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Hello, .

I hope you’re enjoying the holidays and making plenty of pictures.

A lotta things get dumbed down, especially with things that require our efforts.

Don’t wanna cook?

Pop some premade storebought grub into our mouths.

Don’t wanna read a map?

Google the directions from one place to another.

Don’t wanna write a report or write anything?

AI will do it for us.

Don't get me wrong, in terms of technological advances, this stuff is impressive.

However, with the gain in technology comes a loss of our skills.

In photography, good examples of technology that lessens our skills are working our camera in fully automatic exposure mode and rules of composition

Although rules of composition aren't technology, they‘re an automated process that requires no skill.

Many photographers think it’s best to have the camera make a picture for them and have rules telling them how to homogenize their work with “rules” that prevent them from creating unique imagery.

I get it.

There seems to be a lot to learn regarding camera operation and composition, and the rules appear to be a checklist for producing a pleasing picture.

Aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focusing, metering, controlling tonality!

Many photographers want to press a button and move on to the next picture.

But here’s the rub: if we approach our photography by dumbing it down, we don’t know what we’re doing in terms of camera operation, composition, and light, and as a result, our pictures suffer.

But there’s an alternative to dumbing down our photography.

Instead, we could simple it up before adding nuance.

That nuance is our unique perspective.

There are simple explanations for complex stuff, including photography

It just takes a while to understand them well.

There’s no need to dumb anything down because when we build by going slow and starting with the basics, we keep things simple

Start with basic principles, go slow, and build.

There’s also no need to dumb it down because there’s enough dumb.

We need to be simpler and add our nuance.

By being simpler and adding our nuance, we can learn to use our cameras to create one-of-a-kind pictures based on our unique perspectives.

So, instead of dumbing down, let’s simplify our photography.

Introduction To Photography classes start soon.

Spaces are limited to five.

So, reserve your spot now.

More classes are below.

Looking for a camera?

A friend has a Sony Mirrorless Digital Camera, lens, and a bunch of accessories for sale.

I can vouch that the camera, lens, and accessories are in "Like New" condition. 

It seems like an excellent deal.

You can see the details by clicking on the Facebook Marketplace link below.  

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3942433832662649/?mibextid=6ojiHh

Do you need to learn to use your camera or brush up on some skills and techniques, especially if you want to be ready to take pictures and record those holiday moments?

I've scheduled Introduction to Photography and Getting to Know Your Camera classes.

Since class sizes are limited to five participants, it's a good idea to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

If you need a different schedule, there's always Private Lessons.

Below are more ways to learn photography with me.

The Introduction to Photography class or a series of Private Lessons will help you study and practice to become a photographer who can make the best possible pictures.

By studying and practicing photography with me, you'll learn how to be a better photographer. 

More ways to study and practice with me are below.