How can I Learn Photography?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Photography is an art form dating back to the 1820s which has undergone a number of refinements since it was first introduced. Quite simply, it involves seizing moments in time by capturing light on an interface which has been sensitized to it. Classically, this interface has been film, which can be developed and turned into prints. Modern photography also places a heavy reliance on digital devices, which convert light into electronic data. Many people dabble in photography, which is actually an easy art form to learn, although it can take years to refine technique.
If you are interested in learning photography, the first step is to get into the habit of carrying a camera with you everywhere, and taking photographs of everything. You do not necessarily need a high quality camera to learn photography, but try to get a model which is not utterly stripped down. You may want to consider getting a camera with a removable lens, which will allow it to be more versatile later. As you work with a camera and become more comfortable with it, you can refine your technique and skills. Constantly carrying a camera will also make you less self-conscious about it, as many beginning photographers feel awkward in the early stages.
Taking a class is a vital step if you want to learn photography. A photography class will cover the basics of composition and focusing so that you can produce pieces of a higher quality. In most cases, a photography class also offers group critiques, allowing you to refine your work while you learn photography with the help of input from others. Ultimately, you will plateau if you try to learn photography on your own, while a class will build useful skills and an artistic eye.
Photography classes are broken into two rough categories: digital and film. Many artists work with both mediums, but you should pick one to begin with. If you choose to learn film photography, a photography class will also usually teach you how to develop film, enlarge prints, and perform tricks in the darkroom which will improve the quality of your work. It will also give you access to a darkroom, which is incredibly valuable. A digital photography class will talk about how to process and handle the digital picture files you remove from a camera, and it may offer some training in computer photomanipulation.
In addition to a class to help you learn photography, you may also want to establish a small photography library. A number of books are targeted at people who have started to learn photography, and they include in-depth discussions of an assortment of techniques. You may also want to start collecting books of work by artists you like, so that you can study their photographic compositions and style.
Finally, if you want to learn photography, you need to practice. Use the confidence you have built by taking your camera everywhere to branch out, photographing a wide range of people, places, and things. Carry lots of film, or extra memory cards, so that you do not feel limited by your resources. As you develop and examine the pictures you produce, try to critique them honestly, and ask for comments from other people. The more you practice, the better you will be, and the more your personal eye and style will develop.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Someone who is learning photography is advised to photograph the same subject several times in a row under different settings.]()
By: KletrSomeone who is learning photography is advised to photograph the same subject several times in a row under different settings. -
![Choosing the best photography education courses depend on your goals as a photographer as well as your current level of knowledge and practice of photography.]()
By: ollyChoosing the best photography education courses depend on your goals as a photographer as well as your current level of knowledge and practice of photography. -
![Single-lens reflex cameras allow photographers to change lenses.]()
By: Petr MalyshevSingle-lens reflex cameras allow photographers to change lenses. -
![People can practice their photography skills by taking pictures of their pets and loved ones.]()
By: СеÑгей ЧиÑковPeople can practice their photography skills by taking pictures of their pets and loved ones.
Discussion Comments
Taking still photographs is different from taking action shots. I know I am stating the obvious, but I had no idea how difficult getting good action shots could be before I took a job as a photographer for a newspaper a few summers back. I have taken thousands of pictures, but before the newspaper gig I hadn't taken many sports pictures.
I was assigned to cover basketball, and the first two games I covered netted me two usable pictures and they were of players on the bench and a player taking a foul shot. Initially, I tried to following the ball and get a good action shot of the player launching the basketball. I later learned to focus on where the action was going to occur rather than trying to following the action. Once I got the knack of predicting where an exciting play was going to happen, my photographs improved.
As a child and into my teen years, I played around with cameras, taking pictures of whatever and whoever happened to wander into my path. I did not have any formal training. My mother offered to get a local photographer to teach me a bit about the profession and about taking shots, but I simply enjoyed carrying the camera around and taking pictures my way. Figuring out what worked and what didn't work was the challenge that kept me interested.
You can learn quite a bit by studying the pictures you capture, and determining which ones are better and why. I imagine a photographer could have helped me develop more quickly, but I doubt the process would have been nearly as much fun.
Post your comments