"Wow, that's a really nice camera, I bet it takes great pictures!"
I can not begin to tell you how much I cannot stand this statement. People have this thought process that if something is expensive that it is amazing. I hate to burst their bubble, but it is only as a good as the person operating it. Sound familiar? Same statement is made about computers.
As a photographer there are a number of ways to learn. Most people think it is all the camera, but believe it or not there is actually a learning curve if you want to take amazing photos. It is not all about the gear, it is all about how you use to the gear to maximize what it can do for you.
I have encountered people who think that you have to go to school to become a photographer. However there are great photographers who never went to college for photography. One of these people is Jim Harmer who is the owner and operator of Improve Photography. He went to school to become a lawyer and fell in love with photography while studying to be a lawyer. This man now sells landscape prints, and is teaching hundreds to thousands of people how to become better photographers daily. I must admit he and all of the others that assist with Improve Photography and all of the podcasts has taught me so much! I can only dream to be able to shoot like them someday! (No he didn't pay me to make that statement either. I really love how he and his team teach!) I also listen to the German photographer Chris Marquardt. Chris caters his podcast to his listeners and answers questions, and talks about the amazing trips he has taken. He is great at explaining things that occurred during his trip and ALWAYS has a teaching point for travel photography. These are a group of people that as far as I am aware never spent a day in college learning photography. Which is an inspiration to me because I know that I do not have to spend my time in a classroom and spending money that I cannot afford to learn my craft. What is even better is these same people who are self taught or have learned from others have podcasts, and websites and classes that they give to people for free or at a very minimal price! Another great place for information is Digital Photography School. Digital Photography School is owned by Darren Rowse. His website began as a blog, and it has grown to so much more. He has guest posters regularly with tons of information and guides, classes, and recommendations for books. Darren also has a podcast that covers things like blogging. One last place that I have learned a lot from are (believe it or not) Facebook groups! I can post pictures and ask for everyone's opinions and suggestions for improvement. 90% of the time I get very helpful responses and encouragement to move forward with my photography. Just remember with something like this though that you are opening yourself up to be criticized by people as well. Sadly I have seen people attacked by others who are either insecure, or do not know how to give help without coming across as rude or hateful. So I highly encourage you to hide your feelings and take nothing personally if you post in a group, remember you are getting opinions and suggestions. Do not let anyone cut your confidence down.
All of these places/people that I have mentioned above supplies all of the information that they can at little to no cost. Which for someone like me is amazing because I just cannot sit in a classroom to learn photography. Not to mention I cannot afford to pay tuition for college to learn my craft. Please do not think that I am down playing the value of a college education. I do believe that this is something that is extremely important! However, for many photography for many is a hobby and either do not have the time or the money to go to college for a hobby. This is the situation that I am in. Now that I have found these sources, I feel it is important to share what I have learned in order to help others! Below are the some links to where I spend my rainy evenings studying and learning how to become a better photographer. Take a look, explore their websites and see what you can learn! If you have places where you are able to get information and have been really happy with what you have learned please share it so I can add it to my list! Happy learning!
*Disclaimer* I in no way shape or form was paid to recommend or advertise all of the websites below. These are websites that I have found on my own or had recommended to me. I am just sharing what I have found in hopes to help each of you learn and grow in the world of photography.
www.improvephotography.com/
www.digital-photography-school.com/
www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com
www.hillacademy.xyz/
Here are a few facebook groups/pages as well.
Tripod podcast listeners
Portrait Sessions Podcast Listeners
Photo Taco Podcast Listeners
Improve Photography Podcast
Tips from the Top Floor
Digital Photography School
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