One more thing... on the subject of practicing correctly, there's this "thing" out now called "Deliberate Practice." It's pretty much parallel to what you are talking about here. Might I suggest an excellent read on the topic?... a book entitled, "Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson. About $14 on Amazon for the paperback version.
I really enjoyed this article. I was thinking the other day about this very thing, and that I am feeling that I am FINALLY just getting to the point that I know enough to even BEGIN learning how to do real photography, if you know what I mean. I find myself going through spurts of growth, where I might go two years with no real noticeable growth, then in a matter of a few weeks I've reached "the tipping point" (another of Gladwell's mantras), and grow like crazy in a short period of time.
The point about finding a tribe is truly key. But, as with "correct" practice... finding the "right" tribe is also vital. I remember early on I went to a local photography class taught by a prominent photo journalist in our area. I was stoked about him teaching a class. It was full of a bunch of grandmatogs (nothing wrong with that, just sayin') and there was me. One of them asked him (him being said guru) if she should shoot in raw or jpeg. He emphatically told us there was no need whatsoever for us to shoot in RAW. I about fell out of my chair. At least I knew that much. Another thing I knew right then was that this was NOT the group for me, and that I would have to abandon local learning and seek it out online. (I live in Podunk, Mississippi). That search is what led me to you and to Project 52. I found a group, for my commercial work, that I could trust and learn from. Hence, why I'm here reading and studying every word!
For my consumer work, I find PPA is a gem, especially the LOOP forums, but also their Education area. I know PPA is not very highly thought of inside P52, but for me it's been invaluable for many things, and compliments my commercial photography, and vice-versa. Finally, the "Imitate - Assimilate - Innovate" Principle has been one that you've taught and that truly is a foundational principle of my approach to learning, growing and developing my own style. Thanks for all you do.
One more thing... on the subject of practicing correctly, there's this "thing" out now called "Deliberate Practice." It's pretty much parallel to what you are talking about here. Might I suggest an excellent read on the topic?... a book entitled, "Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise" by Anders Ericsson. About $14 on Amazon for the paperback version.
I really enjoyed this article. I was thinking the other day about this very thing, and that I am feeling that I am FINALLY just getting to the point that I know enough to even BEGIN learning how to do real photography, if you know what I mean. I find myself going through spurts of growth, where I might go two years with no real noticeable growth, then in a matter of a few weeks I've reached "the tipping point" (another of Gladwell's mantras), and grow like crazy in a short period of time.
The point about finding a tribe is truly key. But, as with "correct" practice... finding the "right" tribe is also vital. I remember early on I went to a local photography class taught by a prominent photo journalist in our area. I was stoked about him teaching a class. It was full of a bunch of grandmatogs (nothing wrong with that, just sayin') and there was me. One of them asked him (him being said guru) if she should shoot in raw or jpeg. He emphatically told us there was no need whatsoever for us to shoot in RAW. I about fell out of my chair. At least I knew that much. Another thing I knew right then was that this was NOT the group for me, and that I would have to abandon local learning and seek it out online. (I live in Podunk, Mississippi). That search is what led me to you and to Project 52. I found a group, for my commercial work, that I could trust and learn from. Hence, why I'm here reading and studying every word!
For my consumer work, I find PPA is a gem, especially the LOOP forums, but also their Education area. I know PPA is not very highly thought of inside P52, but for me it's been invaluable for many things, and compliments my commercial photography, and vice-versa. Finally, the "Imitate - Assimilate - Innovate" Principle has been one that you've taught and that truly is a foundational principle of my approach to learning, growing and developing my own style. Thanks for all you do.