I am an advocate of learning as much as you can about various photographic techniques and from individual photographers as possible. All this learning leads to something wonderful, the development of your own unique vision of how an individual perceives the world around him through photography.

Speaking for myself, I always strive to learn different skills and methods. I received most of my instruction from Vincent Versace, Lee Gordon, Jack Wild and Andy Cook. In addition, I have read lots of books on photography.  With my particular combination of instructors and books, I have created and melded them into my "own style." It is not so unique, but it works for me! I love learning new techniques, which allows me to add another tool to the belt. I might not use the new method, but it usually allow me to complete my task in a different way. Maybe I will combine it with a different method or not. It allows me to be more creative as an artist. Recently, I took my 3rd workshop with famed photographer and author Vincent Versace on "Mastering Black and White Techniques." Although the week long class was extremely informative and the instructor was very forthcoming with information, I won't use his exact techniques. Why?  Well, I had an epiphany this week. I tried using his techniques on my own and realized that his way might be easier and more detailed, it is not my way. I see landscape photography world slightly different. And, I like to see it my way.  I see the world differently than him or any other photographer. I will always see it differently.I was extremely impressed by Versace's style and may incorporate a few of his methods with my own "style."

What I took away from the course is that a photographer should take advice from others, learn from others and incorporate those techniques or views and make it their "own."

<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/waves/all" style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration: underline;">waves art</a>