how I got into photography...

    I luv people who share their secrets to success, it has helped me out on my journey thus far…  No, I’m nowhere near as successful as the photographers that I follow, but I get one step closer to where I want to be with every session I shoot. So I decided to start posting any questions that I get... in hopes that it will help more than one person out.

Hey Janelle, I am curious as to how you got into photography? Have you ever taken any classes or is it all first time stuff for you?

    Both! It’s all new to me. Camera lingo is a whole other language; you can research it all online & teach yourself or go to class for FREE. But I learn better in a classroom (I never did well on those Online College courses) so I signed up for Tri Community Photo Program in Covina. This place is seriously too good to be true! It’s not like taking college courses where you have to pay per unit, it’s a Quarter fee of only $185; and you’re able to take as many classes as your little heart desires! They offer classes on EVERYTHING from landscape to weddings; even how to use Photoshop & light room. The teachers there are awesome; they each have their own photography business & work their part time, so they know the ropes. My first semester I took Eva Delgado’s Photo 1 class to learn the basics, and jumped into a wedding & children’s shooting class. The first few weeks I was overwhelmed, but I’m glad I did it this way; because even though I wasnt familiar with my camera, these shooting classes forced me to learn it & practice faster. There are pros in the class that are so willing to help you if you’re lost too. 

    Aside from school I did my own research... I googled the style of photography that I was interested in and checked out other peoples work. When I’d find photos that I liked, I'd visit the photographers blog. For the most part photographers will include post about how they grew their business or FAQ’s. Sometimes the stuff that I learned online, my teachers would also cover, so it was pretty cool to see we were all on the same page. Remember everyone has their own style & journey, make yours your own! Hope this helps :)