Learning from the Masters

I learn from the masters! I study photographers that are well known in their craft. Photographers like Joe McNally, Peter Hurley, and Douglas Kirkland from today's masters. Ansel Adams, Yousuf Karsh, and Irving Penn from those that have passed. 

I also learn from other photographers. Photographers that present amazing photographs and art work. I am looking at photographers that have clean work and seem to know what they are doing. They may not be published, written any books, or have a video series on Kelbyone but who are on sites like 500px where I can admire their work and get inspired from.

I have been studying photography since the 70s but I still do not know everything. Digital has changed the game for me and I feel as though I am starting over. I look to find new ways to learn without having to go back to school and do it ALL over again. I find the community of photography is supportive and encouraging but I also find there are a lot of photographers that may not be doing things the way I would do them so I have to be careful of who I choose to learn from and follow.

My goal this year is to continue to find amazing photographers to get inspiration from as well as continue to study the masters. As I learn or find new people I will post them here and I encourage you to do the same. I want to learn as much as I can but it can be hard to find something  or someone new in the ocean of online digital photography. I hope I can help each of you and in turn continue to learn and find new things from each of you.

Here is a shortened list of where I am learning online:

Digital Photography School 

Kelbyone

Lynda

Joe Mcnally

Peter Hurley

Here is a short list of the photographers I am following on 500px and Twitter:

Elena Shumilova 

Jake Olsen

Thomas Hawk

Following the Rules

The best part of the rules of photography is the idea that we could break them at any time. However first you need to understand what the rules of photography are. Too often I see photos of great grand views but the subject is directly in the center of the photo, so I don't really get the scene that they're trying to show me. Following the rule of thirds gives us the opportunity to help our audience feel what we feel. There is nothing wrong with centering your subject if that is what you feel as the photographer best shows your subject. If you always center your subject, it tells me you pointed the camera in the vicinity of the subject and pushed the button. The difference can be "did you take the photo or did you MAKE the photo"?
Here is a picture looking down into a valley with big puffy clouds and rich green fields. Notice the valley is in the bottom third of the photograph and the top two thirds is filled with sky. I was trying to give my audience a sense of expansion. I feeling of looking on forever.
The next time you are taking a photo, try moving the camera or the subject around to give a sense of where you are, what you are feeling, or simply a different perspective. Using the rules, Find your look for the photograph...