Question: How long did it take you to get past the beginner phase?

The other day someone asked me “How long did it take you to get past the beginner phase?”

They went onto ask how long I thought it might take them to get as good as me – or at least good enough to get decent photographs.

So, I answered their question: 2-3yrs. It took me…

Surfs up - September 12th 2011

2-3yrs to get past the beginner phase. However, it took my sisters (who learnt directly from me) about 6 months.

Doesn’t that sound crazy?! How did it take my two sisters just 6 months to get to a competent level, when it took me 2-3yrs?

Good question…

End of the Day

No… it wasn’t the equipment, because we all use the same equipment.

Well, the bonus was, they had was me… I had spent 2-3yrs translating technical jargon and putting it into practice.

That is why it took me so long. No one could explain photography to me simply. They would talk about theory and what the camera does, but they didn’t tell me what to do.

Half the time I was confused, because books and magazines all wrote about the technical aspects of photography, not what to do, to take a good photograph. 

I wanted to know how, NOT why, when, who, what etc…

So when my sisters wanted some help, and wanted to understand how to take beautiful photographs, I simply took the technical jargon and filtered it for them. I explained what they needed to do.

Don’t get confused here… it isn’t that I didn’t explain the technical aspects of photography, but I explained first how they could get stunning photographs.

From then on they were at a level where they could find their own unique style and experiment further, because they had a foundation. 

Once they knew how to take beautiful photographs, THEN they began to pick up the technical terms, and understand the mechanics of photography.

It’s a bit like learning to drive… you get taught how to drive by a parent, or instructor.

Once you’ve learnt how to drive, you pass a test, and then after that you may learn about the mechanics of the car, how it works etc.

But learning about the mechanics of your car isn’t going to help you pass your driving test… only active practice teaches… which is exactly what I did with my sisters.

Even now, my sisters are better hands on than talking about photography mechanics… but which one is important? The skill of being able to talk about the mechanics, or the skill of being able to take breathtaking photographs?

You tell me… which would you rather be able to do? I opted for breathtaking photographs and my sisters did too…

So if you want to know how to take just breathtaking photographs in as little time as 6 months, take on my challenge for you…

Take on my challenge for you…

Buy Photography Tips eBook - it is just what you need. If you are serious about being a good photographer this eBook is an essential item.

There isn’t really any reason as to why you shouldn’t buy it unless you are content to be an OK photographer…

Start your journey today with photography, who knows where you might go with it…

Buy Photography Tips eBook and trust me, you will feel like I am standing next to you, holding your hand throughout this learning process.

I cannot wait to see your results, I know they’re going to be great!

Until next time… Happy Snapping!

Olivia Bell

Ps. here is the link to Photography Tips eBook again.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn directly from me. http://www.thebellsisters.com/collections/ebook/products/photography-tips-ebook-by-olivia-bell