For me I believe that learning photography is an intuitive, highly creative act that works best when one is immersed head first into the doing (action) and the learning.

In my case, I ‘learnt’ by taking pictures – honing my talents, sharpening my sword so to speak. Along the way I observed, and appreciated, the fascinating array of photographers and photography styles, whilst thinking and dreaming (idealizing) about how to do something similar.

So if we are talking about learning photography here then my suggestion is that you can go and look at stock photo agencies and microstock photo sites (check out istockphoto ) and see what great work is coming out and what is happening there.

Then you can emulate or try out certain styles and see how they fit with you. Of course you’ll bring your own personal, unique individuality to the table, and everything you do anyway. (Ie. The photography that you produce will be unique for you). Keep in mind that your images (more often than not) will need to be sellable too… but that’s a story for a rainy day. Let’s get back to learning photography, or the happy little world of beginners photography…

It usually does take a long time to get good… It’s said it takes 10 years to become an expert at something. So, that means you do need to work at it. And keep practicing… and GO find that particular photographer, photography style, or digital photography tutorial that motivates you so much you can’t wait to get out there and shoot.

There’s a fine balance between the learning and the doing. You also need to have a clear, measurable goal and destination. What this means is that if you want to create photography specifically for microstock photo sites, then you’ve given yourself a project to learn all about what type of images sell best, with a target of getting accepted and uploading 50 new images a month. (As an example).

However if you want to just create local photos, or want to start your own photography business, or even make your first information product in the photo niche, then I suggest you find the experts who are already doing this, and emulate what they’re doing.

Hold on – let’s get clear on the meaning of emulate first…

Emulate: To compete with successfully; approach or attain equality with. Also: strive to equal or match, especially by imitating.

Clear on that?  So… at the end of the day learning photography is all about having a mission, Ie. knowing what it is you want to do with your amazing creative photo talents, and then focusing intensely on that goal, learning everything there is to know about it, and continuing to take photos as you go.

It’s also about asking questions, getting involved (photo forums are helpful), and contributing something special to the world. I think that about sums up what learning photography is, do you?

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