It is arguable that photography is far more complex these days than it ever was in the days of film. It isn't that it is simpler but the digital proliferation of equipment, lighting, programmes for post production, techniques and ways of showing work are thrown at photographers from all directions. At the same time the internet can provide more free help than was ever available even twenty years ago. So in these days of lockdown what better than to be able to access some new skills, improve old ones, or even think about trying something different.
The problem is which help to turn to. The internet is awash but some sites are far better and more reliable than others. This blog concentrates on You Tube, which is one of the most accesible ways of getting help because it is highly visual and provides commentary yet can be variable in the way in which advice is presented. You can also halt a presentation or re-run it so as not to miss anything. The seven links provided here are a starting point to You Tube Channels I have found extremely helpful. Each example covers a different aspect of the sort of help you may want. If you find the examples I have included here useful then I suggest you subscribe to the channel so that you automatically get updates when a new programme is released. Equally if you want to find out more about the channel you can click on the their icon which will take you to their home and show you many more of their You Tube videos. Most of these are American but don't be put off by that although some interpretation may occasionally be needed !!
ONE
PHLearn is a site that teaches Photoshop in easy stages. This seems to be the most used package in digital post production. This particular link takes you to a lesson in using the recent sky replacement tool as an example.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognLpUNLDwM
TWO
Tony and Chelsea Northup have some great reviews of kit and cameras - such as this one for anyone thinking of buying the new Canon EOS R5 (for instance). They give good reviews and are not afraid to point out the drawbacks too. In addition they have a live broadcasts on Thursdays which are sometimes worth watching depending on the topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93XjksrZKgQ
THREE
COOPH proves that you don't need expensisve lighting or equipment to play a few tricks and make your photos stand out.... includes using smartphones and home shooting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIRpw_O5VzI
FOUR
This community, SLR Lounge, is dedicated to helping photographers think more about what they are doing and why. Run by working, professional photographers there are a variety of discussions and tips. This one considers whether articifical intelligence is ruining photography. Bet you had never considered that before - or at least not framed in that way...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfHt0fMKRF4
FIVE
One of my favourite channels with photographer Jay P Morgan who has a no nonsense approach to advice. Simple, direct and always useful. The Slanted Lense covers a variety of topics but his advice on the use of lighting, indoors and out, is invaluable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfF3-5qgyn4
SIX
Possibly the most common photographic genre is landscape photography. It is accessible to all and costs nothing. Beauty abounds and changing light and seasons makes it endlessly variable. So here is Thomas Heaton, an English landscape photographer, to help you think about how to make those landscapes even better....although this one looks at why it took him two years to decide to make a photo book of his work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOkc4MamYgE
SEVEN
Anthony Morganti provides by far the best help in learning the complexities of Lightroom. If you shoot in RAW then Lightroom really is the best programme to use for my money. But it is big and it is that size that makes it so good. You will never learn all the complexities by sitting and fiddling with it so someone like Morganti to guide you through it is worth having on hand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0f0NiDBPbk
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