leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

I am a retired high school Biology teacher, and one thing my profession taught me is...."Not everyone learns by the same method." There are some who can learn from reading manuals/pamphlets/books, some learn from the "hands on approach," and still others learn from being told how to do something. So, please, when someone enters a post, asking for advice on how to do something, don't tell them to read the manual, or try their own experiments....if you cannot answer their post with positive feedback, it would be better to just not respond. I see so many condescending remarks to one's post asking for help in their photography endeavors, that are designed to make one feel stupid or ignorant. Even though I was a teacher (for 39 years!), often times, I learn better when one directs me through a process, as opposed to reading on my own. Yes, I can decipher information from reading, but there are times when, no matter how many times I read, and reread pamphlets/instructions, I need help. So, please try to help, rather than discourage. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope all have a blessed day, and as Bryan Petersen would say, "You Keep Shooting!"

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius expressed his belief in the importance of learning from experience when he wrote: "I hear and I forget/I see and I remember/I do and I understand[.]" Confucius related the acquisition of understanding and knowledge directly to living and experiencing. "I do and I understand."

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Well said. I learn best from the "show me once, direct me through it" process. Once I've learned how to do something, I can go back to the manual & pickup on some of the details.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Well written, great advice.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

And from a teacher who has begun his 54 year of teaching (and still loving it), while teaching the best way I know how, I continue to assist my own students with different styles. Jrados, you are absolutely right.

Relative to UHH, I hope all of us remember, from time to time, what it was like when we began our photography experience.

The only dumb or stupid question is one that is not asked.

Collhar Loc: New York City.

Today there is a sense of entitlement. They do not want to think about how to solve the problem they just want the problem solved. Getting from A to B is not their problem it has become your obligation to provide the directions.

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

You could be correct. But I hope not.

We all need to help each other. Everyone has a weakness, so helping each other is a form of Paying It Forward. There is a great feeling in that.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Not wanting to take the time to figure it out, or they might not have an analytical mind.
People usually learn more by experimenting with the camera. What happens when I do this.
Me, I'm an inherent investigator with an analytical mind. I also read and try to apply what I read.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I started learning photography way back in 1976. I have continued to do so since. I am still learning and will continue to do so. I appreciate gentle critique as
Opposed to sharp criticism.

But then again I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Happy Shooting!

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Skinning cats...comes to mind! Apparently there are lots of ways to do it!

As a young person I only needed to know HOW....Shown or by step by step instruction.
Later I was shown alternatives!!!

Now I find 'Life has moved on'....what I knew then is no longer relevant....

As one gets older....it is not wisdom you have....it is outdated or irrelevant information.

Who knows how...or even if...we will be doing things 'properly' in the next twenty years!

have fun....if you can remember how to!

DavidPhares Loc: Chandler, Arizona

That always works best for me. I have a new Walther PPQ Q5 Match 9mm pistol, and even after having read the manual 3 times, could not figure how to strip the slide to clean the gun. I went down to the local gun shop and he showed me, then made me do it myself in front of him. Now I can do it in my sleep.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have learned a lot of things by doing something wrong. Those lessons tend to stick with me.
I think I am among the sharpest tools in the shed but at my age some of the sprocket holes are torn out. (You young digital whippersnappers will just have to figure that one out by yourselves).