How do you learn new skills in the easiest way?
Jan 6, 2014 08:54:33 #
Ace and Deuce wrote:
Embarrassingly, I don't know how to read a histogram. I never cared to learn it. When I go out to shoot, I look at what I'm about to shoot and dial in the settings. If I'm not dead on, I'm usually just a click away. That was one thing I forced myself to learn because I didn't know how to read a histogram.
There are a number of good articles on reading a histogram if you google reading a histogram here is one link http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/04/18/how-to-read-a-histogram-photography-cheat-sheet/
Jan 6, 2014 08:58:23 #
All of the suggestions are great. As a retired teacher, I am well aware that people have different ways of learning. Try different ways for yourself and stick with what works best for you. But, no matter how you learn, there is one common thread - practise!
One thing that works for me, mainly because age is robbing my memory, was to create a folder of printouts of ideas, suggestions, etc. These printouts are actual copies and my own wording.
Dale
One thing that works for me, mainly because age is robbing my memory, was to create a folder of printouts of ideas, suggestions, etc. These printouts are actual copies and my own wording.
Dale
Jan 6, 2014 09:32:30 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
Take classes at the community colleges. Take a photography class and a Photoshop class. The find a local photography club and join!!
Jan 6, 2014 09:49:00 #
I read, go to seminars and then practice. I also write notes.
For example, how to shoot fireworks. I only do it once a year and have to refer to my notes to remind me of settings and techniques.
For example, how to shoot fireworks. I only do it once a year and have to refer to my notes to remind me of settings and techniques.
Jan 6, 2014 09:49:26 #
Regarding Photoshop, I have downloaded several of the Lydia courses and purchased the Great Courses "Fundamentals of Photography" course. All have been helpful in my quest for improvement but as has been mentioned previously, there is no substitute for actually getting out there and taking pictures then analyzing your results. Just don't expect perfect shots every time... that can lead to depression and frustration. Accept the fact that the art of photography has a long learning curve.
Jan 6, 2014 09:58:34 #
M.Bill,
If you are trying to learn "Photography' & the full blown Photoshop at the same time, you have taken on quite an awesome task.
It might be easier if you undertake them separately; practice with the camera and study he "as shot" results for problems and possible improvements. After that step, try PP on shots that don't need too much help, and it might be easier to first learn with Photoshop Elements than the full program; PSE has about 85% of the PS capabilities or so I'm told.
If you are trying to learn "Photography' & the full blown Photoshop at the same time, you have taken on quite an awesome task.
It might be easier if you undertake them separately; practice with the camera and study he "as shot" results for problems and possible improvements. After that step, try PP on shots that don't need too much help, and it might be easier to first learn with Photoshop Elements than the full program; PSE has about 85% of the PS capabilities or so I'm told.
Jan 6, 2014 10:06:10 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
JCam wrote:
M.Bill, br br If you are trying to learn "Ph... (show quote)
If you take digital photographs, you are going to process your photos with software. Taking the two together is fine as I am a college instructor with over 20 years of experience. I would not invest in Elements. You can purchase a monthly membership from Adobe and use Lightroom and Photoshop for $9.99/month.
Jan 6, 2014 10:34:11 #
Ace and Deuce wrote:
I got my camera 23 months ago, and I've taken over 75,000 pics so far. I taught myself everything I know, so I say... shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, but learn what works, what doesn't, and figure out WHY things worked and didn't work. Also, try shooting everything. Shoot close-ups, people, landscapes, cars, planes, animals, etc... You can always learn something, whether it's what to do, or what NOT to do.
What she said. My comment: I don't think there are short cuts or easiest ways to learn new skills. You just got to dig in and do it...over and over and over. Best advice I can give is to find ways to get your photography critiqued....clubs, classes, friends, pros you might know. Don't let them get away with "nice picture.". Ask them why it is or is not.
Jan 6, 2014 11:12:42 #
There is plenty of information on the Internet for all levels - try YouTube for photography tutorials and web sites such as http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/category/beginners-guides/ have many easy to read guides.
At the end of the day though it is down to taking lots of pictures, get familiar with your camera and aim to improve every time you go on a photo shoot.
Wishing you good luck and a great journey.
At the end of the day though it is down to taking lots of pictures, get familiar with your camera and aim to improve every time you go on a photo shoot.
Wishing you good luck and a great journey.
Jan 6, 2014 11:43:43 #
There was a fellow named Malcom Gladwell (look him up) who said that to do something well (play the flute--throw a baseball--take a picture) you will need to practice about 10,000 times. I think this is pretty close--when I studied with Ansel Adams (in the era of sheet film) he would toss several thousand images for each one he kept.
Stan
Stan
Jan 6, 2014 11:54:01 #
Lucius
Loc: Denver, Colorado
I take my camera equipment and a book or manual and sit out on the patio and read a few pages or a chapter. Then try to implement what they are telling me. Some times I am taking pictures of a flower or the grill, the subject does not matter. But trying to use and understand the various things that are being presented. :roll:
Jan 6, 2014 11:58:57 #
Lucius wrote:
I take my camera equipment and a book or manual and sit out on the patio and read a few pages or a chapter. Then try to implement what they are telling me. Some times I am taking pictures of a flower or the grill, the subject does not matter. But trying to use and understand the various things that are being presented. :roll:
Amen. I've taken thousands of pictures of the bookcases in my den while sitting at my desk and figuring stuff out.
Bill
Jan 6, 2014 12:03:40 #
Magical bill wrote:
Hi everyone, br br I'm still unsure if this is in... (show quote)
As a much wiser man than me once put it... "we learn by doing".
Jan 6, 2014 12:06:47 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
jimmya wrote:
As a much wiser man than me once put it... "we learn by doing".
Not such a wise man, because that doesn't apply to everyone.
Jan 6, 2014 12:15:17 #
Because people learn in different ways and at different speeds, use all methods. I have found that reading, hearing, seeing it done, and then doing it for your self offers the best ways to learn. Repitition is also useful after you did it the first time. There is not one best way for all to learn.
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