Pixiq

The best way to learn photography or to become a better photographer happens in one of three ways.  Through the books we read, the places we go and the people we meet.

I started learning photography at the age of twelve when my father first gave me a camera.  He taught me how to use the camera and how to process my first roll of film.  Since that moment I've had an on-going love affair with photography.  As a kid I'd read every book I could find on photography, but after each book I wanted more hands on instruction.  After high school I attended art school and majored in photography.  My next step was to seek hands-on experience by looking for work as a photo assistant, so I packed my bags and headed for New York City.  In NYC I worked as a photo assistant to the best photographers around and that hands-on experience let to all the success I've had in my career.

Start with books because the photography books we read give us a wealth of knowledge but we must apply it before we can really own the newly aquired knowledge.  Today we can learn by reading a host of great blogs along with great books.  When you are ready to get to the next stage you will need hands-on instruction to enhance your knowledge by going to places that teach photography.  Sometimes it's a place like a photo school, seminar or speaking event.  Sometimes it's a virtual place like a webinar or youtube video, but the process of actually going someplace is stronger and gives better results.  

The people we meet that share their photographic knowlege give us the best way to learn photography because you can participate in the process by asking questions, taking part in the live exercises and much more.  The books we read, the places we go and the people we meet.    

This summer you have an opportunity to learn or enhance your photography at an amazing program taking place in Las Vegas.  Skip's Summer School will give all those who are seeking to become better photographers the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.  There will be a host of great speakers from all over the globe speaking and giving hands-on workshops.  The fifteen photographers involved in this years summer school are:

Jules Bianchi and Joy Bianchi Brown

Clay Blackmore

Scott Bourne

Bambi Cantrell

Skip Cohen

Tony Corbell

Bob Davis

Doug Gordon

Jerry Ghionis

Kevin Kubota

Tamara Lackey

Vincent Laforet

Bobbi Lane

Roberto Valenzuela

and Yours truly (Matthew Jordan Smith)

Always Dream Big

Matthew Jordan Smith