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07/13/2006 09:26:47 AM · #1 |
What's the best approach for someone relatively new to the hobby (like myself) who wants to develop and possibly work towards a part-time (or full-time if things turn out great) business? Aside from shooting as much as possible and experimenting, finding my niche and style, etc, should I be taking any classes? Workshops? Find a shooting buddy? I feel like if I go into it completely blind that I'll learn bad habits, or stiffle my learning curve. I'm very methodical when I do things and would like a more strict development path as I enter the hobby and hone my craft.
Everyone ususally says to just go out and keep shooting, but I feel like I'll always be two steps behind if I never have any formal training or an art-school education.
I'm in the northern NJ/NYC area, so I would think that classes, workshops, etc. are abundant in this area, no?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts and guidance...
-mike
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07/13/2006 09:31:35 AM · #2 |
To be honest, I think you have to have an eye for composition and what makes a good shot. That is something that is very hard to learn if it is not natural!
As for formal Training - Just hang around here for a while - You'll pick it up!
However, there is no substitute for going out and shooting - lots! Trying out all of the different settings on your camera is probably the quickest way to understand what it is all about. When you come across something you don't understand - GOOGLE is your friend! |
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07/13/2006 09:40:33 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by pix-al:
To be honest, I think you have to have an eye for composition and what makes a good shot. That is something that is very hard to learn if it is not natural!
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It may not be easy, but you can "train" your eye, if that makes sense. I do not believe people are born with an eye for photography, I believe those who are talented are talented because they have trained hard and they have taught themselves how to see things a bit differently. It, of course, comes easier to some and not so easy to others.
June
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07/13/2006 09:42:30 AM · #4 |
If you have the time and money take a least one introductory photography class. If this works out take more.
Personal, face-to-face feedback that you get in classes from experienced photographers and other students is critical for development. |
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07/13/2006 09:45:26 AM · #5 |
I would say smoke alot of crack, ignore anything any one tells you and if possible be rude and over critical to any ofther photographers
Oh don't forget to only pic up your camera when after you droped it
(sorry i am bored)
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07/13/2006 10:12:27 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by Chiqui:
Originally posted by pix-al:
To be honest, I think you have to have an eye for composition and what makes a good shot. That is something that is very hard to learn if it is not natural!
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It may not be easy, but you can "train" your eye, if that makes sense. I do not believe people are born with an eye for photography, I believe those who are talented are talented because they have trained hard and they have taught themselves how to see things a bit differently. It, of course, comes easier to some and not so easy to others.
June |
Understood. I'll say this much... I've always had an interest and appreciation for photography and art in general. Now that i'm getting more into it as a hobby, i find myself looking at everything, trying to compose shots in my mind (i.e. when i'm walking to work, out and about in town, etc.). I feel like I've got the creative juices in me, but I need to develop the craft so I can express things as my mind sees things.
Time to go out and shoot more often. I don't think i put enough time into things now, so that's probably the best place to start.
Thanks again... |
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07/13/2006 10:12:33 AM · #7 |
Look at a lot of photos and figure out what you like and don't like, and determine what you want to do. This is a good place to do that, do a lot of voting and commenting. This is a missed step by a lot of people. how can you get good at something if you don't define what you consider good?
Take a lot of photos. Try to re-create photos from others that you really like. Try to create your own ideas. Don't give up if it's not turning out how you want it too. Slowly you'll learn what works, what doesn't, and when to do what. And most importantly, when you run into a road block, come here and ask questions!
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07/13/2006 10:14:48 AM · #8 |
1-Take pictures
2-Study camera basics - Shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, focal length, etc.
3-Take pictures experimenting with all the different settings
4-Study basic photography - Composition, content, lighting, perspective, etc.
5-Take pictures experimenting with each
6-Study image post processing
7-Take pictures then experiment with image post processing techniques
8-Study photographers and their works
9-Take pictures emulating ones you like
10-Participate in DPC Challenges
11-Take pictures, process and enter them
Lastly,
Take lots of pictures as you study and learn
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07/13/2006 10:20:53 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by stdavidson:
1-Take pictures
2-Study camera basics - Shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, focal length, etc.
3-Take pictures experimenting with all the different settings
4-Study basic photography - Composition, content, lighting, perspective, etc.
5-Take pictures experimenting with each
6-Study image post processing
7-Take pictures then experiment with image post processing techniques
8-Study photographers and their works
9-Take pictures emulating ones you like
10-Participate in DPC Challenges
11-Take pictures, process and enter them
Lastly,
Take lots of pictures as you study and learn |
so......... do I need to take a lot of pictures? haha.
thanks |
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07/13/2006 12:59:41 PM · #10 |
| If you're looking for a formal education in photography from an established college or university leading to a degree I can recommend two near you, although I have not taken any classes with either. Sullivan County Community College offers an associates degree in photography and New Paltz University has both bachelors and masters programs in photography. Both schools are part of the SUNY system of NY State and are geared towards fine arts photography that require art and drawing classes, as well as, the usual photography courses. The SCCC associates program is also geared a little more towards commercial photography, as far as I can tell. Bear in mind that both programs are not strictly digital but require basic film/darkroom instruction. The NP program offers a really good digital printmaking course and even if you do not enter either school, you are able to take individual courses non-matriculated, which may be the way to go for you if you don't give a hoot about the degree. |
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07/13/2006 01:11:43 PM · #11 |
I was browsing profiles the other day and noticed Jodie Coston offers a free 10 week course
it looked pretty interesting and well done to me. |
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