I have never taken a photography class, though I would love to.
In retrospect, my learning process has been slow and often frustrating. I'm sure at least one class would have saved me months or years of trial and error.
Be that as it may, I have always loved photography. I love seeing something (without a camera) and think, I know how I would want to capture that. Capturing it the way I imagine is the challenge.
Not to say I haven't had help! Years ago, I was able to spend some time with the talented Naomi Masina and it changed my life. Among the invaluable advice she gave, learning to use the functions of my camera (learning to shoot in "M") changed everything about my photography - for the best.
While some of the help I've received is from real people in real life, most of the resources I go to are online.
A few of my favorites are:
Digital Photography School
I get
weekly emails from DPS that I look forward to. There are tutorials for
days on technique, post editing, and the business side of photography.
There are weekly assignments and contests which can be fun. This is the site I go to most often.
Another great site is
Improve Photography
and I regularly keep up with all the information that is readily shared on
The Utah Photographers Group on Facebook.
You can organize and find so many tutorials and ideas from many different sources on Pinterest as well. Whether you're the DIY (Do It Yourself) kind of person or want to invest in a photographer you can gather inspiration and take your images to the next level.
These are only a few of the thousands out there. Because of all the talent and resources out there, it can be downright intimidating. I try not to let myself get caught up in the idea of competing with other photographers, and instead try to share what little I've learned with those who can benefit from it.
Photography isn't my life, it is my passion. My family is my number one priority and anytime photography needs to, it can take a back seat (for a long while if needs be).
I think (hope!) there will be a season in my life where I will be able to take those classes I never did and pursuit my dream of running a successful, "full-time" photography business!
In the mean time, I will just keep doin' what I'm doin'!
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aw girl, I'm right there w/ you. I kinda wish I took those classes but one fine day you and I will be able to. I would like to tell you though, that your photography is amazing, I would have never known that you didn't take any classes. Some people are just born w/ that skill, and you are one of those people. ps: sorry for stalking your blog :)
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