luvmypets wrote:
There are so many posts about equipment and in almost every one the subject of technique over equipment has come up.
If a fellow photographer came up to you and asked what would be your best piece of advice or best learning technique to improve their photography, what information would you offer them? We all know "read the manual", "practice, practice, practice" but how would you suggest they start and how should they build on that?
Dodie
A little late to the party, Dodie, but here are some thoughts off the top of my head. This is really more for a beginner but some of it may also apply to someone trying to improve their photography. Assuming that the learner is a hobbyist and not one required to produce photos on demand, I would suggest five aspects of the photography learning process.
First Steps1st - You should analyze and
understand what it is that attracts you to photography. Most everything else flows from that.
2nd – You should study and
understand the fundamentals of photographic image-making: the role of lenses and the concept of focal length, and the meaning, significance and interplay of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. This can be learned, and one’s knowledge improved, using a myriad of sources - from photography articles/books to videos, to online or live courses, to interaction with folks that know more than you do.
3rd – You need a working
knowledge of your camera and lenses. Learn how to make the adjustments in your camera to apply what you learned about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. The manual is the best help here, but books written for your camera model can also be very helpful.
Before You Take a Picture4th – Think hard about
image content and subject. This is one of the most important aspects of a good photograph and one that doesn’t get as much attention as it should. Be aware of your eye-brain interaction when you are looking at a subject of potential photographic interest. Be conscious of what your eyes are telling you and how your brain is processing that input. What do you see? Why do you want to photograph it? Will you be satisfied with a straightforward documentary shot or do you envision variations, like enhancing the visual interest of certain parts or aspects of your subject?
Post-processing5th – Editing digital photos after capture is not necessary to creating a good photograph. However it does open up creative possibilities beyond what the camera alone can provide. This should be considered, and planned as far as possible, at the time you take the picture.