Last week I talked about how I got started in photography and I mentioned that I would share more ways to learn and network in the photography world. Whether you’re just into photography as a hobby or you’ve started a photography business, these resources can be a great help…

There are SO many websites/blogs out there that teach about photography– try typing “photography 101” into Google and you’ll be amazed at how many free resources are at your fingertips! There are a few resources in particular that I’ve stumbled upon along the way that I want to share:

• Open Source Photo– Let me warn you that if you take a trip here you could get stuck for hours! This is a forum with topics ranging from shooting tips and techniques to post-processing to marketing and everything in between. It’s a place for photographers to ask questions and have your questions answered by other photographers. You can also find second shooting opportunities here for your area of the country. Cost = FREE

• Pictage Blog- You don’t have to be a member of Pictage to take advantage of the learning resources here. So many great articles from some of the top photographers. I have this blog on my Google Reader so that I can see every time a new post goes up (which is quite frequent). Cost = FREE

• PPA- The Professional Photographers of America website has a lot of great info, but is definitely geared for those looking to start a business or if you already have one in place. Learn about the business end of the photography world (a very important part) and check to see if your business is on the right track. They also offer a lot of workshops and 1-0n-1 help, and even have their own “Copyright & Government Affairs” department to aid in cases of copyright infringement. Cost= Some of the resources are free, but to take full advantage of PPA you must pay a membership fee.

• the [b] school– Co-founded by Becker, this is sort of like an online school for photographers. It’s packed with education, inspiration, and encouragement from other photogs. I am not a member myself but have heard way too many good things about this not to share it. Cost= $20/month or $200/year

• Pictage User Groups– Better known as “PUG” groups, these are localized groups of photographers that meet together once a month, and you don’t have to be a Pictage user to go. Online resources are great, but there’s nothing more helpful than connecting with other photographers in person and talking about topics like workflow, how to do your taxes, back-up resources, etc. Photographers range from newbies (just getting into photography) to oldies (been in business for a while). I started attending the Indianapolis PUG at the end of the summer and am LOVING it. We’ve had guest speakers for a lot of the meetings (i.e. Jason Aten, a CPA, a wedding planner, a lawyer) and have gone on mini-photo shoots for the others. Groups are led by a local photographer and often meet at their house (my group meets at our leader, Kevin Swan’s, house). If nothing else, you can meet new friends and network with other photogs in your area! This would also be a great place to go if you’re looking for second shooting opportunities. Find the group for your area here and then search for them on Facebook to connect with the members, especially if you’re nervous about showing up for the first time by yourself! If you live in the Indianapolis area and want to check it out, let me know! Cost = FREE (Plus, they usually serve dinner, funded by Pictage).

Some of the Midwest PUG’s:

Indy:  http://www.facebook.com/IndyPUG

Cincinnati: http://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiPUG

Chicago: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-PUG/167398203277744

Hopefully this will give you some more resources to expand your learning and connect with others. If you know of any other great resources that I didn’t mention, feel free to leave them in the comments section!

Have a great weekend. :-)

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