Work. Hobbies.

The most favorite part of my job over the past few years has been teaching photography. 

In the next few weeks, i'll be teaching classes for the public at various state parks. Outdoor nature photography class for free. Hard to beat. 

I think I can, though. Since I literally wrote the book on the photography program for the State, i'll share my thoughts, learnings, musings, tips, and things here as well.  

Over time, I'm sure this site will morph in to a multi purpose domain but for now, if you like photography and you want some tips, I'll drop knowledge here and there.  

Biggest tip I have initially, the one that made the world of difference for me- get a camera that has manual control. You don't need to use it right away. You don't need to know what the settings mean. But having the ability to go full manual (set aperture, set shutter, set focus, set iso) is the best way to learn how all of the settings work together and affect one another. 

Next camera you buy- make sure it has manual settings. The first camera I ever owned was a Panasonic DMC-LX1 for this very reason. I shot on auto mode for the first year or two I had that camera. I learned when I could and when I felt like messing with settings.  

Now Panasonic is on the LX5 or LX6 and there are hundreds of camera options with manual settings. Pick a brand and interface you like and find a good entry level manual camera.  

Bonus points if it shoots in RAW. You'll need this after you master manual settings.  

More on that next time.