Professional Photographer But No Right To Brag.

[SanFranciscan]

I am a professional photographer for a sports team. That doesn't mean that I am particularly skilled with cameras. I would be willing to bet that many amateur photographers know more than I. I have been invited back for a second season at the games because my pictures do sell well, but my background is in marketing and not photography.

Where did you learn your skills? I am just curious.

 

[ukcatfan]

Completely self taught.

 

[orchjoe]

I learn from the pro's on here Thanks everyone

 

[tinkbutt]

I actually went to college for it I think I've learned more on my own though

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I never really have learned. I mostly just aim the camera, turn dials, and push buttons. That's probably why I delete so many pictures.

I have read some stuff on the Internet, but it's hard to know what's true and what's just garbage.

 

[Pooh_Girl]

There's two really great books that my DH bought and read: The Moment It Clicks by Joe McNally and Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Both are books that were recommended here and both are EXCELLENT!! The Moment It Clicks talks about what to look for and the mindset of taking pictures, and Understaning Exposure talks about the technical settings of taking photographs. Like I said, both were excellent but COMPLETELY 180 degrees different. Other than that, the best thing you can do is take Mark's advice: just jump out there and start shooting.

 

[deletedpenguin]

I've got a background in the artistic field, but photography has always just been a hobby for me, despite being approached for paying gigs.

 

[handicap18]

I took some photo classes in high school, but that was 20+ years ago. I've read a book or 2 and used this forum to help re-learn things I forgot and get inspiration for my own images.

I take lots and lots and lots of pictures and every now and then I get a good one. Since I do it as a hobby there is less pressure and more enjoyment.

 

[mabas9395]

My younger sister was a photographer on the highschool yearbook staff. And I worked in the 1-hour photo department of the local drug store as a teenager. Neither taught me anything about taking pictures but piqued my curiousity/interest.

As for my skill, I would normally let me pictures speak for themselves. But I am one of those guys around here who don't post that many photos because unfortunately, my photos do speak volumes about my skill (or lack thereof).

 

[Super]

I'm not stupid... Maybe that sounds rude but it's true. It's the basis behind anything. Everything comes with information. IE when you buy a camera. You learn how it works etc... you can research the physics behind camera functions etc.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

I'm not a professional photographer but I did stay at a Holiday Inn.

 

[jann1033]

I'm not a professional photographer but I did stay at a Holiday Inn.

gotta be one in every thread

i took 1 semester of photography in high school...ok over 30 yrs ago, when they still used pinhole cameras ...always loved art and photography in particular. got out of the "habit" when the kids were little, had a slr, had other point an shoots etc but just not the same. got a dlsr in 2006 and have been working harder to do what i want to do now that i have more time...i always wanted to do ad type set up photos, never was really interested in portrait type stuff( money? who needs money?) but really like the artsy fartsy stuff more..think it's cause i always felt i didn't have the skill/technique/raw talent to paint really well, i can "create" with photos...long winded enough for you?
i wouldn't mind taking some classes maybe sometime but i read as much as i can( usually photo mags, internet, books) and try to retain it ( which is the problem for me) and apply it

 

[Master Mason]

I'll go with Mark's Point and Pray method.

 

[deletedpenguin]

Master Mason is right though, I contribute my good pictures to the fact that for every good picture I've taken, there are about 10 others in the recycle bin.

 

[JR6ooo4]

When I started with digital (and still subjects) I would take a shot with the camera on full auto then try other modes and see if I could get a better shot.

I read a book or two on camera fundamentals and composition. THen shoot, share and chat!

I also spent much time at www.dpreview.com before finding this site.

Mikeeee

 

[DVC Jen]

I also took photography in high school.

But most of what I have learned has come from here - or from reading anything and everything I can get my hands on.

I also learn alot just by practicing and not being afraid to make mistakes.

Technically I think anyone can learn to use a camera for correct exposure and to get a technically correct composition. What really amazes me and the goal that I work so hard to try to reach - but still struggle with all the time - is to be creative. I love to see photos of every day normal things turned into pieces of art.

I love to look at photos of faces - hands - especially the elderly. Pretty faces are great - but how interesting are they really? Faces that tell a story those are the faces that amaze me and keep me interested.

Also - landscapes that take your breath away - and I have seen more than a few on here like that.

They always inspire me to look at things differently - or be able to accomplish a technical skill so I can make a photo like that. The challenge is what drives me to keep practicing and learning.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Self teaching, with help of books, online communities and lots and lots of practice.

I do want to get a Nikon film body and take a class and learn to process film. That would be fun and enjoyable.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I always enjoyed photography and over the years studied it a bit on my own.

Hanging around here renewed my interest and I decided to finally learn it once and for all.

It's still a work in progress, but I understand a lot more theory now than I ever did before.

Putting the theory into practice is another thing altogether, and that piece, for me, will be a long term work in progress.

In the meantime, I'm having fun learning.

 

[GatheringNoMoss]

Master Mason is right though, I contribute my good pictures to the fact that for every good picture I've taken, there are about 10 others in the recycle bin.

SO true. Sometimes after spending time taking a lot, thinking about what I was doing while taking them and looking at them on the 2x2 screen, thinking, not bad. Then I upload them. And it is back to the drawing board.