Look Around Out There

The Internet is one of the new photographers greatest resources. One of the best ways to learn is to look at others work, and the web is one of the best ways to do it.

On my Internet Browser I use an extension (a type of plugin) called "Stumble Upon". You tell the extension what you're interested in (Photography, Computers, Cars, etc.), and when you hit "Stumble", it'll take you to a randomly selected page in that category. Find one you think looks interesting, and start digging into it! Look at a photo, decide if you like it or not, and then figure out what you like about it. Is it the lighting? The composition? What does he or she do that makes it a unique piece of work? Is there a style that's consistent through his or her work? There's no limit to the amount you can learn.

In addition, browsing others vacation pictures or images taken by professional photographers will help you find different and interesting angles or lighting styles to try. Worse case is you waste a few images doing so. Even then, you have learned something regardless.