I want to get really good at photography...

[wootapotky]

So if anyone could offer tips, sites, etc. that would be awesome. I see images in my head a lot but my problem is that I can't get what I see onto something concrete. I would actually prefer to be good at painting but that will probably never happen to the degree that I would want. I want to take photography classes at my school (since I've heard it's a top ten Photography school in the nation) but right now none are open so I would have to override or wait till someone drops.

But while I'm waiting I want to get better. My biggest problem I think is that I'm not good at taking what I have in front of me. Meaning I see these really cool images in my head, but I can't take photos of them, and so when I'm out and about I'm stuck on the images in my head instead of taking what's in front of me.

For those photographers out there, how long have you been doing photography? Did you take any classes? How much time would it take (let's say for an average person) to get at least decent with photoshop or something similar to PHotoshop? How much would a couple of classes help?

 

[spesmilitis]

take pictures

 

[Drum&Bass]

I've been doing Digital and Film photography for years now. It takes talent to make it as a photographer, theres a few theories on photographic composition that separate the amateurs from the Pro's.

A good photographer also has a strong knowledge of other Creative disciplines.
You should take an intro to photo class. it won't make you a better photographer but it will guide you in the right direction.

I would actually prefer to be good at painting but that will probably never happen to the degree that I would want.

Becoming a competent painter will no doubt increase your photography skills faster than just learning photography on its own. Before you learn how to paint YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST learn how to draw.

 

[Epic]

The first thing that I would suggest is to try and get a job with some professional photography companies. I'm talking about the ones that do high school yearbook photos, senior pictures, family portraits, sporting events, etc. I know several people who had no prior skill in photography and got a job working for one. They love it because they company provides the cameras (they're not cheap either), they get to travel, usually not too far, plus when you're doing the high school and senior photos you get a lot of opportunities to pick up some hot senior chicks (probably not a good idea if you're middle aged, but who says you can't flirt .) Plus, there's all the experience you can get from working with other photographers and professional equipment. Another awesome thing about it is the company gives them events to do on their own every now and then. My friend's dad said one the company handed them was a horse race. It was him and one other guy and they had professional digital cameras, flash memory cards, and a photo printer. They would just take the photos and print them out there. I think he said they made like $2,500 in one weekend.

 

[lordson]

those companies are not likely to let beginner's assume responsibility of a photoshoot

if you're very lucky, then you may be givent he opportunity to assist the main photographer, and take some random pictures.

you're not going to find my information here

go to

www.thephotoforum.com


i think you're problem is that you dont move aroudn enough. if you can see it in your head the shot is there, you need to keep moving your feet. move to this position, take a shot, and keep movign to another position.

bend down, move to your right a bit, bring the camera higher

keep moving and keep taking shots