Educational Tips For Photographers
Welcome to the exciting world of photography! If you're a beginner looking to enhance your photography skills, you're in the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore ten essential educational tools tailored for novice photographers. Whether you're passionate about portrait photography, landscapes, or macro shots, these tools will help you build a solid foundation and take your photography to the next level.
Online Courses: Platforms like Skillshare, and Coursera offer a variety of photography courses. Look for courses covering the basics of camera operation, composition techniques, and post-processing skills. My go-to is Skillshare to learn it all. They talk about editing, posing, how to work your camera, and much more that helped me build my business.
YouTube Tutorials: YouTube is a goldmine for photography tutorials. Channels like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, and Mango Street provide valuable insights into everything from camera settings to advanced editing techniques.
Photography Blogs: Follow reputable photography blogs for tips, inspiration, and in-depth tutorials. Websites like Digital Photography School, PetaPixel, and Fstoppers regularly publish articles that cater to photographers of all skill levels.
Photography Books: Invest in essential photography books that cover the fundamentals. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson and "The Photographer's Eye" by Michael Freeman are excellent choices for beginners.
Camera Simulator Apps: Practice makes perfect. Utilize camera simulator apps like "CameraSim" to understand the impact of various settings on exposure and composition without using an actual camera. It will help you understand exposure and what happens when you change the settings on your camera.
Editing Software: Familiarize yourself with popular photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Online tutorials and guides can help you grasp the basics of enhancing your photos in post-production. I use Lightroom for 99% of my business and is what most presets you can buy or sell will be applicable with.
Photography Podcasts: Listen to photography podcasts during your commute or downtime. Podcasts like "The Candid Frame" and "The Art of Photography" offer valuable insights, interviews with professionals, and tips for photographers at all levels. I also love “Oh Shoot” by Cassidy Lynne and “Passion With a Purpose” by Nathan Chanski.
Photography Workshops: Attend local or online photography workshops to gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned professionals. These workshops often cover specific genres or techniques, providing focused guidance. A few of my favorite photographers who throw retreats and workshops are “Adventure Awaits” retreats by @Jessielynphotography and @amandaaverycaptureco. They throw very earthy content workshops that are great for photographers wanting to get into adventure weddings. Alix Gould is also another great one for classy and timeless photographers(@alix.gould).
Photography Apps: Explore apps designed to help photographers, such as photo editing apps, pose guides, and composition tools. Apps like Snapseed and VSCO are great for on-the-go editing and experimentation.
Online Photography Communities: Join photography communities on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or Instagram. Engage with other photographers, seek feedback on your work, and learn from the experiences of a diverse community. Facebook groups in your area will help you build connections as well. Learning what is working and isn’t working will help weed out the time that it would have taken you for trial and error.
Embarking on a journey into photography is both rewarding and challenging. By incorporating these educational tools into your routine, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Remember, practice and experimentation are key, so don't be afraid to get out there and capture the world through your lens. Happy shooting!
