Bob Crum

Make no mistake, buying a 'real' camera is akin to winning the PowerBall lottery. Well, almost. It's certainly a big first step on the exciting path of photography.

Photographic expertise evolves in several stages. The fist stage involves the photographer (note the distinction between a 'photographer' and a 'phonetographer') shooting everything and anything. Many will only want to make pictures to have something to remember of birthdays, holidays, vacations and various special events. Others take pictures as a hobby. All fine & dandy! During this stage, the camera is most likely in 'P' mode. (P mode = Program mode not 'Professional' mode.)

Throughout the second stage, the newbie continues to shoot everything and anything: If it's visible it's fair game. At this stage, there is little thought, if any, about composition. Or the camera settings. In fact, the camera is probably still in 'P' mode where everything is automatic and the images processed according to the camera's default settings. Actually, this a OK if it gets the would-be photographer making pictures as if every picture is worthy of a Pulitzer prize. But if the photos stink, of course it's the camera's fault!

At this stage, a typical trait is s/he shoots as if it's a sin not to fill the memory card on every occasion. Obviously 78 pictures of the same donkey is a bit too much. If you must fill the memory card, find a herd of donkeys to photograph. Also at this stage the would-be photographer doesn't ever delete any photos and insists on showing their friends all the photos because of course they are all awesome. Note to would-be photographers: First serve friends strawberry margaritas before the parade of donkey photos!

As the would-be photographer gains experience, s/he advances to the third stage. Here, the photographer arrives at an important turning point. This is the stage where the would-be photographer goes from picture taker (snapshots) to making 'photos'. Meaning begins to 'create' photos of merit. The would-be photographer is now aware that s/he can go from 'P' mode to applying various apertures and/or shutter speeds to create a desired composition. At this juncture, however, the would-be photographer experiences ongoing challenges readily remedied with additional education from either books, tutorials, and/or workshops. Photography is wonderfully replete with unlimited educational opportunities to keep an otherwise idle brain busy. Just sayin'.

The third stage is exhilarating. Gaining knowledge and experience, s/he begins to see a great improvement in their photos. With continued practice, and the application of perpetual learning, creating compelling photos fulfills their desires. They perfect their photographic techniques, and often expand their photo equipment collection. Sometimes even upgrade their gear. They still tend to make a lot of photos but are now able to apply discretion and knows where their computer delete key is and not afraid to use it. They see and learn from their mistakes and continue to improve.

The last stage produces a photographer who now knows how to competently operate the camera. The camera menu is as simple as Arbys. With great expertise, various photographic rules learned are applied to creating marvelous photos. Even the photos of donkeys are now fantabulous! As the photographer's creative itch is wonderfully scratched s/he experiences photographic euphoria! Hallelujah proclaims the ecstatic phonetographer convert! Are you next?

Cameras up! Ventura County Fair has begun. Enjoy tons of photo ops & Fair food! The photo of the week is a young girl fascinated with two stilt walkers at the Fair last year.

Happy photoing!

Email me your comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net