Learning curves - Free Beer!

[casil403]

Lol...I was wondeing how many of you I would hook with that title.....

But seriously.....
I'm curious to know what the learning curve was/is like for both the more experienced and new photographers in here. I am finding it to be a bit steep. I am having an issue remembering how aperture works and it's relation to shutter speed iso and the like and let's not even talk about metering, exposure compensation flash etc.!
No matter what I read, how much I practice, I still have trouble getting it all in my head so that it works right....and I get a bit frustrated at times....
Also, how many pictures do the more experienced photographers take to find that awesome shot...does it come naturally or do you really have to work at it?

I see some of the awesome photos on this site and I wonder if I will ever get even remotely close to that kind of capability!
I guess I'm having some confidence issues because I really love doing this and I want to do understand what I'm doing but I just kind of feel like right now it's more about luck than skill.

I also have to add that I took an into to digital photography course at SAIT last year (helped a little) and I would take another Digital SLR course, but they are full right up until September.
Thanks for your input on this and any advice you have....

[kat]

First! I was getting ready to post some beer shots..definatley got some of those!!!

I'm with you. I go over and over every day all the functions and things that go along with photography. It's always on my mind and most times I have to go back and rethink, reread or redo!!!

It can get very fustrating at times to see alll these wonderful photos. It can be discouraging but encouraging at the same time! I know where I want to get to it just the matter of time to get there.

I can bet you money though that not one amazing photographer got there over night!

I wish I could help out more than just saying you aren't alone! It comes, trust me it does come. Reread this post in 6 months, 1 year and you'll be thinking a bit different!

[F8&Bthere]

I'm sure Marko will pipe in here soon with some words of wisdom and encouragement as will others. I am not good enough yet to act like my advice is valuable- but I do know that I felt the same way not so many years ago. I bought/rented books, that helped a bit. But nothing replaces dedication and practice.

I think that at some conscious level many of us hobbyist photgraphers have not only an inner artist yearning to bust out, but also a desire to challenge ourselves to grasp the technology available to us. Otherwise why not just go crazy with a point & shoot? Why a SLR/DSLR, various lenses, photo editing software, all kinds of accessories like tripods and flashes, etc?

Once I got beyond the point that I understood in what situations I want a certain aperture, and when I want a certain shutter speed, and some very basic elements of lighting- I finally was able to show enough progress in my photographs that it stimulated further development, on and on.

But still when I see the portfolios of really talented professionals, heck even some really talented non professionals, I have to admit at times it makes me feel kinda like what's the point? I'll never be able to do THAT!

Maybe us Calgary area forum members should get together and go on one or two photo excursions this spring, summer, or fall- like to Banff/Lake Louise, or a little hike in the Kananaskis. Comradery, like in these forums, is one of the greatest stimulants!

[tirediron]

Interesting question. I think in my case the curve has leveled off and my goal is to keep pace with the changes and advancents in technology. I was lucky to have learned the basics from a very skilled and patient teacher some twenty (cough cough) years ago. It's tough keeping all the various bits and how they relate sorted in your mind, but I suspect that at some point, much like learning to ride a bike, you will find it all clicks. In one respect learning is easier now; no more waiting to process and print. Shoot, upload... instant feedback. A lot cheaper now too. Keep reading, practicing and posting. You will get there. Just remember that all of us, regardless of the work we're doing now, are exactly where you were!

[edbayani11]

even talented artists do work hard, practice daily with their instruments or tools to achieve perfection. we are not alone

[AntZ]

I see some of the awesome photos on this site and I wonder if I will ever get even remotely close to that kind of capability!

The beauty of digital is you can take as many pics as you like for pretty much not cost. And if you take enough, with small changes to settings you will learn lots, and for sure get some impressive shots.

Although ever since I can remember I have had a fascination with photography, but until last year I had only ever played with compact film and p&s digital cameras. Much of my learning has been with podcasts, and experimentation. When I see one of my pics that works, I use the EXIF data to see what settings I had, and likewise for the pics that don't work. I find I can then zero in on the right settings more quickly when out shooting.

What I really struggle with is the artistic side of photography. As an engineer I find the technical "sticks", but the artistic is hard work, and I fear the artistic can not be learned, but like the technical aspects shooting lots sure helps.

[JAS_Photo]

This forum is a really good classroom to learn from it's interactive, friendly and free!

[GregL]

This forum is a really good classroom to learn from it's interactive, friendly and free!

Absolutely, I've only been on the forum for a short time and already I'm listening, learning and above all going out and practicing.

I know there are a lot of people on this forum who take much better photos than I do, and probably always will, however, one of my goals for 2009 is to improve my photography and enjoy myself on the way. It's great to get outdoors, to stretch my creative side in composition etc, and my technical side in what on earth do I have to do now. Sometimes I'll nail it, sometimes I won't, but I will try to learn from them all.

casil403 be encouraged. It's a bit like riding a bike. The tougher the uphill, the more fun you'll have on the descent! Oops

[casil403]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement, advice, and wisdom. It helps.... This is a great forum and you are all really great people...I just wanted to acknowlege that!
I guess it is like trying anything new, it is hard to start out...I don't remember professional cooking being this tough I'm sure it was 20+ some odd (!) years ago when I was a newbie. I know golf is still hard and running a 10K 6 years ago definitely was...but I persevered through the learning curve then and although I still suck as a golfer and I don't run anymore, I had fun learning and I stuck with it which is the most important.

Thanks again, it's nice to know I'm not alone in this......

[casil403]

Maybe us Calgary area forum members should get together and go on one or two photo excursions this spring, summer, or fall- like to Banff/Lake Louise, or a little hike in the Kananaskis. Comradery, like in these forums, is one of the greatest stimulants!

I'd be totally into that!!! Anyone else?