Best way to learn proper photography techniques

Aside from going to school and getting a photography degree, what are the best ways for a novice photographer to learn proper shooting and editing techniques. I don't have professional aspirations, but I would like to know how to properly adjust my DSLR for certain situations or how to read a histogram in post processing. I love photography and am committed to learning.

Thanks, Jason

Read photo magazines, read forums, but most of all shoot, shoot snd shoot and learn from your mistakes.
Jules

--
Black holes do not destroy information.

I'm going to agree with Jason on this one - that's how I learned and became comfortable - using 35mm for 35 years - much of which is quite applicable to digital.

Glenn NK

JAS721 said:

Aside from going to school and getting a photography degree, what
are the best ways for a novice photographer to learn proper
shooting and editing techniques. I don't have professional
aspirations, but I would like to know how to properly adjust my
DSLR for certain situations or how to read a histogram in post
processing. I love photography and am committed to learning.

Click to expand...

It depends on you. I learn well from books and reading. When I did finally take formal classes, I found that my technical skills were well ahead of just about everyone in my classes that had taken the previous year courses that I had skipped. I picked up one new technique that mattered to me, and that was the use of light selenium toning to deepen blacks slightly with black and white prints. But I think that was mentioned in Adam's book, "The Print." I just never tried it.

But that worked for me. Some people really need to hear instructions. Some people like to physically see how its done. So it really depends a lont on what learning techniques work best for you.

--
Jay Turberville
http://www.jayandwanda.com

This has helped me:

1) It is important to put a good photograph above your gear

2) Join Flickr.com, there you look at good photographs taken by others and tried to understand how they are taken, everytime you are able to get similar or better result, you just go for more difficult level.

3) give yourself themes: food, fashion, documentary, nightshots, etc....

4) There are groups in flickr that helps you with photoshop or camera advice.

5) Have fun, don't worry about lack of talent. Do work hard.

Good luck!!

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/namakumo

Buy one or two good books on photography and read them thoroughly. Make sure they cover exposure extensively and then learn how it all works together. Also, lenses, focal lengths and the effect of the aperature and shutter speeds.

While you are reading and learning, go out and shoot, using the techniques you have just read about. See what works and what doesn't and what effect the different variables have on the final photo.

The main thing is read and shoot, shoot, shoot. Read and then learn by doing.

Also, make sure you read the instruction manual of your camera, so that you are aware of all of it's features.

Lots of luck and have fun.
--

The greatest of mankind's criminals are those who delude themselves into thinking they have done 'the right thing.'

• Rayna Butler

JAS721 said:

Aside from going to school and getting a photography degree, what
are the best ways for a novice photographer to learn proper
shooting and editing techniques. I don't have professional
aspirations, but I would like to know how to properly adjust my
DSLR for certain situations or how to read a histogram in post
processing. I love photography and am committed to learning.

Thanks, Jason

Click to expand...

Jason,

I have found the lessons provided at the link below to be most beneficial. Take you time going through them as they are detailed. Printing the ones you find most interesting will let you have a portable notebook for photography field trips.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm
--
Bob,

' We don't make a photograph just with a camera; we bring to the act of photography all the books we have read, the movies we have seen, the music we have heard, the people we have loved.' Ansel Adams

Great Pro1
Casio Z750

JAS721 said:

Aside from going to school and getting a photography degree

Click to expand...

No need to get a degree. Many community colleges and art colleges offer non-credit evening and weekend courses in photography. Look around and see what you can find. It could be the best $200 you've spent on photography.

The one thing I would caution you about is digital vs. film. Some folks can be really stuck on film. There are reasons for this -- it teaches you to look for contrast, for one. But try to find a school (and specifically a teacher) who isn't afraid of digital.

--
Seen in a fortune cookie:
Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed

That site looks great, thanks.

I actaully live next to a college that has a very popular and large photography program. I will have to look into what they offer for non-degree seeking students.