I was recently asked by my sister in law who is just branching out in photography, “How did you learn what you know about photography? Was it school or doing your own research?” After gladly and openly discussing with her about my experiences and learning techniques from starting out, it made me think…, “How come I never asked other photographers those questions in my earlier years?” I guess I assumed no other professional photographer would want to give away their secrets, or they were too busy to answer some newbie’s silly questions. When I started out, I would look up to some great, established photographers in my area and just assume they were always that good. I would see their amazing art and think… “wow…I wish I could do something like that, I bet it comes easy to them!” I never thought, while idolizing their work, that at some point they were once in my shoes too.
EVERYONE STARTS SOMEWHERE. Architects didn’t start out their job knowing how to build a building. They went to school to learn. Professional Basketball players didn’t know how to swish a three pointer the first time they picked up a ball. They practiced and practiced until they got it just right. You remember that scene from Space Jam where Michael Jordan as a kid would be practicing late at night? See! Everyone started somewhere! Using Photoshop and Lightroom for the first time was a struggle! For me, learning Lightroom was such a headache! I wanted to give up so bad. Back in high school, I didn’t know the difference between ISO and your F-stop. I didn’t know about how composition and lighting can really make a photo stand above the rest. How I learned was the teacher showing us in class, reading books, and by trial and error. Going out there and shooting everything I could get my hands on…that’s how I learned the basics. You have to put yourself out there…and fail! You learn SO much more by trying and failing, than not trying at all.
To this day, I’m still learning! I’m still working and practicing off camera flash, I still have problems using Photoshop for certain things, and I’m brand spanking new to blogging…so I’m learning as I go as well!
Now, my learning strategies are pretty much the same, with a little change as the years went on. Here are some of the ways I continue my education in this huge world of photography –side note…not everyone learns the same. I’m just saying this is how I teach myself today-
1) Google- Plain and simple. 99% of my post processing happens in Lightroom. So, when I need to go into Photoshop for a certain tweak, sometimes I have trouble. That simple saying, “I’ll google it!” Very simple, but very effective. Some results will even show videos and demonstrations!
2) You-Tube- Speaking of videos, YouTube has TONS of resources for all the questions you might have. I just recently YouTube “how to back button focus” (Gasp! I know! I still do manual and auto focus!) See, I’m always learning!”
3) Blogs- From fundamentals, lighting, camera equipment, and the business side, there are so many blog posts out there with tips and tricks. I love reading Jasmine Star’s blog. She has so many great posts and videos that can help along your journey.
4) Workshops- I’ve attended two workshops this year, and they definitely were beneficial! Not only did I meet some great and talented photographers in my area, I learned a lot about how others work as well. Sarah Houston Photography’s workshop back in February really pushed that blogging can be very important and helpful in your photography business. I didn’t really know how important a blog can be until talking with her and other talented photographers who experienced great things with theirs.
5) Books- I have this one book “Best Business Practices for Photographer” by John Harrington, Second Edition. It has so much information on starting your own business, accounting, pricing, etc. All the business side of my passion, this book helped a lot. Motivational and inspiring books such as #Bossgirl by Sophia Amoruso was a great read too!
6) Lastly- Trial and error! Practice, practice, practice. Practice with your friends, spouse, or family! Go on nature walks, go on an adventure, and just shoot. After all the YouTube videos, blog posts, and books read, nothing will ever happen if you don’t pick up your camera. I love sun flare, if I could get it in my images I would. The way I learned (and still learning!) how to get it just right is simply by shooting and practicing.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re feeling out of place, not good enough, or frustrated. Today, a lot of things have changed in the community world of photography. It is no longer “fending for yourself”. The Community over Competition movement has really lifted and changed the way we as artists and creatives help each other out. Photographers from all over are genuinely supportive of one another. I LOVE helping people, and if you have any questions, need feedback, or just need support, I am here for you!
Every pro was once an amateur. Every expert was once a beginner. So dream big and start now.
