Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

dw75209 · 04:16 PM

I am aspiring photographer wanting to someone who is willing to share their knowledge, technique, wisdom, etc. I am interested learning in the areas of sport, wedding, and portrait photography, but I am open to other areas as well. I have been shooting and trying to learn on my own for few months now, but I really would like to be more knowledgeable and take GREAT photos.

I thank you all in advance for any help that you can share...even if it is steering me in the right direction. I am including a link to my online portfolio some photo that I have taken.

Don

thelegend1472 · 01-09-2007, 03:43 PM

I'm in Michigan so mentoring is a problem and there are much more knowledgeable people out there when it comes to photography anyway. I will say though that you've only been shooting for a mere few months. How bout taking some classes? I'll also say that the only way to get better is to practice. Photography is like anything else. If you don't practice you'll never get better and you can expect to be great over night. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. I'm sure there is probably someone on here that will be willing to help you out. I know personally I carry my camera with me where ever I go and I shoot day in and day out trying to improve and believe me you will. I guess my point is don't get discouraged cause it's just not going to happen over night. Especially with photography. The best photographers in the world have so much to learn themselves.

dw75209 · 01-09-2007, 04:15 PM

Bryan,

Thanks for you reply. I know that it won't happen over night; I can look back on the first series of photos taken vs some more recent ones and I can see some improvement, but see other photographers photos and which I that I have their vision, insight and ability to produce the quality photo that they do. I guess it really comes down to the fact that eager to shoot better.

Don

Wes · 01-09-2007, 05:21 PM

Make sure the lens cap is off. How's that for mentoring?

Seriously, not much I can add to what Bryan said. Collectively, this board has become my mentor. I tried to hook up with another photographer once as a mentor. It was pretty discouraging; HIS mentor basically told him not to help me because he feels that, since anyone with a DSLR nowadays thinks that he's a photographer, then we just cheapen the trade. I think that's a sad view on helping someone. Once I found TPF, I pretty much stopped looking for a mentor. The people here are MORE than generous with their time and expertise, which works great for me.

thelegend1472 · 01-09-2007, 05:21 PM

I wish you the best of luck. Go jump in that GTG shoot thread. You're more than welcome to come where ever we decide to go. As it looks now we may be getting a couple different shoots and dates together. I'm on vacation with nothing to do....except take pictures

Bartman01 · 01-09-2007, 06:03 PM

Hope you find someone, but in the meantime - what books have you read? I would recommend adding some technical and composition books to your library and refer to them often while you are developing your style. My books are all in boxes at the moment, but one I can think of off the top of my head is the New Joy Of Photography. Don't know if it has been updated again for the digital age.

SaundraU · 01-09-2007, 08:20 PM

Check out Betterphoto.com for on-line courses

dw75209 · 01-11-2007, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartman01

Hope you find someone, but in the meantime - what books have you read?

Bartman01,

I have just got Understanding Exposure.

Don

dw75209 · 01-11-2007, 12:58 AM

Thanks everyone for the replies and suggestions.....

Don

jkderby · 01-11-2007, 01:19 PM

I started in 1970 in photography. If you can get a mentor great. What worked for me was to study other photographers photos. Lighting, composition, style,etc. Some times try to duplicated the photo and just to see that you understand what is going on. Take lots of pictures. With digital it is easier, don't have to spend lots of $$ on processing. I did have mentor that did help quite a lot. IM me if you want.

mobilezen · 01-12-2007, 07:44 PM

After having my Canon Pro1 stolen, I chose to actually start using my RebelXT. At first, it was a daunting task just figuring out all the buttons and how it worked. Then I found TPF and checked out how people took their pics, f-stops, exposure settings, ISO, etc...Last, practice...Like everybody said, that's really what you need.

If you're ever in the mood to go shoot, send me a PM, I'm still learning but love to learn this art. What started out with a 1MP FujiFilm point and shoot camera has turned into one of my most favorite hobbies.

dw75209 · 01-12-2007, 09:42 PM

jkderby & Alex thanks for the offers.....

Don