Cross Schoolphotography from scratch: a reference for learning on your own

An independent reference for people learning photography on their own. It is not a school or studio and has no connection to the former site on this domain; we do not sell courses or photo shoots.

Topics

Learning topics

The basics of photography are the same across genres, but each genre teaches something of its own. Landscape trains patience and the ability to wait for the light, portraiture teaches communication and attention to the person, street photography builds quick reactions and respect for passers-by, and still life teaches control over every shadow. In this section we briefly describe what to pay attention to in each topic and which exercise to start with. The reference's article catalogue is here too.

Choose a genre that genuinely interests you. It is easier to learn from subjects you love than from ones that merely seem correct.

— Editor's note

How this section works: for each topic we name the main difficulty, suggest which lesson will help you deal with it and propose a first exercise. We don't name gear or software brands and don't compile lists of "the best camera for the genre".

Topics

Six topics that self-taught photographers most often start with.

Landscape

In landscape photography, light and time of day are everything. Return to the same place several times, watch the weather and look for a foreground that gives the frame depth. A wide scene calls for careful exposure of both sky and land.

Lessons

Portrait

A portrait starts with a conversation, not with settings. Explain to the person what you are photographing and why, look for soft light and a calm background, and focus on the eyes. Show them the photos and delete any they don't like.

Practice

Documentary and street

The street teaches you to see and decide quickly. Respect the people in your frame: don't photograph those who clearly object, don't publish images that could humiliate or harm, and ask for consent for close-up portraits. Photograph children only with an adult's permission.

Questions

Still life at home

A table by a window, a sheet of white paper as a reflector and a few household objects already make a learning studio. It is an easy place to explore how the direction of light changes form, texture and colour, without hurry or onlookers.

Practice

Night photography

At night there is little light, so you have to choose between a long shutter speed, a wide aperture and a high ISO with noise. A tripod or a steady support helps. Watch the histogram: on the screen a night shot looks brighter than it really is.

Methods

Phone photography

Your phone is always with you, which makes it the best training tool for your eye. Wipe the lens, lock focus and exposure with a tap and go easy on digital zoom. If your phone can save RAW, try developing such a shot yourself.

Resources

Article catalogue for English-speaking readers

This is where standalone articles about teaching yourself photography will appear. The editors write them specifically for the English version of the site rather than translating them from other languages.

Topics the editors are preparing

  • Golden hour and blue hour: planning a shoot around the light
  • Keeping a photo journal: what to note after every outing
  • Shooting in public places: courtesy, consent and common sense
  • A weekly photo challenge: building a habit you can keep

Editorial rules

  • Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
  • Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
  • We do not publish advertising for courses, gear or software, rankings, prices or reviews.
  • 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.

  • Resources

    The kinds of resources for learning photography, without brands or advertising, and how to choose a textbook or course.

Sources

  • Introductory photography textbooks: exposure, optics, light and composition
  • Materials from photography history museums

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.