jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Because of my wife's profession, I've ended up in the company of artists and art historians for decades. Yes, all artists learn constantly, and much of what they learn is from their own exploration of what they want, or feel a need, to capture. Clearly if you buy a new Nikon D850 you're going to be learning a LOT in a fairly quick time. But all artists learn what they themselves want in terms of their own artistic expression. Even if you're not making money from photography, or any other genre of art, or writing, or music, etc., you're always learning. Always.

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

I resemble that remark! I too have been shooting for awhile, 55 years, and I learn continuously. I belong to two camera clubs and learn from the "newbies" and the old guys equally.

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

The funny thing is,I did not realize I had the 'room', or the ability to learn until I was in my late 20s, mid 30s.
Been trying to learn as much as I can(no matter what the subject) ever since.

dragon64 Loc: Stewartstown PA

I'm self taught as well. Started learning 64 years ago when I got my first Brownie. Still learning to this day. I took pictures for pleasure back then and still do today. Only difference is the greater sophistication of my gear and the little knowledge I've gained through my journey. I try to learn and retain something useful every day that might help me be .a better photographer and person.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I know everything I know, but there is still some rule for more knowledge.

dylee8 Loc: South Florida

For me one of the joys of photography is the continuous process of learning.

And sometimes when I apply my "knowledge" to take a photo, it came up short. That means I don't know what I thought I know. If that makes any sense.

Gammy Sandy Loc: Hernando Beach, FL

The older I become, almost 70, (It beats the alternative for sure) the more I realize how much I don't know and the harder it is to retain information. (Chemo brain doesn't help) I read, reread, learn from so many tutorials on the internet and take lots of notes on photography. I took a course at the local college last year that was lots of fun, and I absolutely love to learn and practice what I am learning. So much to learn and hopefully many years left to do this. Such a wonderful passion in my life, I am blessed.

joel.photography

Yeah, there was a guy on here, clearly not a pro, was all peeved because he's referred to as an amateur, crying about how good his work was.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Like any anecdote, this can be pushed too far. In 1967, the beginning of my junior year of college, I began a life-long sub-hobby of photographing railroads. For the first two years, I was badly hobbled by my equipment - an old {originally used by my dad to take baby pictures of me} box camera and an Instamatic 100. Until summer of 1969, when I used graduation money to purchase a rangefinder 35mm camera, an ape with a 35mm camera could have taken better pictures of moving trains than I could - the fixed shutter speed of my cameras just wasn't up to the task!

AIK Loc: SW Ontario

I have committed myself to life long learning. I decided long ago that I am not going to die till I know everything, that is my firm wish......... Now, I must admit though that not all my wishes got fulfilled in life....... Let's see how this will play out. I'll report back on the subject when I feel that I get close to my goal.........

canon Lee

I speak for myself Bootneck, I am a professional, in short that means that I earn my living at a specific type of photography. I would have to learn much from those here, as to how to shoot in the wild, (landscapes,pets,birds etc), their techniques and talents... I have never claimed to be better than others because I make a living doing photography... I strive to learn from my mistakes and seek to better my self as a photographer.. I have learned so much here from other Hogs... I am in awe of some of the photos I see on here and most are from great photographers that do it for the pure passion of photography. My only claim to fame is that I have been able to be in this business for a long time.. I must be doing something right.... It really offends a lot here when the word "Pro" or "Professional" is mentioned... To me the word Pro is short for profession. Some how many feel that doing this for a living makes them feel its a put down and their great works have no value. Nothing can be further from the truth as far a I am concerned. Im just a hard working photographer, making a living. I have a credible amount of info to share here with those that are just learning. I don't give advice about things I have not experienced or achieved. But be aware that there are contributors here that speak, not from experience, but from guessing what the answers should be. When they are in error, it can mislead.....

canon Lee

Excellent commentary ... Aside from knowing the technical part of knowing how your camera works, it then is pure talent.... It's the creativity that screams to be let out, no matter if it's a camera or a palette of colors begging to used...

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

The more you learn, the less you know.

AIK Loc: SW Ontario

Thanks for the note. I know what you mean about the curse of shooting professionally. Some on forums immediately square you in as one who likely feel several notches above the rest, therefore, his nose is too high in the air. So in many cases it is harder to put an opinion forward since there will be some who'll look at it as a ship that is to be torpedoed....... Proving that the guy is here for bragging rights. I had that experience more than once and toned down my expectations about academic discussions. I used to teach arts and photography in college but found that teaching on the internet is not a rewarding undertaking, even the slightest advice may ricochet the wrong way....

AIK Loc: SW Ontario

Oh, wrong button again...... This was meant to be a reply to canon Lee. I did not even finish it and instead of a face button I accidentally hit the send button. Now, that speaks volumes of how sensitive a trigger can be on the newly introduced Lumix G9. Some folks have already mentioned this on the net..........