Whatever you do, don’t go to Wikipedia and type in “photography.” One can get lost for hours in the articles on the history of photography, types of photography, famous photographers, and a million other things without learning anything about how to take a good photo. I already know that digital cameras aren’t as great as black-and-white film in terms of capturing all of the data of an image (Wikipedia told me this is called dynamic range). I’ve see the history of photography exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass – sponsored by Kodak, of course. For the millionth time, I know the rule of thirds and that unusual angles can result in interesting photos. So why did I go there first? Isn’t that where we’re supposed to go looking for information?
Here’s my problem. There’s too much information available. I have no idea where to start. Most books are either far below my level of understanding (such as the one with a chapter entitled “Getting Photos from Your Camera Onto Your Computer”) or way over my head. I need a middle of the road introduction.
Matt offered advice: take lots of photos. Similar to Natalie Goldberg’s philosophy towards writing. Keep doing it in large amounts and eventually you’ll figure out what works for you. Most of what you create will be crap but that’s acceptable because it’s in the pursuit of something wonderful. You’re practicing for the day when you’ll finally write a great novel or take a wonderful photo.
That’s not to say one shouldn’t know the technical basics. Writers must learn proper grammar and spelling before they can push aside those conventions in their own works. Same with phtography, I need to learn what f-stops, backlighting, and ISO 400 are before I can identify myself as a photographer. I’m not going to stop taking photos, however, while I learn. Small children aren’t kept from writing until they can identify an adverb phrase and correctly use a semicolon – good thing, I’d still not be allowed to write. Instead my practice will continue as I make my way through the millions of books, articles, blog posts, and Wikipedia entries that will make up my curriculum.
One last thing before I go: do you have any recommendations for books or websites I should take a look at? Let me know in comments. I’m going to need a great deal of help.
OOOO OOOO OOOO I’ll help you! I have been a photography fan for years and have been enjoying myself with my cameras for a while now. You and I have been talking about hooking up for some time now, and I think this should do it. I have many books and magazines. There are a few blogs on my blogroll about photoraphy you can check out. Joe McNally’s Blog, Strobist, Digital Photography for the Busy Housewife (or something). I have a book I haven’t really cracked yet that looks like a bunch of fun. It’s called the Photo Idea Index. There are even assignments in there. Drop me an e-mail and let’s chat!