How do you learn more?

[Kermit power]

I've decided I really want to improve my photography this year.

Technically, I think I do OK. I know what I need to do to get things in focus, and I'm happy with the shutter speed/aperture/ISO equations and all that. I suppose where I really need to improve is in actually spotting the shot in the first place.

How have people on here gone about it? I'm assuming I'm not the only person who doesn't always immediately "see the shot" whenever I'm out and about?

I've gone through a variety of books, but whilst these often throw up stunning images, they tend to be frustratingly sparse when it comes to details of how the shots were achieved, especially with regards to lighting. I've looked at courses, but they're not cheap, and I really have no idea which are the good or bad ones, or where to get feedback in that respect? I'm also thinking of joining my local camera club, but not sure if I'll be ostracised for using a digital camera!

Any suggestions warmly welcomed!

[andy-xr]

Peer review, shadowing, assisting, finding inspiration through non photographic things and trying to make a shot/set from them

Or just ripping off the greats with your own twist on things

(ETA, in some cases with shots I've tried to recreate I've looked at how I might be able to do that rather than how they've done it. Whether location, ability, prop/styling or post work. There's just some things you cant do without a full team and limitless budget though

Edited by andy-xr on Sunday 2nd January 19:10

[Cabinet Enforcer]

By spotting shots, do you mean that you know what you want to photograph but can't make a composition work, or that you don't 'see' photographs.

If it's the 'not seeing' then the problem is that you don't know what you are looking for! Pick 2 or 3 themes, they can be anything, a colour, a texture, an animal, whatever, and try to spot them and build up a collection of photos around each theme. I find this gets me past the 'don't know what to take pictures of' block that can stop me from 'looking', and hence 'seeing'.

[Kermit power]

Cabinet Enforcer said:

By spotting shots, do you mean that you know what you want to photograph but can't make a composition work, or that you don't 'see' photographs.

If it's the 'not seeing' then the problem is that you don't know what you are looking for! Pick 2 or 3 themes, they can be anything, a colour, a texture, an animal, whatever, and try to spot them and build up a collection of photos around each theme. I find this gets me past the 'don't know what to take pictures of' block that can stop me from 'looking', and hence 'seeing'.

That's a good thought!

[x5x3]

shadowing a full time pro helped me a lot, we agreed that she would get use of all my pics from events etc in return for constructive criticism. It worked well as she covers a lot of sporting events and two people taking photos is always better than one in terms of capturing the action and getting some candid crowd shots.

[Lucas CAV]

This book is good:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hot-Shoe-Diaries-Creative-...

Although as others have said - peer review or get on Flickr or somewhere like that and make contacts with people who take the sort of shots you like.

And of course - take LOTS of pictures!

[Speed addicted]

I've found that speaking to a pro for a while let me get a better idea about just using the camera, when I'm out walking the dog I'll take one or two lenses at most to force me to take certain types of pictures. Having less choice makes me look more closely at things and actually look for pictures to take. The threads on here have been great for inspiration.

I'd like to go on another course this year mainly to spend time with people who take better pictures than me and hope some of it rubs off.

[missdiane]

Go somewhere really boring- marina, canal, forest, and dedicate the day to taking pictures, you will soon find your shots, see what you come back with