9 Tips for the Self-Taught Travel Photographer

You know you secretly want to be a National Geographic photographer. But it takes a lot more than hoping. Self-learning is fun and cheap, but takes discipline. Check out these nine steps and resources.

1. Study photo books. Go to the public library or local book store and look at photo books while asking questions such as: “What makes this photo great?” “Why are these photos side by side?” “Why does this photographer only shoot B&W?” If you do this on a regular basis it can dramatically improve your photography and is enjoyable!

2. Take notes. Self learning can lack focus unless you take notes so you can follow up on questions and ideas. I started with a list of specific things I wanted to learn about photography. “What is White Balance and how do I use it?” “How slow can I hand hold the camera without getting a blurry photo?” “What is the rule of 1/3?” etc. Many years later I’m still adding new questions to this same piece of paper.

3. Podcasts. Check out: Jeff Curto’s Camera Position Podcast and his History of Photography Podcast. The Magnum Photo Essay Podcast is a cooperative of distinctive photographers worldwide. A must see. Click here for more of of the best photography podcasts.

Read full article on MatadorU →

_________________________

Matador’s expert on Hokkaido, Ryan Libre is a freelance photographer based in Japan and Thailand. Please visit his online gallery at www.idioimagers.org and join him for a photo workshop in Chiang Mai.