What Makes a Good Photography Teacher?
As 2023 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my favorite images and my photography journey this year. Thanks to various teachers—both virtual and in-person—I've expanded my knowledge and skills considerably over the past twelve months.
Some offered valuable insights, while others almost discouraged me. Through these experiences, I've realized the importance of the right kind of teacher, much like in any educational setting.
Now, what specifically makes a good photography teacher? How can a newbie distinguish between valuable advice and rubbish? In this post, I'll come up with a short list of fundamental characteristics, based on my personal experience as a photography student. Please feel free to disagree!
They Don't Insist You Shoot in Manual Mode Only
In workshops, teachers often frowned upon my use of semi-automatic modes like Aperture Priority (Av) or Shutter Priority (Tv). Their main disagreement was that these modes cede control to the camera, which is a fair point.
However, that doesn’t automatically make shooting in Manual Mode (M) better or more professional. While learning Manual Mode is essential, I'd argue that it's precisely to enable a better use of semi-automatic modes. Manual Mode requires you to regulate each component of the exposure triangle—Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Understanding how these components work together allows you to shoot quicker by delegating one to your camera while controlling the others, all while keeping an eye on the settings your camera chooses and making corrections if necessary.
I shoot in Aperture Priority (Av) 90% of the time and find it a more hassle-free experience than Manual Mode, especially in fast-paced street and travel photography. Therefore, I would disagree with a photography teacher insisting on using Manual Mode only. That said, I do think understanding the exposure triangle is essential no matter what camera mode you shoot in.
They Don't Push You to Buy Gear Every Photographer Supposedly Needs
I remember a photography course where the teacher explained external flashes and then prompted us to buy one immediately. People started sharing an Amazon link without considering if this particular piece of gear is even necessary for beginners or their specific type of photography.
Similar pressure often happens with lenses, especially prime lenses often praised as indispensable gear. While buying one or two prime lenses may be the right choice for you at some point, it's easy for newcomers to fall into the trap of thinking more or better gear will improve their images. I've done my share of over-buying and can confirm that great images result from a mix of skill, composition, and luck, not just gear. Of course gear plays an important part in taking pictures, but I'd argue that, especially as a beginner, you should only buy new equipment when you have mastered and outgrown your current setup. A good teacher encourages proficiency with the gear at hand and recommends new purchases only based on individual needs and progress.
They Balance Technical Aspects with Composition and Avoid Imposing Their Visual Style
While learning technical basics is crucial, a good photography teacher balances both technical and compositional aspects. Ideal beginner classes challenge you with practical tasks, gradually combining technique and composition to produce images you're genuinely happy with. For instance, this photo was taken during the first photography workshop I ever attended, and I was really proud of it. It's certainly not an image I would capture the same way now, but back then, I was thrilled to achieve this result with my budget camera and kit lens under the guidance of an experienced photographer:
In my experience, unless it's an area you’re specifically interested in, workshops taking place in a studio setting can feel artificial and less inspiring. I would generally advise only enrolling in courses that specifically focus on the type of photography that interests you and is feasible for you. Studio photography, as mentioned, is not my cup of tea, and I also wouldn't have the opportunity to pursue this type of photography in my own daily environment.
Regardless of the setting, a good photography teacher should not only discuss technical aspects but also analyze and critique your photos based on their visual quality. In the end, I figure you're into photography because you want to take specific types of images. So, your teacher should treat technique as a tool for achieving that goal rather than as a standalone value.
Likewise, a good photography teacher looks at your individual approach and visual preferences without pushing their own style. The best teachers don't necessarily share your photographic style but show genuine interest and recommend improvements tailored to your needs. I believe that, in the grand scheme of things, every step in photography, from clicking the shutter to exporting your final edits, should bring you joy. So, be picky about the advice you follow, and don't treat any one method or technique as the absolute truth—because in photography, there isn't one. What works for one teacher might work for them but not necessarily for you.
They Don’t Encourage You to Practice Photography Along with Some Other Art Form
Over time, I've come across some folks who combine photography with other art forms, often poetry. They usually consider themselves artists, using photography, among other means, to express their emotions. My own take on photography is completely different from this mindset, but, of course, everyone should do what makes them happy.
Still, I'd be skeptical of teachers encouraging you to practice photography alongside another art form. There is truth to the saying “jack of all trades, master of none.” Whether you consider photography an art form or simply a way to document everyday life, mastering it requires time and effort. There's more to photography than just pressing the shutter button, just as there's more to writing poetry than simply assembling words. Unless you're a universal genius excelling at every art form, I believe that concentrating on one and honing your skills over time is more gratifying than dabbling in a bit of everything without really delving into any one subject. Ultimately, a good photography teacher understands the uniqueness of this medium and helps you discover and appreciate it, too.