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11/30/2014 08:01:22 PM · #1 |
I need to kick my photography skill level up a notch. I've been looking at a variety of great resources for learning how to take better photos and how to improve my digital photo processing. The sheer volume of opportunities is overwhelming! So many great books, videos and websites to experience.
What was the best learning resource that you used? What comes first? Learning the post processing software or taking better in camera images?
I'm not in the market for a bunch of new equipment right now, as I feel I need to learn how to use what I have to it's maximum and then decide how to spend my limited money... I am willing to spend some money on good instructional tools though.
Any advice would be appreciated! Do you have a favorite book, video or website?
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11/30/2014 10:01:43 PM · #2 |
| YOU Tube, a multitude of videos on every photographic subject |
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11/30/2014 10:11:01 PM · #3 |
| The best resource I have found for learning how to take better photos and how to improve my digital photo processing: Committing to enter a couple DPC challenges a week. I gives me a reason to get out and shoot. It gets me trying new techniques (shooting and processing). It gives me feedback on my photography -- via scores and, if I'm lucky, a few helpful comments. Next best resource: YouTube |
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11/30/2014 10:35:13 PM · #4 |
| Making comments. It's amazing how much you learn looking at other photographers work. Every photograph has value. Ask yourself why you like or dislike an image. Putting these thoughts into words is a valuable exercise. |
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12/01/2014 12:01:43 AM · #5 |
I echo  insteps regarding the nearly miraculous effect of making considered comments.
Books are a great way to illuminate your own path. The best one I have was about the cheapest (hardcover is available at under 5 bucks). The Photography Book. It's about photographs, rather than photography; 500 photographs each by a different photographer, discussed and explained. It cross references each image/photographer to others of similar genre. I learned more about photographs and about appreciating and understanding photography from this book than from any other source. |
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12/01/2014 12:28:55 AM · #6 |
I agree there is tremendous value in commenting on photos by others, but there isn't a whole lot of info about HOW they took that photo and what settings they used in post processing. I'm on track to comment on 100% of the entries for each of the contests I've entered since mid-Nov. I doubt I will get comments on all 160+ Free Study entries, but commenting forces you to "take a stand" on why you like or dislike a photo.
I am looking for recommendations for other references that people found useful in their learning process. Thank you Ubique for the recommendation, I will check out this book on Amazon it sounds like exactly what I need! |
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12/01/2014 04:25:13 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by kiwinick:
YOU Tube, a multitude of videos on every photographic subject |
+ 27 |
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12/01/2014 05:56:00 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by CBalck:
I agree there is tremendous value in commenting on photos by others, but there isn't a whole lot of info about HOW they took that photo and what settings they used in post processing. |
What I have found is that the best way to get what you want and need is to find someone here who pretty much seems to capture your interest, and then hound them mercilessly until they give you the help you seek.
Seriously, what I felt was the most helpful was talking to people here who had what I wanted, at the place and time when I needed it. Everyone has their own little quirks and tricks, and what worked for me was absorbing what worked for me into my repertoire and jettisoning the rest. What you *must* do is what ultimately works for you........the quest is all about finding the photographer that is you.
I was fortunate in finding a mentor here not long after I started, and he was wonderful in that with equal amounts encouragement and pushing, he helped me first and foremost become friends with my camera. You *must* learn your camera. Not so much the settings.......you'll settle into them over time, that's the mechanics of it, but what happens when you use it. It's been over eight years since I've been here and sometimes I still look at a shot right after I take it and think, WTF???? But for the most part, I shoot and I know what I'll get when I look at it. I know where to set it for what I want, and I'm comfortable and confident with it. I learned that here.
Originally posted by CBalck:
I'm on track to comment on 100% of the entries for each of the contests I've entered since mid-Nov. |
Voting and commenting is definitely a good way to see a variety of imagery. Don't constrict yourself, though.......i.e., you're going to vote X number, and comment Y number. Just look at the images and do what you feel like during that block of time 'til you get tired of it. Forcing yourself past that point stunts your learning and appreciation. You can always go back later.......or not.
Originally posted by CBalck:
I doubt I will get comments on all 160+ Free Study entries, but commenting forces you to "take a stand" on why you like or dislike a photo. |
Shades of grey, too.......there will be certain aspects of an image that will take hold.......you may find a composition that just plain sucks in your view, and the message falls flat for you, but oh........what amazing light. Bear in mind that everyone that submits an image for voting saw something, took the shot, edited it as they saw fit, and is offering it up for your viewing pleasure, AND because he/she wanted to share their vision. So always look for that special something that piqued that photog's interest in the first place.
Originally posted by CBalck:
I am looking for recommendations for other references that people found useful in their learning process. Thank you Ubique for the recommendation, I will check out this book on Amazon it sounds like exactly what I need! |
All of what I've said and fifty cents will get you a cup of coffee some places. It's just another viewpoint, and my main reason for rambling on is that I can remember when I was completely adrift wondering if I ever had a prayer of being a half decent photographer. With the help of a whole bunch of really good people here, I'm not a half bad amateur hack photog now. I love it, and I get what I want when I go out shooting.
One thing that I might add.........look carefully at some portfolios of people who have been here for a while, have entered a bunch of challenges, and see how they've progressed and grown. You can certainly see my progression if you look at the crap I produced in my early attempts. This community is a font of wealth for the learning, eager photog. Good luck, and work hard. It'll happen for you.
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12/01/2014 09:51:46 AM · #9 |
whatever you do dont look at processing tutorials because knowing how to properly process images never helped anyone. every amazing image you see is he product of perfect timing, situation and experience and being able to capture it without effort.
what you need to do it set your camera to jpg only, set the setting you want and then dont process the image, that is the recipe for creating amazing images that everyone wants to look at.
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12/01/2014 10:02:08 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Mike:
whatever you do dont look at processing tutorials because knowing how to properly process images never helped anyone. every amazing image you see is he product of perfect timing, situation and experience and being able to capture it without effort.
what you need to do it set your camera to jpg only, set the setting you want and then dont process the image, that is the recipe for creating amazing images that everyone wants to look at. |
I tend to agree with this except I'd go ahead and capture the raw image. Then process all you want but retain the look and feel of a photograph. |
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