I’ve been actively teaching the Martial Arts for over 30 years. I was formally trained by an instructor who was formally trained by his instructor who, well you guessed it, was formally trained by his instructor. Our strong Martial Arts heritage goes all the way back to the first instructor that created our style who was formally….wait a second, he wasn’t formally trained. If he wasn’t formally trained, how did he create our style? It’s simple, it was a collaborative development that grew over the years and became the style we teach today. Photography is very similar.
I’m all for formal training, but I do recognize today’s formal training travels down a self pace, self taught path. My suggestion for anyone who wants to learn photography is to ask yourself how far do you want to go. I’ve taken cooking classes because I want to learn how to cook better, not to open a restaurant. Ask yourself, do you want to make photography a career or just learn to take better photographs. Your answer will determine the path you take.
I just want to learn to take better photos.
Photography Clubs or Groups
This path is filled with many side roads to get you to your destination. The key, find the right road to take. Joining a local camera club or a meet up group will put you face to face with other photographers with variety of skill levels. Research the club or groups. Are the leaders of the group humble and willing to help others or are they self absorbed, thinking they are better than they really are? Observe the attendees. More often than not, they take on the same attitude as the leader. A really good camera club or group will have everyone leave their egos at the door. This can be an incredible first step on your photography journey.
Online Groups
Search for online resources for the style of photography you’re interested in. Facebook groups like Photofocus , online forums like Fred Miranda and Ugly Hedgehog or photo sites like Flickr offer a great way to interact with photographers all over the world. Posting questions, taking on assignments and entering photo contest are fun ways to learn photography. Be sure when asking for advice, you mention your skill level. This helps others determine the level of critiquing or encouragement. An advance level photographer shouldn’t expect lavish praise for a properly exposed image. Remember to give as much as you take.
Online Blogs, YouTube and Free Educational Sites
There are many sites with a wealth of knowledge for new and experience photographers. Of course I favor Photofocus even before I became an author for the site. Vincent Versace, Scott Kelby, Joe McNally and Fstoppers are a few others. Rob Sylvan and Nicole S Young offer great resources for tips on how to process your images. If video is more your style, do a search on Youtube. That’s how I found fellow author Howard Pinsky’s YouTube channel on killer editing tips before I met him.
Online Classes
Lynda.com, Kelby One and Udemy are great places to find almost anything you’re looking for. You’re able to learn at your own pace and on your schedule. Once you find an instructor you click with, check to see if they offer workshops or seminars.
I want to make photography my career or a side business.
Schooling
Despite what others say, there is no shortcut to success. Hard work, sacrifice and dedication are the corner stone of success in any career field, including photography. Look into photography classes at your local college or, if you have the financial resources and time, apply to schools like Full Sail or the Brooks Institute. If you don’t have time for schooling, take as many workshops and seminars as you can. Look at this as an investment in your career. Don’t make the common mistake of spending more money on new camera gear than your education. If you are unsure of your shooting style, you may make the wrong investment in camera gear. A mistake I made early on. Photoshop World, WPPI and Photo Plus are a few big named photography conferences you should look into. I’ve taught at or currently teaching at smaller conference such as CamAm Photo Expo, NJFCC Photorama, New Horizon Photography Summit and the Calumet Region Photo Club that offer great opportunities to learn.
Find a mentor
In the old days, if you wanted to learn to play golf, you became a caddy. You shadowed Pro Golfers as they taught you the game. In return, you were a grunt, carrying the bag, searching for a lost ball and so on. It was hard work, but well worth it. Find a photographer that is willing to mentor you. In exchange for their knowledge you agree to intern for free. Under the right instruction and guidance, you will excel at a faster rate.
Most importantly, keep an open mind and a humble attitude. Learn the basic rules of photography before you take the liberty to break them in the name of creativity. Once you reach the level of success you have striven for, make sure you give back by helping others.
Good luck on your journey!
Vanelli is a photographer, educator and author based in Florida. Currently he shoots for Inside Lacrosse Magazine, teaches workshops, and writes for Photofocus. Click here for a list of Vanelli’s articles.
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Filed under: Inspiration, Opinion, Photography Tagged: Find a mentor, Formal Photography Training, Full Sail, Joe McNally, photography education, Photography Mentor, Scott Kelby