Questions
Learners' questions
This page answers the questions people learning photography on their own usually ask: what this reference is and what it isn't, what matters most in gear and settings, how to organise your learning, where to find subjects and how to photograph people without overstepping their boundaries. The answers are brief: for a fuller explanation, go to the lessons, methods and assignments.
Not sure whether you can photograph someone? Ask them. A polite question is almost always better than a great but stolen shot.
About this reference
What is Cross School?
An independent reference for people learning photography on their own. We explain the basics in plain language, suggest assignments and show you how to review your own photos.
Is this the same school that used to be on this domain?
No. This domain previously hosted a photography school's website, and later it carried unrelated advertising. The current reference has no connection to either and does not restore their materials.
Do you run classes or photo shoots?
No. We have no teachers, no studio and no class enrolment. We do not sell courses, workshops or photo shoots; we only publish openly available materials.
Why don't you name camera and software brands?
To stay independent and avoid turning into advertising. The basics of photography are the same on any gear, so instead of product round-ups we give you criteria for choosing.
Gear and settings
Which camera mode should I start with?
Aperture priority is a convenient start: you control depth of field and the camera picks the shutter speed. Once you are comfortable with stops, try manual mode.
Why do my photos come out unsharp?
Most often the cause is camera shake at a slow shutter speed, subject movement or missed focus. Check whether anything in the frame is sharp: that will tell you what went wrong.
Do I need a new lens straight away?
Usually not. First shoot with what you have and note what you are missing: angle of view, light, reach. A purchase based on such a list will be far more useful.
Should I shoot RAW or JPEG?
RAW gives more latitude for correcting exposure and colour, but it has to be developed. While learning, it is worth trying both formats and comparing the results.
Learning and practice
How often should I shoot?
Regularity matters more than volume. A short shoot a few times a week with a review is more useful than a long walk once a month whose photos nobody ever looks at.
How do I review my own photos?
Pick a few of your best and worst frames and name the reason for each: light, exposure, sharpness, background, timing. Write down your conclusions and test them on your next shoot.
Can I photograph people in the street?
Do it respectfully: don't pursue people who object, ask for consent for close-up portraits, and photograph children only with an adult's permission. Before publishing, consider whether the image could harm the person.
Where do I find ideas when there's nothing to shoot?
Take one theme for a week — shadows, windows, hands, reflections — and look for it everywhere. A constraint makes you see more than an aimless stroll does.
Related sections
- Lessons
Core lessons: exposure, focus and depth of field, light, composition, colour and white balance, RAW and developing.
- Practice
Week-long assignments: one scene in different light, exposure bracketing and signs that you are shooting on autopilot.
- Home
An independent reference for learning photography on your own: exposure, light, composition, colour, RAW and reviewing your own photos.
Sources
- Introductory photography textbooks: exposure, optics, light and composition
- DNG specification (Adobe, 2004)
Information on exposure, optics, light and processing is given in general terms, based on introductory photography textbooks and the materials listed in the sources. Camera settings depend on the scene and your intent, so test the advice on your own photos.