Few of us are self-taught, and many of us have benefitted from having various teachers and mentors over the years that help guide us in the vast realm of photography.
I thought it would be interesting to share websites and such of those who have guided us.
have to recall my younger years when National Geographic was my best friend and instructor, each month every photo was looked at in detail,, many years past they always included the camera and film the photo was shot with listed under the photo,,
omeega wrote:
mr ken rockwell is always an inspiration to me
He has also inspired me, but not in the same way.
1. Say "serenity now," every time the name is mentioned.
2. Remind others that anyone can set up a website, but that you shouldn't believe everything you read.
3. Whatever he says, consider the opposite. It might just be a good idea.
We should probably have a thread of 100 things you learned from his site, or maybe not.
He is fun to read and sometimes informative with regards to photography if you take it with a grain of salt and understand that he's not a professional, just an amateur like most of us. He makes a good living from a website where he often reviews things he's never seen. He shoots low rez Jpegs only and suggests that tripods are useless.
Back when I was a kid, Ansel Adams was my hero. I read his books and attended Zone System workshops. I used a 4x5 view camera.
for inspiration www.1x.com
for lighting www.strobist.com
for photoshop Scott Kelby, or any of the various webcasts on RetouchPro
for perspective Zack Arias
to get a peek at living the dream Chase Jarvis
for entertainment Ken Rockwell
Having the internet and google at your fingertips is like talking to god but without the delay...it's a double edged sword though - I can easily waste a day thumbing through reviews, how to videos, historical context, and gallery after endless gallery....and completely forget to grab my camera and take a picture.
I'm addicted to the learning process and love understanding how pieces evolve into their end form, but it takes a lot of effort to remember to apply those things as often as possible
Gene Smith (I own one of his old Leica enlargers), Arnold Newman, Minor White and Elliot Erwitt. Thanks for this thread. It's important to step back and tip the hat now and again.
, SJC91