Hesitation over revealing photography techniques, and an explanation of the reasons behind this hesitance given.
In a recent discussion, independent photography journalist and editor, Rod Lawton, highlighted the importance of active learning in the world of photography. According to Lawton, active learning involves going out and trying things to see what happens, rather than relying solely on step-by-step instructions.
This approach, he suggests, can foster creativity and originality, contrary to the notion that the culture of openly sharing photography techniques on platforms like YouTube discourages self-discovery. Instead, Lawton argues that these platforms provide a valuable foundation for creative growth and personal artistic development.
Learning and experimenting with various techniques, such as how to take good blurry photos or refine portrait poses, can serve as a starting point for photographers to break the rules with intention and develop their own style. For example, one tutorial emphasizes that creative blur is about feel and purposeful control, encouraging photographers to experiment and find what works for them rather than aiming for technical perfection.
Open sharing also helps photographers learn to decode and understand photographs deeply—analyzing light, composition, and technical choices—which is essential for mastering the craft. This knowledge enables them to replicate admired works initially and then adapt and innovate on those frameworks to create unique approaches.
Moreover, tutorials and critiques available online promote authenticity and long-term success by nurturing individual expression rather than copying blindly. Photographers are encouraged to discover what resonates with them personally and to trust their instincts while incorporating learned skills.
Despite the potential for surface-level imitation, Lawton emphasizes that the abundant resources on platforms like YouTube also empower self-discovery and originality when approached thoughtfully. He warns against revealing photographic techniques to maintain an element of 'magic' in photography.
Lawton, who has written about photography technique, photo editing, and digital cameras since they first appeared, and has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, believes that learning photography has become too passive. He advocates for a more active approach, encouraging people to experiment and learn things for themselves.
In conclusion, platforms like YouTube foster a supportive learning environment that can accelerate technical skill acquisition and inspire photographers to explore their creative voice. While there is always a risk of surface-level imitation, the abundant resources also empower self-discovery and originality when approached thoughtfully. The question remains, whether photography is best driven by uniqueness or conformity.
Rod Lawton's advice can be found on his camera gear blog at fotovolo.com and his photo-editing techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com. His work has been featured in Digital Camera World and many other publications.
- Rod Lawton, an independent photography journalist and editor, values the active learning approach in photography, encouraging people to experiment rather than following step-by-step instructions.
- Active learning, as suggested by Lawton, can foster creativity and originality, contrary to the idea that openly sharing photography techniques on platforms like YouTube discourages self-discovery.
- Experimenting with various techniques, such as mastering blurry photos or refining portrait poses, can help photographers develop their unique style by breaking and redefining rules.
- Online platforms like YouTube provide a foundation for creative growth and personal artistic development, offering tutorials on techniques, compositions, and technical choices.
- Learning to decipher photographs and understanding the elements of light, composition, and technical choices is crucial for mastering photography.
- Tutorials and critiques available online nurture individual expression and help photographers create unique approaches by adapting and innovating on frameworks.
- Rod Lawton, a keen advocate for active learning, believes that the abundance of resources on platforms like YouTube can empower self-discovery and originality but urges photographers to maintain an element of 'magic' in their work.
- Lawton has written about photography technique, photo editing, and digital cameras since they first appeared and has used and reviewed various types of cameras, including mirrorless, DSLR, and gear with focus on technology.9.Platforms like YouTube create a supportive learning environment that can accelerate technical skill acquisition, inspire photographers to explore their creative voice, and stimulate the ongoing debate about whether uniqueness or conformity drives the best photography.
