How can a novice photographer level up?

Someone on Quora ( one of my favorite places) asks: “How can a novice photographer level up?”

I answered:
You need to be more clear first off. What do you mean ‘level up’? I’ll go with get better at photography and answer from there.

My three points to consider:

Watch as many videos as you can on whatever area of photography you’re interested in. Read too, although there’s so much more out there in video form, including Creative Live. Chris Knight has a great book on lighting. I reviewed it here: “The Dramatic Portrait” by Chris Knight…a book review and Joe McNally has some excellent books too. Search him.
Turn off the tv and most distractions and spend hard time on learning. Serious, challenging and dedicated practice will get you far. Be focused and get clear on goals.
Bring a point and shoot with you everywhere you go. I do this all the time. And I’ve been a full time pro for over 40 years. I still love shooting, looking for opportunities. Make sure it’s a point and shoot, not a larger dSLR and bag. Too heavy. Make it light, lean and mean. Go on ‘crap shoots’, downtown, park, mall, midway or whatever. Get out and shoot all the time. Bring a buddy. Here’s a couple shots I grabbed last night, after dinner with friends and family, in Liberia, Costa Rica, where there was a church we walked by. I’m shooting all the time.

Shot with this camera (older, but rocks!)…

Snaps…

I might also add don’t fall for ‘technitis’, meaning thinking that new, bigger. better gear will make you a better photographer.

Only getting out and shooting will. Even when using a point and shoot.

Rob