I don’t typically make New Year resolutions, but this year, I’ve decided to set quite a few goals. After sifting through hundreds of photos I took over the holidays, and not knowing how to even begin tackling them, I realized that “becoming a better photographer” needs to be one of my goals.
My “Be a Better Photographer” plan is threefold.
- Take better pictures. I have a great camera, but I only know the basics of using it. I want to become more familiar with it, so I need to take time to read its manual. I’m also interested in taking photography classes. I’m game for some online classes, but I’d really like to find a local class so I can get hands-on help. I’m going to look into some resources for that, but I’d also love to hear your tips for learning photography skills. Is there a book, website or online course you recommend?
- Become a better editor. I used to never edit photos, but once I tried it, I realized what a huge difference it makes. I use Picmonkey for most of my basic editing, but I will use Photoshop at times for more complicated work. But I am by no means well-versed in the language of photo editing. The next thing I want to learn about is actions — what they are, how I use them, etc. Again, I’d love to know what resources you love for learning more about photo editing.
- Tackle the storage mess. Once my photos are taken and edited and turned into beautiful works of art that will someday grace gallery walls (a girl can dream), I want to store and share them properly. Right now, I store them in iPhoto and various folders on my desktop, and I back them up to an external hard drive. I have a Flickr Pro account, and I want to store and share them there, but honestly, I get confused by all the sets and groups and whatnot. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t find Flickr to be very user-friendly and easy to navigate. I want to get better with that. I’m sure there are probably some other online photo storage options available, but I’m not familiar with any of them. I also want to take the time to print and frame some of my pictures, because I want my home to be filled with photographic memories.
So help me out here. Give me your tips for tackling any of those three items. I’m all ears!
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by YesVideo, a fantastic photo and video preservation service. I am compensated for my work with YesVideo. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh I’m sorry I wish I could offer you a tip or two but I’m in the same boat…desiring with all my heart to be a better photographer!!
I’m a photog and I work for a wedding photographer. I took a class a couple years ago in Tulsa with Ashley Campbell (her blog is Under the Sycamore). She had the best way of explaining all the basics in a way I could understand. She’s a great teacher and had examples of what she was talking about, helped us work through all of our camera settings, and helped (erm, made) us shoot in manual…it was awesome. She doesn’t do it in person any more in order to have more family time, but she did turn her in-person class into an online class a year or two ago. I haven’t taken it online, but she’s a GREAT teacher so I’m sure it’s spectacular! Here’s the link: http://www.ashleyannphotography.com/SnapShopWorkshop/
If you’re looking for actions, thecoffeeshopblog.com has a ton of great, free actions to download. She also gives tutorials with her actions.
For editing tutorials Lynda.com is a great resource although you have to pay for it. (you can get a week free, though)
This is some GREAT info — thank you!
Amy, I am right there with ya! I bought a DSLR and a 50mm lens and Photoshop Elements, all hoping this will help. And it does! But I am barely using any of it to it’s potential. I continue to get better by looking at other amazing pictures and trying to copy it, until I get good enough to come up with my own ideas. Lighting is super important, then there are creative angles, and timing, and getting super close to the subject. Those are my tips!
One of the main things I want to learn more about is lighting.
I’d definitely recommend reading blog posts on better photography. There are many. Also, make sure you let Steph (aka @MrsGloves) know your interest in case she has a webinar. She’s great!
Thank you!
I love this.
One of the best things I’ve done is take a class from Dero Sanford (at Pulaski Tech, believe it or not) – he is a fantastic photographer AND an enthusiastic teacher. Wonderful. AND one of the first things he will do is tell you to read the manual.
So good job. I also know Jacob Slaton taught a one day class this last summer.
My latest editing / storage solution is Lightroom (adobe) – its like a better iPhoto crossed with a simpler Photoshop. Perfect for me and I could show it to you sometime if you’d like.
Online I still don’t have a great solution. Flickr seems like it should be the answer, but I am frustrated with it for the same reasons you are. Love to know if you find something better.
Pretty much the only photographic advice I’ve ever paid attention to came from you in Vegas “Just put it on the A setting.” That makes you my mentor, I guess. And yes, I’ll get you to show me Lightroom sometime.
Dero and Jacob are both fantastic photogs — I’d love to learn from someone of that caliber.