By Peter Phun
How to become a better photographer
1) get a decent digital SLR body. A user-friendly model with lower megapixel can actually be better than higher megapixel e.g. Canon 30Ds are easier to use and more versatile even though their megapixel count is lower than the Canon Rebel XSi.
2) get a "fast" 50 mm lens something with an aperture of at least f 1.8. Those zoom lens kits are terrible for beginners.
3) a decent flash with an off-camera sync cord to allow you to shoot with flash off-camera
4) use and learn adobe photoshop if not the full version then photoshop elements
5) shoot both camera and flash on manual. By doing so, the camera records the exposure info. It will enable you to troubleshoot when your pictures don't turn out the way you want them.
6) open pictures in photoshop study pictures at 100% for focus accuracy
7) study your pictures' metadata. If something works see why it did, if it didn't, this is where you can learn from your mistakes.
8) join the myriad online photography websites like strobist.com, dpchallenge.com, digitalphotographyschool.com, bookmark them
9) find a professional mentor
10) be humble about your abilities
11) be willing to share what you know without bragging
12) enter contests
13) invest in good professional level equipment especially lenses
14) study visual publications
15) keep a notebook of clipping of your favorite pictures
16) if you're shooting digital, learn the ins and outs of your operating system
17) study and pay attention to lighting in the natural world
18) take seminars and classes
19) have your camera with you at all times
20) Take pictures daily.
Peter Phun teaches photography at Riverside City College. He does portraits, weddings and editorial work. He writes about photography, Macs and the internet. He also designs websites and is a stay-at-home dad.
Previously, Peter worked as a staff photographer for 18 years at The Press-Enterprise, Southern California's 4th largest daily newspaper. He is the webmaster for the Mac user group in the Inland Empire. For more information about this Riverside based photographer, visit http://www.peterphun.com
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