Having a camera doesn't make us photographers.
Furthermore, our photographic skills and the techniques we've developed and used while making a picture have no bearing on whether we're photographers; what makes us photographers is the act of making photographs.
However, the photographic skills and techniques we've developed have everything to do with whether we're as creative and expressive as we can be with a camera.
A lot of people I talk with say they have a camera and haven't been using it.
They were probably
photographers at some point, but because they didn't understand how to operate their cameras efficiently, effectively, and intentionally, they stopped making pictures because they weren't coming out the way they wanted.
Yup, everyone who
has a camera and makes photographs with it is a photographer.
But our level of photographic skills and techniques, along with our understanding of camera operation, composition, and light, determines what kind of photographer we are.
Can we use all the camera functionality when operating our cameras in manual exposure mode?
Do we understand the compositional/visual effects of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO?
Could we observe and describe
the characteristics of the light we see, imagine the picture we want, and, based on what we're seeing, how to effectively and efficiently use the camera controls to create the best pictures we can?
If not, we've got some
studying and practicing to do to become the best photographers we possibly can.
The Introduction To Photography class starts soon.
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.
Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
Currently scheduled classes are
below.
Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for
you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.