Whats the best way online to learn about photography?

Question

I would love to learn about phoptography online. I have a Canon DSLR with a few lenses.

Landscapes, and stock photography (food, nature) are the things I like most but I want to take it to the next level.

Answer 1

Stock photography in particular demands that you produce images with a high level of quality and attention to detail. Well, you need that if you want to set yourself apart and be successful at it. :)

In order to do this, you need to learn the techniques as well as the business side of photography.

I would suggest:

1. Join a professional organization such as ASMP (Association of Media Photographers) http://www.asmp.org

2. Assist a working photographer - everybody needs help and if you just get your foot in the door, doing anything - taking out the trash is worthwhile if the photographer will spend half an hour a day schooling you in the use of lighting, composition and what it takes to negotiate contracts and deal with stock agencies. If you want to be at the "next level", you need to associate with those who are on that level. Just don't forget your worth - you'll be here someday.

3. Read everything. Find out what magazines feature the type of photography you want to produce and subscribe to them. Keep note of what they feature because you will eventually be submitting your work here. Buy photo books.

4. Learn photoshop. Photoshop is king and you will need to be able to manipulate/edit/retouch your images to be their best with this software program. Especially submitting images to stock photography houses!

5. Practice. There is absolutely no substitute for trying to translate what you see in your head into a final image. You've got a DSLR, so shoot as much as you can and critique images. Look at those magazines and books and ask yourself what makes those images special. Then try to apply that to your own work and soon, you'll be able to imitate what is being published commercially...and eventually, you'll find your own unique look and voice and that will lead to your commercial success.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

If you are really serious about it then you'll have to be willing to invest in more than just your gear....even online. Here is a starting place from one of the best online classes in many different categories. http://www.ppsop.com/ the classes are not cheap, but neither was your digital camera and in order to make money, you're going to have to be willing to invest it not only with time, but money. You'll find this website I listed is run by photography specialists/professionals and worth every cent in improving your skills by leaps and bounds to get you on your way to making money at something you love.
Just my two cents worth. Best of luck!

Answer 4

I know you asked for an on-line solution, but get the book "The New Manual of Photography" by John Hedgecoe.

Also, check out sites like www.dpreview.com, which have technical sections to explain things, and discussion forums where you can talk to other photogs of various levels---very helpful!

Answer 5

For the food photography, invest in some studio lighting gear (monolights, stands & softboxes) and start exploring the finer points of still life work by doing.

Answer 6

www.photo.net is an excellent source. I would also recommend "The Camera" and the "The Negative" by Ansel Adams. They contain a wealth of information, all very clearly stated. (You don't have to be a film shooter to benefit from "The Negative". Most of the techniques discussed apply to digital as well.)

Answer 7

The trick is understanding how to use light.

Of course good equipment is a must. But when you are in the field it is just you and the light and knowing how to squeeze the most out of it.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

look for photography tutorials online... though most people are self-taught...

Answer 10

I would suggest visiting this forum

www.phototakers.com

Just look around.. pay attention.. there are some smart fella's in there. i have learned a lot already.