collage, any tips?
December 3rd, 2011 at 4:01 am
I would love yo learn how to apply oil painting, water colot, etc to a photograph prints.
December 3rd, 2011 at 4:06 am
Less anxiety/shyness with shooting with70-200/vrII
Improve skills at shooting in low light, including night photography
Shoot with composition in mind, patiently
Continue 2011 skill building of honing WB skills
December 3rd, 2011 at 4:25 am
I would like to learn HDR.
Learn to use my circular polarizer better and purchase some neutral-density filters.
Learn Photoshop more in depth than how I am currently using it.
Buy the Nikon 85mm and take macro shots.
Take a photography workshop (I have already paid for this, just need to schedule) and learn all I can from these professionals in one day.
Lofty goals!
December 3rd, 2011 at 5:43 am
Portraits, Portraits, Portraits!
Already bought my super fast BOKEH 50mm lens (S-M-C Takumar 50mm 1.4 and m42 adaptor)
Off camera flash next on my list.
December 3rd, 2011 at 6:55 am
want to learn photography specially want to learn indoor/flash photography
want to buy some goooood camera/lens
want peace in the world
December 3rd, 2011 at 8:35 am
I want to learn take picture a child
December 3rd, 2011 at 8:40 am
* Flash and lighting techniques
* Portrait work and how to capture the emotion of the moment
* Night sky photography
December 3rd, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Learn photoshop
Better composition
More manual mode shooting
Make time for more photography outings
Buy and learn to use a DSLR
December 3rd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Explore post processing techniques
I shy away from pulling put a camera in the middle of a crowd.. Be confident and do what I enjoy..
Move from random shots to practiced shot – learn what is the best way to take a particular shot, experiment until this comes naturally…
December 4th, 2011 at 1:53 am
learning simple ways of better lighting
December 4th, 2011 at 2:37 am
*How about us who have iMac programs( Aperture/iPhoto).
*How about Camera maintenace. ( shutter, reflector, lens cleaners )
*Trouble shooting.
* Buying the right equip for your needs (small budgets)
* The latest programes on the market.
*Copyright- How to cover ur as_.
December 4th, 2011 at 3:19 am
1. Buy a DSLR.
2. Make more time for photography
3. Learn more Photography, Learn learn learn….
December 4th, 2011 at 4:19 am
Do better astrophotography using a telescope
Better Lunar / solar eclipse photography
Better “birds in action” pictures
Bird photography using digiscope
Learn to use flash better
December 4th, 2011 at 5:04 am
@kenard:
What do you want to learn about the Mac Apps? Are you using iPhoto or Aperture?
For myself, I use iphot extensively, and am slowly diving into Aperture.
Aperture does have the ability to put a watermark on you photos but you also need Photo shop, or at least, the psd files for your watermark.
Regarding copywriter matters, I found this to be an excellent blog: http://www.photoattorney.com/
December 4th, 2011 at 5:42 am
I’d lile to learn about jewel photography, specially the use of contrasts, white balance and the use of light box.
December 4th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
There is so much to learn when you are new. I would like to know more about blurring background with just a starter kit lens and camera. Seems difficult if your aperture only goes to 5.6. Can it be done or is a different lens needed?
December 4th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
I guess I have now moved to photograpying flowers, plants and trees, and would enjoy learning more about this area, as well as the marco and the process side of Lightroom 3
December 4th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
I wanna learn how to do magnetic field photography.
December 5th, 2011 at 6:07 am
My first goal isn’t actually to learn anything per se…my first goal is simply to shoot more! I totally lost my motivation in 2011 due to the loss of a loved one to suicide. I need to get my motivation for photography and life back in 2012
I want to learn to compose my shots better…not so tight so as to not lose so much area in post production, cropping and printing.
I want to have at least one photograph published in some sort of official media outlet before the end of the year….even if it is just my local news paper…I WANT A “”photo courtesy of debb”" this year!!
December 5th, 2011 at 6:12 am
I’m having the hardest time trying to figure out how the aperture, shutter speed and ISO relate to each other in making a photograph come out right everytime. Most of the time they come out dark or too light and other times they come out ok.
