What is the best way to learn?

I am very interested in photography. I recently graduated from a advanced P/S to a Canon 30D. Awesome camera! I have been taking pictures as often as I can and am always learning. But I am learning on my own, which is very limiting. I often see shots in here which blow me away and I would like to know how some you have learned your techniques. Any imput would be appreciated. Thanks.

rough intro to DSLR

http://www.canon.co.jp …ng/enjoydslr/p_​1_001.html

nothing liek the method i use ... (i think)

practice, try new things, practice, practice, practice, check other ppl opinion ... and start all over again


(anyway thats the way i learned )

I applied what I knew from shooting film to the DSLR, read thousands of posts on Fred Miranda and POTN, and bought a big stack of books. Oh, and I've shot thousands upon thousands of frames to practice.

I just read lots, and shoot even more.
You read about something, you go out and try it.
You see something interesting, you try to capture it useing different settings and remember what works.

1. if possible - find a photography student to talk you through the basics.
   
2. join a local camera club - it's a great support system of peers!
   

go out and take pictures.After you read the manual of course.

Plagiarize those pictures that blow you away.

Don't be afraid to experiment. This is the digital age, if you are messing around with a setting and you don't like the results, simply delete the picture and try somthing else.

Find the nearest bunch of POTNers and follow them out on their next expedition...I learn best when I see better shooters at work and converse with them about photography

Practice like crazy, and read as much as you possibly can in here. Just remember, great gear only carries you so far. Knowing how to use what you have is the real key.

*Edit* Don't forget to ask A LOT of questions! People in here WILL help you out, especially if you know what you are trying to ask.

arthurgoh wrote in post #2286524
Find the nearest bunch of POTNers and follow them out on their next expedition...I learn best when I see better shooters at work and converse with them about photography

What you call when Stevie Wonder helped Ray Charles cross the street???

tmonatr wrote in post #2285858
I am very interested in photography. I recently graduated from a advanced P/S to a Canon 30D. Awesome camera! I have been taking pictures as often as I can and am always learning. But I am learning on my own, which is very limiting. I often see shots in here which blow me away and I would like to know how some you have learned your techniques. Any imput would be appreciated. Thanks.

I found useful and plentiful information at Canons
website. highlight Digital Guidebook for Professionls in "Pro corner" then "click on here" link at top, then download guide/book (7.6mb.). I have the XT (link on left side) which has a wealth of good info. for entering the field.http://www.photoworksh​op.com/canon/index.htm​l

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2286464
Plagiarize those pictures that blow you away.

Joining up with other photographers is the number 1 way, but Doc's post is the absolute best way to self teach.

Practice, practice, practice. Oh yeah, and stop here at POTN as often as you like.