Part 2 of my "How to be a better Photographer"

[HungryWriter]

Again, some people have commented that I do not have the experience or authority to 'teach' photography. But that's not what I'm trying to do. Just sharing my path on how I am striving to become a better photographer.

Appreciate the comments!

Thanks!

How to be a better photographer Part 2 of 2 (http://www.glennmagas.com/2010/03/03/how-to-be-a-better-photographer-part-2-of-2/)

[Megapixle]

So what advantage does shooting in M mode give you for general-purpose shots?

[DStanic]

So what advantage does shooting in M mode give you for general-purpose shots?

I don't see where he is (or isn't) recommending to shoot in M, or any other mode for that matter.. ?


Nice article, shooting with a friend is always a great idea. Or if not a "friend", "assisting" or second shooting for a wedding photographer can be a great experience as well!

[SOK]

Also confused about Megapixle's comment...

OP, pretty good advice, I'm sure many newbies will get something out of it.

I guess I disagree with the "keep shooting and delete the ones that you do not like" advice from a long-term stand point of trying to improve.

I totally accept that for newbies, there's nothing better that going nuts and just getting familiar with the camera, how to judge exposure etc etc.

However, a blind squirrel will find a nut eventually, and a newbie who is clicking away because it is 'free' will invariably get a keeper.

From a personal perspective, I quickly reached the point where all the 'technical' things became second nature; exposure, metering, flash etc.

What has taken much longer (and is still an ongoing journey) is that artistic side of things; trying to really pre-visualise what I'm trying to do and execute it accordingly.

I'm now at the point where I purposely try to limit the amount of frames I snap in a session to force me to think about what I am about to capture. Sure, I still experiment, and am occasionally guilty of a spray-and-pray, but the improved self discipline is paying off (IMHO).

I get that your write-up is aimed at beginners...maybe something to consider for part 3 (or 4?) ;)

[neilwood32]

Nice start with parts 1 and 2. :D

Like SOK has suggested though, part 3 would be good to develop the "eye" with reference to composition. lighting (natural and basic flash), time of shooting (golden hour) and so on.

[golfecho]

+1 on SOC's comments. "Free" shooting is great for getting used to the feel and controls of the camera, but sooner or later you have to download all those shots, and spend time in front of the computer to "see" what you have captured (which can become time-consuming). EXIF data is helpfull, but it won't tell you what you were thinking as the photographer (this is the deliberate composure, exposure, and artistic elements).

[Megapixle]

I don't see where he is (or isn't) recommending to shoot in M, or any other mode for that matter.. ?


Sorry, it was in Part 1 of the article.