December 5th, 2011 at 11:15 am
It would be interesting to learn how to work with shift and tils lenses like Canon the Canon’s or Nikon’s
December 5th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
I want to learn about the diffent posing in wedding and debut.
December 6th, 2011 at 6:40 am
@ debbie shelton — blurring the background is a function of focal length to aperture size and distance to background. Thus it is much easier to do with very fast glass (lenses with small f/ stop numbers like f/1.8 or f/2.8) however you can get there with f/5.6 depending on the focal length and the distance to background. The way to test this and learn more is to shoot a subject with your lens that has a definite background and reposition your set up closer and further away from the background. For instance, I have a park nearby that has large mowed fields with “walls of green” at the edges of the mowed areas. I might start with my lens at 55mm on the Av mode set as wide an aperture as possible (lowest number possible) say f/5.6 and position a person ten feet in front of the background and take a shot. Now move the whole set up away from the background another ten feet but be sure to keep the same distance from subject and camera and the same aperture setting of f/5.6. The only change in the set up is distance from subject to background. Keep repeating this until the blur is what you want. Now you have a sense of what your lens is capable of and can have a guideline of the set up you need for future shots. When you find that you cannot get the shots you want due to lack of space, you will need faster lenses as they will reduce the need for distance from subject to background. The background will blur much faster with f/2.8 than with f/5.6 in the previous testing set up.
PS my goal for 2012 is to get a good tripod with a gimbal head and learn to use it for tracking birds in flight.
December 6th, 2011 at 11:41 am
Get out and shoot! I’ve learned all the basics +. Have a good camera (Nikon D7000), good lenses and managed to burn myself out trying to learn to do the best photography. Now I need motivation to shoot for myself, doing the best I can do for myself. I want to enjoy photography again – not feel like I have to get out and shoot because I’ve spent the money. I’m a nature/outdoor photographer and live in a beautiful part of the country – Michigan. If I can find a photog buddy, I’d be dangerous!
December 6th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Could you do something to help me with my night photography? I don’t mean night portraits, I mean photographs of lighted things or light-producing things (Christmas lights, building interiors seen from outside…).
December 6th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
To master or find just how far i can go with a canon rebel xs with kit optics.
December 6th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
*I would like to learn how to get consistently good shots. Including lighting and focus.
*Save enough money to buy a DSLR. I have a Canon PowerShot that I like, but I want to upgrade. I can’t decide if I should go for a Canon, which I am used to, or get a Sony so I can use my SLR lenses I used with my Minolta X-700 when I shot film. I have a 50mm and a 70-200 zoom lens.
*Start a photography club in my small town so that we can help and learn from each other and improve our photography. This is something I have been thinking about for quite a while. Any suggestions?
*Sell some of my photography as fine prints. Also hard to do in a very small town.
*Get better at taking stock photos so I have more to upload and (hopefully) sell.
I really enjoy this web site. It has lots of great information for all levels. Thank You!
December 7th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I want to learn about photography management from start to end
December 7th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I want to learn about management of photographiy from start to end
December 7th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I want to learn about management of photography from start to end
December 8th, 2011 at 4:47 am
My mains interests right now are:
1. Composition.
2. Lighting.
3. Editing (photoshop)
4. Event phorotgraphy.
December 8th, 2011 at 4:48 am
Night photography is a big one too!! objects lit at night AND lights themselves at night!!
December 11th, 2011 at 10:16 am
I would like to learn how to do food photography using a Digital Photo Box WITHOUT buying hot lights or studio flash.
December 12th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I’d like :
- To buy and external flash for my Canon 7d,
- To learn how to use correctly the flash
- Create the layout and print my business cards
- Create a nice website / portfolio
For 2012, it’s quite a lot…
December 27th, 2011 at 12:54 am
what about long exposure photography, i want to learn long exposure photography both black and whit and color and its technique. Thank you
January 4th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
- Learn how and when to use HDR.
- Help beginners. I always believed in by helping you, I am improving myself too.
- Learn to use filters more and do PP less.
- Improve my Night photography and Urban Landscape photography skills.
- Visit dPs forums more because the Critique section rocks!
January 15th, 2012 at 2:00 am
Improve natural light portraiture, particularly the dramatic B&W ones
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