Learning to Learn

Good books about how to develop as a photographer can be of great inspiration and bliss. Unfortunately, they are few and far between. There are plenty of good and instructive books about technique, composition, the process of capturing beautiful photographs as well as about post-processing and workflow.

However, excellent books about the learning process itself and how to approach one’s own development as a photographer, seems to be somewhat lacking. There are a few, as far as I have discovered, but most of them out there seem to me to be either very lose and general, and not giving good enough directions how to stimulate one’s own development. Or they are too bound to one way of doing things, too detailed in their approach and following too strict the authors thought patterns.

An invigorating book about photographic development gives clear insights and ideas as well as examples, but at the same time allows for each photographer to follow his or her way into a greater understanding about how to develop one’s photographic voice.

By understanding how we learn, as I wrote about in my post The Rollercoaster of Learning last week, we are better able to choose a conscious path toward mastery. But it’s never only one path that fits all. I have always been looking for books that can help in the process and yet allow for individual adjustments. Since I teach photo workshops on a regular basis, it’s only natural that I am interested in the learning process itself. However, I think most photographers may benefit hugely by understanding how you are able to develop yourself as a photographer (and of course, that is true for all art disciplines).

Three books I really have enjoyed and as such recommend are quiet different. The Passionate Photographer by Steve Simon take a broader approach, talking not only about the learning process, but also about more practical aspects of photography. As such it’s quite a complete book. Tao of Photography by Philippe L. Gross and S.I. Shapiro has a more philosophical approach. It draws upon Taoist wisdom and photographic artistry to provide insights into creativity, spirituality and awareness training (and don’t let this discourage you, it’s a great book for any photographers). Finally, The Creative Fight by Chris Orwig is more a book about creativity in general and how to develop it. However, since Orwig is a photographer himself and use a photographic reference in the book, it’s definitely one for photographers. The book teaches you about how to discover your own creative voice. All three I highly recommend (and I am not paid to say so).

As I am always looking for new books, I have a question for you: Have you come across inspirational books about creative and photographic development that you would like to recommend? I look forward to reading your suggestions.

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