To suggest that I’m self-taught when it comes to photography would really discredit everyone on the web I’ve ever learned something from. While I’ve never taken classes, attended workshops, or anything of that kind, I really do take advantage of the free resources available. If you’re familiar with the photography community, you’ll also know that there are several photographers hesitant to share information about their gear, editing technique, and process/workflow. The biggest influencers during my photography journey has to be these guys listed below in no particular order – I’m ever thankful that they’re willing to share their knowledge (for free).
1/ If you’re in touch at all with the fashion world, then you’ve probably already heard of Emily Faulstich, co-founder of Wildfox Couture. Although you won’t find her talking much about her photography process, it’s obvious she’s a gear minimalist who sticks to simple compositions. Her website is pure eye candy – she has the magic ability to make the plainest things beautiful. You’ll easily learn to appreciate the nonmaterial things in life just by rummaging through her tumblr. The two biggest takeaways from Emily’s photos are that shooting at a high ISO (and even adding grain/noise in post-processing) is perfectly fine, it actually adds an old quaint feel to images, and that less is more.
2/ Jessica Kobeissi is a photographer based out of Michigan. She creates excellent Youtube videos for the Photoshop novice. This is particularly helpful if you’re trying to learn how use photoshop to stylize and personalize your own photos. Her distinct, yet versatile style definitely helps you learn how to manipulate layer adjustments and color overlays to develop a specific “feel” for yourself.
3/ Melly Lee is an LA-based photographer that shares full gear information on the shoots she features on her blog as well as her creative process. This really allows you to digest how she’s able to achieve her stylistic images and then translate that knowledge into your own photographs. You’ll also learn about the types of images certain lenses produce so you can start making a checklist for what’s next. She provides many external resources that have helped her along the way, which is always useful when you’re stuck in photography rut.
4/ Julia Trotti is definitely a must-know if you’re interested in color grading. She is truly a master of color, which seems like a no-brainer, but it really isn’t, and photo manipulations. You can learn a lot from her manipulation technique just by watching her speed editing videos alone. She provides a lot of free resources (i.e. curves/actions) on her website, which you may find useful. Not only that but her photos are aspirational and a dreamy inspiration in themselves.
5/ Thank God I discovered Michael Woloszynowicz last year. The more technical of the bunch, he is a professional retoucher and photographer that provides in-depth video tutorials on high-end retouching techniques, which I’ve found to be a whole new realm of photography. It’s really amazing that he provides his expertise for free. If you only choose to check one of these guys out today, I’d totally recommend it be him.
Other honorable mentions include my all-time favorite photgrapher Anastasia Volkova (I didn’t put her on this list because she’s pretty strict about how her photos are used), Julia Kuzmenko McKim, and Dani Diamond. I’m always on the lookout for great photographers so if I missed anyone you think is worthy, please do share! I hope you find them as helpful as I did.