Is it possible for me to learn photography on my own?

Answer 1

If "on my own" you mean without formal classroom courses, I think it is but only if you're willing to read a lot and ask questions, and experiment on your own with a camera.

Reading will impart knowledge usually written by a qualified person who knows his/her craft and (maybe through the help of some editor who will help word the text in an intelligent and thought provoking manner) the written material will, hopefully, say things in a way that are easy to understand. The advantage here is that you can read it over as many times as necessary and at your own speed. Different books will focus on different aspects of photography. You can also choose to read on specific specialties with the many in photography, wedding, children portrait, pet photography, wildlife, landscape, flowers, food photography, glamor, etc.

Also, today you have the advantage of visiting a multitude of sites on the Internet to ask questions on topics ranging from types of cameras, types of film, lenses, techniques to different specialties or techniques used within certain fields of photography, lighting, props, etc. The Internet is a grand took for finding these.

Knowing your camera and the many features and limitations, the different kinds of lenses, filters, types of lighting, etc., and the limits of your gear is of paramount importance. A good photographer can take a great photograph with a simply point-and-shoot camera if he/she knows the camera's aperture, shutter speed, and the lens' capacity (focus range). You must remember that an expensive camera will not make you a better photographer than an expensive hammer will make someone a better carpenter. Remember, Shakespeare did not have a fancy computer to write his many great works...

You can learn how to compose your images in the viewfinder, how to crop elements in the field, how to use particular f/stops for particular effects (such as depth of field), the use of lenses, filters, lighting (artificial, natural, use of reflectors, diffusers, etc), how to pose your subjects, how to improve the appearance of your subjects through particular techniques in posing, lighting, etc.

Of course, you can also take a correspondence course if you are a self-starter and do not require someone to spur you on, and you have the discipline to complete what you start and are responsible enough to maintain a regular schedule on your own, do your homework, do the required reading and submit the required assignments on a timely basis.

Yes, it is possible to learn on your own if by on your "own" you mean not going to regular, formal classes or school. It is, of course, up to you and your level of discipline; you can either succeed or fail depending on your own efforts.

Even professional photographers who've gone to the best universities are still learning; what makes or breaks a photographer today is often based on his/her level of knowledge and his/her commitment to the field... how much are you willing to sacrifice to learn?

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The answer: No. People have this misguided notion that just having a camera is enough to be a photographer, but it's much more than that. Photography takes a lot of practice and natural talent also.

A person can only learn so much on their own. If this was true then there would be no need for instructors, teachers, professors, schools, trade schools, universities, etc.

From books and practical experience you can learn basic composition, lighting, posing, you can learn about aperature, film ratings, lense types, etc. However, this is all just basic knowledge. Photography (as with any profession) extends way beyond the basic techniques.

People who have taken the time to learn from other professionals bring to the table new ways of looking at subjects, radical ideas, proper ways to break the rules, dynamic posing and much more.

If you are looking to just have fun and photograph the local family reunion and friends, then there is no need to pursue photography beyond what you can read from a book or learn from practical practice. As on that level, uniqueness doesn't need to be defined.

However, if you are concidering getting into the field on a professional or semi-professional level, you need to be unique. And just studying from a book won't even come close to helping you out.

Answer 4

You will find that the G11 probably won't work for you professionally but there is no reason you can't start learning with it. And you can make high quality (300dpi) prints at least 8x10" and probably up to 11x14". And you could make very large prints of decent quality (150dpi), up to 18x24". Plus it is much more than enough for sharing photos online. Learn to use Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual modes. Always set an ISO and use the lowest ISO you can. If on auto, the camera will always resort to using a higher ISO which means more noise. You can use auto white balance and correct that later. Take advantage of the manual focusing ability of the camera. You will have to use it if you decide to do HDR or any kind of multiple exposure like that. Some formal classes wouldn't hurt. But I did teach myself to use my camera mostly from reading books about exposure. There are many, many photography tutorials online. Learn about exposure and depth of field. Then when you have outgrown that camera, if you are still interested, look into getting a DSLR. But you need to have a business plan of some type before you try to open a business.

Answer 5

From photography and DSLR camera basics right through to advanced techniques used by the professionals, this course will quickly and easily get your photography skills focused! Go here https://tr.im/sJrnr
By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.

Answer 6

offcourse you can, a very good friends of mines is quite a talented photographer, and did it on his own. Now he is building his company up and has done beautiful work. Check him out some time he has a website J.ZERO Photography

Answer 7

yes, just grab a camera and take as many pictures as you possibly can! you can definitely learn digital photography on your own.
as for dark room....you might want to take a class for that, plus you would need access to an actual dark room.

Answer 8

All you need is a camera (and the knowledge to use it) and an eye for composition. However, if you want to learn to do darkroom work on your own, then you should probably at least have some supervision while you're learning.

Answer 9

There are all types of wonderful books on photography--check your local library. That way, you can learn about composition of the shot, themes, etc.

Answer 10

I taught myself....you can get started by picking up a "Photography for Dummies" book, then graduate to some books by Ansel Adams.