How Long Does it Take to Learn Photography?

Photography is a form of art, and like most artists, it takes time to perfect your skill. Skill level can go from taking pictures on your iPhone and at family events to more advanced work such as working for magazines or local art studios; it all depends on how far you want to go and where you want to take your talents. It is estimated that it takes about 3-4 years to gain basic knowledge and a level of competence in photography. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn how you can learn photography and some resources to help speed the process.

What is Photography?

Photography has been around for a long time. The word is derived from the Greek words photos (light) and graphein (to draw), dated back to the 1830s. Now in recent days, we recognize all the skill and technique that goes into creating the perfect photo. We are a long way from the 1800s and the first known photograph, but we can still appreciate the means of visual expression that is the art of picture-taking. Much technicality goes into the photography process such as lighting, exposure, and balance. While tools have made photography more straightforward, the art is still very present and can be taken lightly. 

Benefits of Learning Photography?

Learning photography has some great benefits, specifically if you are looking for a new hobby. Learning photography is a great way to connect with organizations that allow you to meet new people. For example, most cities offer a Meetup to connect with fellow "shutter bugs", a term for other photographers, hear you. This group is a chance to share images, stories and swap tips and techniques with each other. If you are in the New York area, Sierra Photo NYC has a lot of various photography clubs and organizations all over the city. Most cities offer a club or community organization for you to connect with others. 

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If a connection is not what you are after, you can still consider other benefits. Learning photography has some benefits that can translate well into other careers. Patience is one critical skill needed to succeed in most jobs; in photography, it is imperative. The level of patience that's necessary to get the perfect shot and execute it well are skills that get perfected over time as a photographer. Another skill is an eye for detail concerning photos, but this would also transfer well to other areas of work or life. Paying attention to small details and having the expertise to recognize when something is out of place is an important quality that is perfected over time when taking photos. 

Finally, though there are many benefits, having photography as a hobby is a great benefit. As a hobby, photography can help you use your free-time effectively. Additionally, as a hobby, taking photos is a great way to relieve stress. When taking pictures, you can disconnect from all other distractions. Specifically, if you are taking pictures of nature, you likely have to walk around your location before getting struck by inspiration. Those moments of calm and peace before getting your shot are great ways to reduce stress. Lastly, as a hobby, you can do photography alone and not worry about being around others but spend time alone. 

Average Time It Takes to Learn Photography

There are varying views on how long it takes to learn photography. A lot of it depends on how deep into the industry you would like to go. On average, it can take about 3-4 years to build a level of competence in photography. Be sure to consider how much of a novice you were when you started learning. Did you have no knowledge of how to use a camera? Are you considering using a professional digital camera versus an iPhone camera? Are you taking classes in-person or virtually? Are the courses self-guided? These elements can play a part in how quickly you build your competence. Once you have a level of competence, the direction you choose for your career can take additional years to develop expertise. For example, if you are considering specializing in special equipment or photography styles. It might be hard to think about, but it is crucial to focus more on improving your skills than the time frame to become an expert because it is all relative to you and your learning abilities. If you are in the Bay Area there is a group called PhotoAlliancewhich is a meeting place for the photo community. They offer public lectures, workshops, portfolio reviews, and a chance to connect with local photographers. PhotoAlliance is a non-profit and there is no membership but all artists of all levels are welcome. 

Other Factors

In addition to the considerations mentioned earlier, some other factors come into play when learning photography. Some might be more challenging to overcome, but they are all factors to consider when it comes to learning photography and how fast you become competent at the skill. 

Cost

Considering that taking professional classes versus self-paced, free online courses help you learn photography faster, it is essential to consider the role cost plays in learning photography. Additionally, some of the materials can be costly. A quality camera can cost several hundred dollars alone. While some classes provide a camera or allow you to rent one during a course, it is essential to consider how this could limit someone's ability to advance in the skill. Don't let this be a deterrent, you can still learn, but it might take a little longer. Again, the focus is not on how fast you learn but on how well you know photography. 

Time

Like cost, time is a factor in how fast you can learn photography. You might learn faster if you have more time to dedicate to the task. For example, you could take an All Day Private Digital Photography (New York) course and spend six hours learning about specific camera equipment and discussing photography goals in a private session. A course like this could jump-start your knowledge of camera basics, and you could spend one day getting ahead of someone that has to take a course in six sessions if you have the spare time. If not, classes are still offered over several days with sessions that are just as great and take more time. 

Prior Knowledge

Having prior camera knowledge is a huge advantage regarding how long it takes to advance in a career in photography. Basic terminologies such as aperture, shutter speed, and zoom come with some experience behind a camera. While prior professional experience is valued, being self-taught before entering a beginner's level course is also valuable. If you are willing to learn and unlearn some bad habits, your basic knowledge from free online courses or Youtube can be helpful. 

Long Term Goals

What's your long-term goal when it comes to photography? Your end goal can significantly affect how much of an expert you need to be. If you want to stick to beginner-level photography, you can improve your knowledge of using your camera and perfecting your eye for art. If you're going to work on a more professional level, you want to continue perfecting your talent, learning about different lighting techniques, and even incorporating editing tools such as Photoshop. Your goals can be ever-changing, which is one of the great things about making photography your hobby or career goal. 

What to Know Before Learning Photography

There are a few things to know before taking the step to learn photography, particularly regarding cost, difficulty level, and prerequisites. There are various levels of photography that you should consider before starting to learn. Thinking about how far you would like to take your talents helps outline how far you need to go with your education. 

You want to learn about the costs associated with learning photography. It can be costly depending on where you decide to take your education. Also, consider that the start-up costs to your career can yield results. Investing in a quality camera and equipment could be precisely what you need to help enhance the quality of your photos. 

Finally, some courses do require prerequisites before enrolling. Some essential concepts to consider are exposure, lightning, depth of field, and exposure. Knowing these concepts can help your progress in beginners level classes.

Can I Learn Photography for Free / on My Own?

You can learn photography for free. You can learn some of the basics of photography and more using YouTube videos or even free online resources. You can use the free resources at your own pace, allowing you to learn on time without feeling rushed. It is important to note that self-paced, free resources are a great way to learn, but it can take longer than a professional class. If free works best for you, it is still effective, but it is essential to remember that professional courses could provide better results sooner. 

Key Takeaways

In summary, here are some essential things to consider when learning photography:

• Learning photography can take time.
• Various skill levels can add to the time it takes to learn this skill. 
• Cost is essential to consider when looking at learning something new
• There are ways to learn photography for free.
• You can contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person photography courses.