30 Things I Have Learned About Photography...

1. What inspires you about photography… your opinion is important!
2. Have confidence and don’t underestimate yourself.
3. NEVER compare yourself… every photographer is unique.
4. Create your own style… never copy but DO find inspirations in others work.
5. Seek, accept and learn by others giving an honest critique of your images.
6. It is OK to make a mistake… that is how we all learn.
7. Show your work… even if you don’t think it is worthy of viewing.
8. Your thoughts and emotions effect your shooting. What will you express in your images?
9. Set goals for yourself … ones that are achievable.
10. Think outside of the box… challenge yourself, do something different!
11. Find a mentor… one that is honest and patient.
12. You don’t become a good Photographer overnight…everyone starts at the bottom.
13. When in doubt… shoot!
14. Stay clam… don’t stress everything will be all right!
15. Every shooting session is going to be different… not one will be the same.
16. Carry a notepad everywhere you go… write down your ideas and inspirations.
17. Be prepared… realized your battery isn’t charged or you need more memory cards.
18. Take extra clothing… you never know.
19. Always bring the Tri-pod… you may need it.
20. Clean your camera after every shooting session.
21. Go out and shoot, as often as possible… practice makes perfect!
22. Make editing easier… shoot in the RAW.
23. Calibrate your monitor… you will be amazed what you are missing out on.
24. Shoot at different angles and heights… get dirty!
25. Learn to break the rules of photography… not your lens or camera!!!!
26. Get involved in Photography groups and clubs… there is plenty to learn!
27. Read books, magazines and websites about photography.
28. Start a photo blog…
29. No matter what anyone tells you Photography is not a waste of your time.
30. Most important of all…. ENJOY HAVE FUN! ! ! !

Murphy's photography laws

You are not Ansel Adams
Neither are you Herb Ritz
If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid
Success occurs when no one is looking, failure occurs when the Client is watching
Photo Assistants are essential, they give photographers someone to yell at
Weather never cooperates
Everything always works in your home, everything always fails on location
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism
There is always a way, and it usually doesn't work
Never tell the Photo Editor you have nothing to do
No photojournalist is well dressed
No well dressed photographer is a photojournalist
Professional photographers are predictable; the world is full of dangerous amateurs
The children shots invariably happen on two occasions:-when children are ready.-when you're not.
There is no such thing as a perfect shoot
The important things are always simple
The simple things are always hard
The lens that falls is always the most expensive.
Photo experience is something you never get until just after you need it