Things I've Learned

It's been about 2 months since I started using my new camera. Here are some things that I've learned:

• Intentionally take pictures for at least an hour a week


• Take day trips with other photographers and have them critique my images


• Take camera classes at the local photography store (I use Austin's Precision Camera)


• Look at lots and lots of photos. There are great groups on flikr, 23, and Google, and Nikonnet


• Access the awesome photocastnetwork.com which has more than 10 superb audio and video podcasts dedicated to photography


• Do photography assignments. These are topics that are suggested by photography groups. I've been following the ones by Leo Laport, on The Tech Guy. For example, one of the assignments was capturing a photograph representing "contrast." Others were to capture the ideas of "trouble" and "yesterday."


• Think about how you want people to see the image you are capturing. This distinguishes a image capture from a photograph. A photograph conveys a story.


• Do "Digital Darkroom" post processing. Start with a simple free program like Google's Picasa2 and work up to GIMP or Photoshop.


• Share your work on a public photograph site. Show only your best work. Receive criticism on your photos and give criticism to others. Avoid saying "nice pic" or "Don't like it." Instead say things like "Creative use of color tones as well as capturing the subject at just the perfect time and angle. Consider shooting in more shade next time."