Education is the key....

                 As I have proceeded through the layers of the photographic hobby, I have accumulated quite a list of internet sites that review, advise & frequently promote, even indirectly, various equipment & camera brands. One has to be very careful in analyzing the messages frequently presented in the guise of being education, informational or as a tutorial. Most of the leading photographic/educational sites on the net--YouTube, are ethical and have been around for considerable periods. Usually the presenter states clearly upfront the nature of his relationship with the specific camera/equipment/services being discussed. Usually--but not always.
               YouTube learning has been a real boon for me. I can select the time of day that I am most receptive to photo education. Also, my computer video stop and rewind buttons are used a lot. I suppose that each of us has a learning style and my own tends towards, slow and steady with several repetitions of key points. I like to use accumulated newly learned techniques in the real world as soon as possible, finding that once I can do it myself and incorporate into my own repertoire of skills---I have it forever.
               Start entering into Google certain search phrases that appeal and results by the thousand will jump forward. Certain presenters tend to be skewed towards gear, others to all possible photographic genres---landscape, portrait, wildlife, sports, events etc., etc. As you enter into a specific area of interest, the net search algorithms constantly present new and interesting material.
                The internet is an amazing resource for creativity. Have an idea for a photo, however weird, abstract, out of the world and one can find thousands of others with samples of how they captured similar scenarios. No need to copy others, but learn the pitfalls and challenges others may have encountered and build on their experiences. A wise man once told me that the Wright brothers would have invented the Boeing 747 if they could have seen the future.
                 Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to and highly recommend free internet courses in photography. I have completed several tutorial courses and multiple answer type tests at no charge, with the free, 'diploma' courses offered by Alison training.

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