Kathy Libby Photography
  • Home
  • Want To Learn Photography?
  • Orders
  • My Gear
  • Story Behind the Images
  • Quick Photography Tips

My Top 6 Teachers of Photography on YouTube

9/20/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Can you learn photography just from content online? On my website and in previous blog posts, I’ve shared that I learned photography by watching YouTube videos and reading articles online. I thought I would share some of my favorite YouTubers for learning photography.

  • Mike Browne: I found Mike Browne early on in my journey and he was probably my biggest teacher. Based in the UK, he offers courses, workshops, videos and much more. His website is loaded with free and paid training for everyone from the beginner to the advanced. I’ve watched his videos over and over.
  • Adam Gibbs: Located in Western Canada, Adam Gibbs has taught me tons about composition. He is a nature and landscape photographer—right up my alley, and most of the videos I’ve watched are out in the field. He’s taught me to slow down and to pay attention to the details in each picture.         
  • David Johnston: I have had the privilege to speak with David Johnston, several times. I’ve reached out to him regarding my gear and he’s always been willing to help me. Another landscape and nature photographer, his videos continue to teach me about gear and techniques to use when I go out to shoot.
  • Mark Wallace: I have to say that Mark Wallace is most responsible for my understanding of the exposure triangle and other foundational concepts in photography. I had watched several other teachers regarding the exposure triangle, but when he explained it, it just clicked for me. It was as if a lightbulb went off in my head. Suddenly, I got it!
  • Boxhead Mike Smith: His videos are a more recent addition to my list. With the recent pandemic keeping me homebound, I’ve found many different genres to experiment with in my home, thanks to Mike Smith. Whether it’s soap bubbles, water droplets or smoke photography, he walks you through the steps he’s used to create some fantastic images.
  • Anthony Morganti: Post-processing. Everything I’ve learned about Lightroom (my main program for editing images) I have to contribute to him. He has quick tips as well as in depth tutorials on how to use Lightroom, Photoshop, Luminar and more. He walked me step by step through the process of editing my photos.

This is not, by any means, a complete list of my teachers in photography. There is more than a dozen more that I could point you to, but I have to say that the bulk of my early education in photography came from this group. If you would like to watch any of these incredible teachers, simply click on their names. I’ve linked directly to each of their YouTube channels.
​


Want to Learn More Photography?
Click Here
0 Comments

My Photography Journey

9/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
I didn’t grow up with a love for photography. Taking pictures wasn’t a big deal to me. When I got to college though, I took a class in photography. It was a very basic class. We made our own pin hole cameras and went out on campus taking pictures. I liked the surprise of finding out what I captured.

When I graduated, I asked for a 35mm camera and my parents got me one with interchangeable lenses. I bought a book on how to use it and started taking pictures. I basically knew to keep the needle in the middle of the meter for a proper exposure. I never got any further with the camera because I became a vegetarian. Film is not vegetarian, so I stopped using it. My love for animals trumped using a camera. So, I put my interest aside.

When Sony came out with a camera that stored images on a 3.5” disk, I was excited. Remember computer disks? Well, I had to have a Sony Mavica. I couldn’t adjust the settings on it, but I got to take pictures again. My interest in photography was rekindled. At the time I was making crafts, but I loved setting up a still life and photographing it.

Eventually, I stopped making the crafts and felt lost. I floundered. I became depressed and lost interest in most things. By this time, digital cameras were mainstream. One day, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I realized that I could really immerse myself in learning how to make photographs. I got my first DSLR and started watching YouTube videos for hours upon hours each day. I read articles and started practicing what I was learning. I went crazy with my camera!

I’ve said it before, but it is worth repeating. My enthusiasm for photography bubbled over. I can’t control myself! When I learn something new, I just want to share it with the world!! I’ll tell anybody who is willing to listen about the technique or skill I’ve learned. This being the case, now I am working on teaching others how to use their cameras.

Photography got me out of my depression and has helped me build my confidence and self-esteem. I don’t know where my passion will lead me, but I’m excited now about the future. ​


Ready To Buy A Print?
Click Here
0 Comments

Mindful Photography

9/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
2020 has been rough for most of us. I personally have had surgery and several deaths of close family members. Not to mention the current pandemic that keeps all of us stressed out. Most of us don’t take time to relax. We’re so used to going quickly through life that we can pass something beautiful and not even notice it.

I find myself saying, “I need to go out with my camera.” Saying I “NEED TO” may sound strange, but I find my photography to be relaxing. I get lost in the process of taking an image. I take a mindful approach to my photography.

What does that mean? It means I go into a place I want to photograph and get lost in the environment. I notice my surrounding—every detail, from the sights to the sounds and smells AND I enjoy it. I appreciate the way the light dances around my scenery or how vibrant the colors are. I enjoy the sounds my feet make as I walk or the waves crashing along the shore, the sounds of the wind and wildlife. I love the smell of the salt in the air or a burning campfire. I notice the beauty.
​
Then as I take time to set up my tripod, choose my composition and settings, I slow down. It all becomes meditative to me—going through the steps. I connect to my images. I’ve immersed myself in the environment and the photograph that I’m taking. Usually when I go out, I go with no plans or expectation from my time. I don’t have an agenda of certain images I want to make that stresses me out. I don’t worry so much about getting the perfect shot. I go out for the experience, enjoying the process.

By going into a place I want to photograph & getting lost in the environment, I don’t think about my troubles or worries. I stay focused on what’s around me and where I am. It benefits me tremendously, in dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.

If you’ve never slowed down and submerged yourself this way, I encourage you to try doing so. Whether you like photography or have a different hobby, try noticing your surroundings—truly living in the moment, and then fully engage yourself in your activity. See if it melts your troubles away (even if only temporarily). This approach to your hobby can become an escape from the problems you face and allow you to relax for a while.
​


Ready To Buy A Print?
Click Here
0 Comments

    What Is This Page?

    Since I love photography and teaching, I thought I would start a Blog page and share how I take my images, what I was thinking and about me.

    Categories

    All
    Apps & Resources
    Get To Know Me
    Image Analysis
    Lessons & Growth
    Post Processing
    Tools & Techniques

    Archives

    March 2022
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020

    RSS Feed

    Ready to Order
    a Print?​

    Click Here
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Want To Learn Photography?
  • Orders
  • My Gear
  • Story Behind the Images
  • Quick Photography Tips