The beauty and value of photography is undisputed in our culture today. We take cameras with us everywhere we go, photographs are sold for millions of dollars, and we consider our most precious photos priceless. Everyone knows the ability photography has to capture memories and emotion but many people have not taken full advantage of this art because they are intimidated by its technology and it’s seemingly complex nature. My goal in this article is to dispel that myth, enhance your appreciation for photography, and help you to develop skills as a photographer.

I’ve never been a very techy person but when I decided that I wanted to become a sports photographer I dove head first into studying photography and how the camera works. To new photographer or those looking to polish their craft my three recommendations are always the same. Watch the most highly rated podcasts on the photographic subject of your choice, take photos as often as you can, and read your camera manual from cover to cover.

Watching the videos will make the complex gadgetry in your manual simpler by teaching you camera basics and focusing on one or two subjects at a time. Additionally, I’ve always found that people learn best what they are interested in. So as you watch podcast subjects that you are interested in practice the skills they are teaching you will see your knowledge and skills increase incrementally.

The three podcasts I started with are: The Art of Photography, Photo Tips, and Photography101.

Photography is a great skill to have for those aspiring to be self employed or pick up some jobs on the side but also very rewarding to have day to day hanging out with friends and family. I had a good friend tell me recently that though she is not a photographer she loves photography since her sister and myself are photographers she always has great photos of what ever she’s doing from goofing around with her newborn niece to backpacking in Yosemite. Also, it was with this friend that I recently went to a wedding and when I got there I found out that the photographer had hurt his back and our friend desperately needed someone to step in. Fortunately I had all of my equipment with me and everything worked out perfectly.

So I highly encourage you to hone your skills as a photographer by shooting regularly and increasing your knowledge of this art and if nothing else stay tuned for future blog articles that will be geared towards taking the beginner by the hand and developing them to the point where they are ready to start shooting paid gigs.