I've made a decision recently that I love photography so much I want to learn more about it and become professional. I'm not sure if I want to just have my own business and shoot weddings and the such or if I want to work for some company. All I know is that I want photography to be my profession.
That said.
I don't know where to start! How do people become professional photogs? Is the best way to learn more to go to school? workshop? learn on my own? etc...
I have a Nikon D5000. (and an iPhone and a Nikon S60). I need suggestions on how to take this to the next level =)
Most photographers I know got their start by carrying a photographer's gear around for them, holding reflectors and lights, and, eventually, being allowed to second-shoot at jobs. Once they were good enough they got paid for it. Eventually, they went out on their own.
So, if you know a photographer, you could ask to assist them in return for some education. Of course, most education in those situations is gained from simply watching and listening. Best way to learn, is from someone who is already successful.
You could do a recognised course, but it isn't really essential. If you have a desire to do that, do it. Just don't think you have to do it that way.
Workshops are great. But most of them require you to know what you're doing already. Most workshops are for "intermediate" or "advanced", meaning that you are at the very least competent and have an understanding of composition, lighting, and all the technical aspects of your camera.
You can learn from YouTube videos. But some of them are rubbish. A lot are great, however, so it is one valuable resource.
You've asked such an open-ended question (understandably), but there is no one "right" answer. In fact, there are hundreds. Do what appeals to you, but definitely talk to people who are already doing what you want to do.
You have given me so much to think about and a lot of great places to start! I hadn't even thought about YouTube ... I guess that would be a good source considering I learned how to apply my make-up correctly by following a few really good make-up artist and enthusiast.
This looks like it's going to be extremely overwhelming, but I'm excited to just get started!
Good advice from jinx. (always good). I did that same thing just so I could learn their setups and pick their brain. It was the most fun I ever had. But, all the gear and knowledge are nothing if ones images are not up to snuff. So, there is the creative element always that brings it all together.
I spend a lot of time looking at other work. I disseminate what I like and what I don't like. While they are all pro's, one's style may not appeal to me. So, I find a style I like, and stick with that, and learn from what they are doing. Yeah, I really, really examine their images and think about it.
@jinximages Jinx, I spent the better part of last night on YouTube and came across some promising video's. I'm going to grab a notebook and start jotting down some notes. I'd love to get an instructional book, too -- any suggestions?
@miranda@thelookingglass As far as YouTube goes, most I've watched I've linked to from photographers' websites. Matt Nicolosi has a couple of great ones for Photoshop, and I found some great lighting tutes through Profoto, so if you search either of those you should get some great stuff to start. Over at the Totally rad Actions site there are some good videos too, explaining layers and layer masks, and how to use certain actions as well as adjustment layers generally. Other than that, I can only suggest searching for subjects as specifically as you can.
For books, well, I don't own any. I have a CS3 book I bought and never read (when CS3 was a new release), but that's it. Having said that, anything by Scott Kelby is going to be good value. If you buy a book, just check the reviews on it first - there are some books out there that are not so great.
@jinximages Much appreciated. Copied and pasted to my draft book on photography by a chap called jinx - I think he is onto Chapter five by now :=) thanks for taking the trouble to respond so fully.
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So, if you know a photographer, you could ask to assist them in return for some education. Of course, most education in those situations is gained from simply watching and listening. Best way to learn, is from someone who is already successful.
You could do a recognised course, but it isn't really essential. If you have a desire to do that, do it. Just don't think you have to do it that way.
Workshops are great. But most of them require you to know what you're doing already. Most workshops are for "intermediate" or "advanced", meaning that you are at the very least competent and have an understanding of composition, lighting, and all the technical aspects of your camera.
You can learn from YouTube videos. But some of them are rubbish. A lot are great, however, so it is one valuable resource.
You've asked such an open-ended question (understandably), but there is no one "right" answer. In fact, there are hundreds. Do what appeals to you, but definitely talk to people who are already doing what you want to do.
Good luck!
You have given me so much to think about and a lot of great places to start! I hadn't even thought about YouTube ... I guess that would be a good source considering I learned how to apply my make-up correctly by following a few really good make-up artist and enthusiast.
This looks like it's going to be extremely overwhelming, but I'm excited to just get started!
Thanks again!
I spend a lot of time looking at other work. I disseminate what I like and what I don't like. While they are all pro's, one's style may not appeal to me. So, I find a style I like, and stick with that, and learn from what they are doing. Yeah, I really, really examine their images and think about it.
For books, well, I don't own any. I have a CS3 book I bought and never read (when CS3 was a new release), but that's it. Having said that, anything by Scott Kelby is going to be good value. If you buy a book, just check the reviews on it first - there are some books out there that are not so great.