If I Had To Learn Photography Again, This Is How I Would Do It.

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to learning photography for beginners, focusing on the most efficient path to mastering the basics. It covers the essentials, from understanding photography history and genres to learning how to expose images using the exposure triangle. The script emphasizes the importance of practice, experimenting with settings, and understanding light quality and composition. It also highlights the importance of editing, finding your visual aesthetic, seeking feedback, and gradually upgrading your gear. Ultimately, the video aims to help beginners progress quickly, avoid bad habits, and build a solid foundation for their photography journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding photography history is essential for grasping its origins and conceptual framework.
• 😀 Photography is about transferring light onto a physical medium, either through film or digital sensors.
• 😀 Don't get lost in gear early on—focus on understanding the basics of cameras and their parts.
• 😀 Master the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) as it is crucial for taking well-exposed images.
• 😀 Learn how to focus effectively, including both autofocus and manual focus techniques for different photography genres.
• 😀 Practice is key—take thousands of shots to get comfortable with your camera and its settings.
• 😀 Avoid editing poor-quality photos at the beginning; focus on taking good shots first.
• 😀 Understand the quality of light (hard, soft, directional, etc.) and how it affects your photography.
• 😀 Learn the concept of visual patterns to communicate through compositions and create meaning in your images.
• 😀 Find inspiration by studying the work of other photographers, which will help you shape your own photographic style.
• 😀 Feedback from others is crucial—seek constructive criticism to help refine your skills and improve your photography.

Q & A

What is the first thing the speaker recommends learning when starting photography?

The speaker recommends first learning about photography history, including its origins and the process of photography. Understanding the meaning of photography and its evolution provides foundational context for learning the craft.

How does the speaker suggest handling gear research when beginning in photography?

The speaker advises learning about photography gear in a basic way without diving too deep into details. Understanding essential concepts like interchangeable lenses, mirrorless vs. DSLR, and sensor sizes is important, but excessive focus on gear at the beginning can be distracting.

What is the exposure triangle and why is it important?

The exposure triangle consists of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It's important because it governs the exposure of an image, determining how light is captured. Mastering the exposure triangle is essential to avoid common technical mistakes and forms the foundation of photography.

Why is learning focus important for photographers, according to the speaker?

Learning focus is critical because modern cameras offer autofocus, but understanding its various modes (like continuous and single focus) and manual focus gives photographers control over how their subjects are captured. Understanding focus helps translate the photographer's vision into the image.

What advice does the speaker give about practicing photography?

The speaker encourages shooting frequently, experimenting with all camera settings, and not worrying about creating perfect images. The goal is to learn the functionality of the camera and develop muscle memory, without the pressure of producing high-quality photos right away.

What should photographers focus on when they start editing their photos?

Photographers should focus on developing a workflow and editing only their best photos. Learning photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and understanding how to manipulate the image while preserving its quality is crucial. The goal is to refine photos and eventually develop a visual aesthetic.

How does the speaker describe the development of a photographer's visual aesthetic?

The speaker explains that a photographer’s visual aesthetic evolves over time through practice and experimentation. It is the style or treatment they apply to their images based on context, mood, or purpose. This aesthetic will change as the photographer learns and gains experience.

What is the significance of taking a break from photography during the learning process?

Taking a break allows photographers to reflect on their work, find inspiration, and assess their purpose and direction in photography. It helps avoid burnout and fosters a deeper understanding of what the photographer wants to achieve with their images.

Why is feedback crucial in a photographer's journey, and how can it help them improve?

Feedback is important because it provides an objective perspective on a photographer's work, helping them move beyond the 'honeymoon phase' where they overestimate the quality of their images. Constructive feedback challenges them to improve and refine their skills and style.

When is the best time to invest in more advanced gear, according to the speaker?

The best time to invest in advanced gear is after gaining significant experience and understanding what type of photography and images you want to create. At this stage, a photographer will know what gear is necessary to achieve their desired results, preventing unnecessary purchases or complicating their progress.