The resources I use most for my on-going photographic education have changed over the years. I’m going to share with you the three I go to the most right now, and, in return, I’d like to know what places feed your mind and your creativity.

1. Digital Photography Review was the first, best gold standard for research on cameras and gear. There’s a million resources, now. But, DP Review is still my go to. They have not failed me yet. Mind you, when I am researching potential purchases be it for myself, a client, or a friend, I mine many resources, but DP Review is like starting with the textbook before going out to the research library. When it is gear research, I still start there.
2. F-Stoppers. I think I found them on a Facebook link, but that’s years back, now. Again, there’s a billion places to go to read and watch about technique, but I find great value at F-Stoppers. Everything I have gleaned there has been free. I have several of their articles and videos in my bookmarks, and I go back to them when I forget the fine details of a technique I have not used in a while. I think I fell for them over their frequency separation for shiny skin article. I have shared a commercial bottle lighting tutorial of theirs with a new distillery that’s still in the DIY phase of start up (side note: Bone Spirits in Smithville, TX makes a gin so good that I sip it straight).
3. Most recently, I have come to appreciate the more in depth series at Creative Live. They have terrific professionals teaching in all areas of photography: Chase Jarvis, Ben Willmore, Brooke Shaden, Franz Lanting, Art Wolfe, etc. That is not all. Alongside their Photo & Video section, they also have sections for: Art & Design; Music & Audio; Craft & Maker; and Money & Life. I could weigh into almost all of those. And, if my man were not a world class audio engineer*, I’d be saying all of them. Know when to leave some details to others. They tend to work on a free intro trailer/paid class structure, but they are quite affordable, and there are several I am looking forward to taking (after I get through a creative Photoshop course I am already taking from another source: summer = hiding in the AC = lots of computer work, and I’ll report back later on that). I just noticed that from June 6 – July 1 they are doing a free Photoshop basics course.

*I designed his site/did his branding for Rumiville. Go have a listen.

I hope you find some interesting bits and bobs there, and please share your favorite resources. The web is such a big place, and there is nothing like a personal referral to make a difference in finding the hidden gems, or even the obvious ones. Thanks!