With everyone seemingly having more time on their hands these days (at least those without kids – ha ha ha!), it seems like a good time to share some photography education resources. I’ve recently been interviewed on two podcasts, and thought I’d share those here on the blog for easy access and streaming. Feel free to go check out more on the Skip Cohen University and Small Town Camera pages. So if you’ve got some time for self-education and improvement, dive on into the links below!

How To Have Longevity & Grow Your Photography Business

Spotlight Series : Building Your Business

Second, I’ve co-authored 10 WikiHow.com articles on all facets of photography education, so check out the topics below and click on anything that interests you. The topics range from beginning to advanced, and from film to digital. Of course, we always appreciate a comment or a 5 star rating if you enjoy what you read!

How to Clean a 35mm Film Camera and Lens

Article Snippet: Keeping your camera clean and free of dust extends its life and gives you better-looking pictures. Cameras are delicate, expensive pieces of equipment, so it’s important to take extra care when cleaning them. By cleaning with the right tools and using the proper cleaning solutions, you can keep your 35mm film camera in great condition so it’s always there when you need it.

How to Blur the Background of a Photograph

Article Snippet: How do professional photographers make those stunning candid portraits, where the subject is in perfect focus, but the background is a blur? Well, there are several techniques you can use to blur the background of a photograph from adjusting your camera’s aperture and shutter speed, to manipulating its portrait and autofocus settings, to editing the photograph in Photoshop.

How to Choose a Camera

Article Snippet: Purchasing a camera is a big decision. The first step in choosing which type of camera to purchase is to decide on a realistic budget. Then, select a camera type. The main types are: DSLR (digital single lens reflex), point-and-shoot (also called “compact”) and mirrorless. Each type has its own advantages, based on what type of photography you plan on doing with the camera, and how often you’ll use it.

How to Have a Great Photoshoot

Article Snippet: Having a great photoshoot starts with setting up the shot. Grab your camera, ensure you have good lighting, and use a simple background. If you are the model, style your hair, do your makeup if desired, and pose yourself so you look your best on camera. With a little preparation, you can have a fabulous photoshoot whether you are taking the pictures or are the model!

How to Pose at a Photo Shoot

Article Snippet: Models and celebrities make posing for photos look easy, whether it’s on the red carpet or modeling for the latest ad campaign. But the truth is, they’re probably thinking pretty hard about what they’re doing. It takes a lot of time and effort to get the right look, pose, and and angle. Luckily, after a bit of practice, modeling for photo shoots will gradually become easier and easier. Take some time, practice, and you will be on your way to having great looking photos.

How to Create a Photography Portfolio

Article Snippet: Creating a portfolio of your work is one of the most important things you can do as a photographer. Whether you want to market yourself commercially or simply create a collection for private use, a portfolio allows you the chance to assemble a concise group of images that represents your best work. The purpose for your portfolio will play a large role in how you put it together. However, all portfolios should demonstrate skill level and include a cohesive group of images with a unifying theme. By keeping your purpose and intended audience in mind, you can assemble an effective portfolio for any objective.

How to Become a Freelance Photographer

Article Snippet: When photography is your passion, deciding to become a freelance photographer may seem like an easy decision. Learning how to run a successful photo business, though, is a little more complicated. That’s because your success doesn’t just rest on your photography skills; you have to be able to carry all the administrative duties as well.

How to Take a Picture with a Digital Camera

Article Snippet: A digital camera is a fun investment. You can use a digital camera to take pictures of people, places, and scenery. If you’re new to a digital camera, how to best use the device can be confusing. To start, figure out the basics of how your camera works and take a few pictures. From there, adjust your settings for best quality. Follow some basic tips and tricks to make your photos stand out.

How to Adjust Shutter Speed

Article Snippet: The shutter speed is one of the most basic and fundamental things that goes into taking a great photograph. If the shutter is open for longer, the image sensor will be exposed to light for longer. With a short shutter speed, the image sensor will be exposed to light for less time. Changing the shutter speed by one notch faster or one notch slower is called adjusting it by one “step.” When you raise the shutter speed by one step you’re halving the amount of time that the shutter is open for, and when you lower the shutter speed by one step you’re doubling the amount of time that the shutter is open for.

How to Do a Professional Looking Photo Shoot at Home

Article Snippet: Why not set up a photo shoot at home instead of going to a studio? You’ll have the chance to give the shoot your own personal twist and save yourself hundreds of dollars. With a camera, a window, and a few household supplies, anyone can create a professional-looking photo shoot at home.