Continuing Education For Photographers

If you want to do something interesting, go on a sponsored photowalk sometime or take a photography class and notice how many of the people there are already professional photographers.

While it may be a little depressing if you're just starting out, it points up several important aspects about photography.

We All Stand On The Shoulders of Giants

Just like in the field of magic, where there are few modern tricks that are not variations on an older illusion, there are very few photographic styles that are actually unique. Everyone in photography, just like everyone in magic, is standing on the shoulders of giants. Nowhere does that become more apparent than in continuing education, which is one of the foundations of professional photographers.

It's An Investment

Photography is a huge field with a depth of knowledge rivaled in few professions. With modern digital cameras set on auto, anyone can take decent pictures. But the creativity, the depth of knowledge that separates amateur from professional is no accident; it is born from a lifetime of continuing education and study.

Professional photographers don't consider continuing eduction a necessary evil, it's a lifestyle. And the photographer that attends a class this month may be teaching a similar class the next. In the field of photography we all feed off one another and all take our turn giving back.

It's Fashion

In the field of fashion it's not unusual for most of the attendees at fashion shows to be other designers. Scoping out the competition, getting inspiration, and drawing on the energy of other people in their field for motivation. Photography is very similar in that photographers are constantly looking to raise their game, looking for new techniques, new ways of seeing a scene. Frequently that inspiration comes from looking to the work of others and taking classes where they get to practice new lighting techniques and work with equipment they may not own.

Photography, like hem lines, also has trends that come and go with time. If you want to stay in business as a photographer, you'll stay in touch with your competitors and learn to offer the same services as the leaders in the field.

Take a Class

If you're new to photography, absolutely take an introductory class in basic photography. Unfortunately, community colleges and universities have priced many people out of taking night classes.

Fortunately, you can find quality introductory material in courses offered online that are both inexpensive and provide one-on-one feedback and support from professional photographers. Many online classes are less than USD $200 and provide a wealth of knowledge and resources. And the bonus is you can work through the material at your own pace in your free time.

Continuing Education In Photography

One of the hallmarks of professional photographers is that you'll find them constantly going back to school. They'll also be involved in a local guild or professional association. In fact, they'll be involved in just about any activity that gets them involved with other photographers and out shooting pictures for assignments or group projects. Besides that, you'll find them participating in and leading photo walks on their day off.

The reasons behind that are complex, but the main reason is that photography tends to be kind of a lone wolf profession. Very few shops can support paid help, other than on a contract basis, so it tends to be an isolated profession.

If you stay isolated long enough in photography your work can become stale and routine. Working by yourself there's no one to challenge you, to inspire you, or show you some new lighting technique, or new way of shooting a particular shot.

Taking a photography class is something you'll find even pros do once in a while, even though they may sit through a class or online course that lasts for days in order to glean one or two new tricks. Professionals also understand the value of reviewing the basics of framing, like the Rule of Thirds, exposure and other photography fundamentals.

The more you grow in the profession, the more you know, the more time you have to put in to gain knowledge. Doesn't seem fair, does it? But that's really true in any profession. The higher you go up the ladder, the more time you have to put into education to move up. Photography is no different in that regard.

Beyond the purely educational aspects, photography is still much like a trade in many ways. Older photographers help those coming along in their careers and most people getting into the business do so by building up their portfolio as an apprentice or second shooter for someone more experienced. In situations where a photographer can't afford an apprentice or assistant, then classes, photo walks and arranged group shoots are the only way you'll get to network with other photographers to build your portfolio.

Photography is one of those trades that takes days to learn but a lifetime to master. The only way to really master the craft is to be constantly learning. Studying the technical aspects, learning the rules, then learning to write your own rule book.

The day you stop progressing in photography, pushing forward with learning, is the day you start sliding back into mediocrity. There are very few people who can keep their edge if they're not constantly out shooting. If you lose interest in going out every weekend for a shoot and getting together with other photographers, then you may want to consider whether photography is really your best option for a career field.