Teaching at PrairieView I see a lot of beginning photographers. Like most enthusiasts they are looking for the secret to getting photos looking like the professionals they admire. After buying this expensive camera or that fancy doo-dad they are still unhappy with their shots and I have to break it to them that the secret is not in the gear. Unfortunately the secret to good photography is the long road of dedicated practice. However, nothing is more discouraging than beginning a long journey that you can't even see the end of so I suggest three habits to get into that are different enough from each other to break the monotony and keep you working towards your goal. Here they are:
1.) Shoot, shoot, shoot! - Yes, I know. You are doing this already, but it is #1 for a reason. This habit involves everything from fiddling with the bells and whistles on your camera to trudging out into the snow to dragging your heavy DSLR with you absolutely everywhere you go. If it means passing more frames through your camera, then do it. Most people think that being a photographer stops here, think again.
2.) Consult - Not only does it give you a break from the gear, asking other people what they think about your photographs gives you tips on your strengths and your weaknesses. Do you find yourself having to explain what the photo is about or do the subjects speak for themselves? Getting to know someone who's work you really admire can be a great resource for suggestions as well as a critical eye. Even getting together with other amateurs every once and a while for an informal critique helps. Photographers have an attachment to their pictures that has been known to cloud their judgment as to whether it is what they really wanted to capture. The more outsiders you bring in, the easier it is to see your photos from another point of view.
3.) Print - I personally think that a framed photo hanging on a wall for many to see is the happiest place for a photographic image to be. I'd go so far as to say that it is the purpose of photography. Good pictures are so beautiful, why store them away in your hard drive... set them free. And yes, you're right, there is the internet, but in terms of quality of presentation, screens can't hold a candle to paper print. Don't just print.... print BIG! Nothing has impact like a 11x14 or 16x20 hanging in a room. Printing big forces you to choose only the very best of the best of your shots, which encourages self critique. Everything is enhanced in a big print, including flaws, so you must limit your prints to those ones where you did everything right. Double the size, double the emotional impact. Any monkey can make a decent looking 4x6 to magnet to their fridge, but it takes an artist to present a piece as it should be, for all to enjoy.
posted by Duncan McNairnay
I would LOVE get get some feedback (good, bad, super bad...!) on this, my first poster. Anyone with any design experience - lay it on me... I can take it! Even if you don't have a hot clue about design, let me know what you think! This won't be the last f/action poster... so we might as well get some pointers now! 
