Photography

December 19, 2022

Photography

While I consider myself a painter, I love photography, it's an artform with so much potential for beauty and expression. I love the challenge of getting a great shot, the excitement of going on location and looking for the most fascinating subjects on hand. It's thrilling. I practice photography every day, whether it be the sunrise before work, the woods by my house, the local dog park, or if I'm fortunate to go travelling, I always take a camera with me.

I don't consider myself a master photographer. For these lessons I have studied online materials from professionals like Chris Bray, Chris Parker, Scott Kelby, Phil Steele, Daniel Norton, Anthony Gugliotta, and others. I have done my best to organize and streamline the information so as to be most useful to you. I've simplified as much as I can - there are instances where even the experts disagree. The results should provide a comprehensive basis for learning the artform - one in which the artist must show dedication not simply to the craft, but also in purchasing (prohibitively) expensive equipment. There are several reasons I prefer painting - this is one.

Another is my distaste for using (and breathing) strange chemicals, and yet another is my dislike for the general atmosphere of most photography studios. Go to any university photo lab to see my point - note the number of rules you'll find posted, often with exclamation points!!! Then go to the painting studio and note the general lack of rules, aside from banning turpentine, which, again, who likes breathing in foul chemicals? And then, you'll often find yourself staring at a clock, whether in the darkroom or at a computer that is starting, uploading, downloading, buffering, freezing, etc. You don't deal with that when you paint.

Having said that, photography is a fantastic, awe-inspiring art form with so many opportunities to create beauty and so many tools to try. It's certainly worth studying - if you're willing to take it and yourself seriously. Photography requires devotion, as much as it requires money, and a steady, careful hand.

Click these links to access my lessons on the following topics (check later for updates):

1. An Introduction to Photography: Basic Concepts & History

2. Different Kinds of Cameras

3. Different Lenses

4. Lens Filters, Hoods & Other Camera Accessories

5. Basic Equipment Care and Maintenance

6. How to Take Photos 1: Basic Tips

7. How to Take Photos 2: Aperture

8. How to Take Photos 3: Shutter Speed

9. How to Take Photos 4: ISO

10. How to Take Photos 5: White Balance

11. How to Take Photos 6: Camera Modes & Features