Daily Prompt: Teachable Moment – Photography/Painting

I’d prefer to read rather than hear about learning a new skill to familiarize myself on the do’s and don’ts re the skill[s] that I want to acquire or learn, and/or about the equipment / tools that I’d need to execute/practice such skill. Then, I’d watch or ask someone to demo the processes involved before finally trying it myself: trial and error method.

Concrete example that I can cite is when I bought Canon D600. I am more familiar in using video cams. D600 has the video option but it is not the same as in the video cam I was used to. There are a lot more factors to consider which I found more complicating. Of course, photographer-friends are saying that it is quite easy to use and they are not that different. Nevertheless, before using it, and when I first used it, the manual was always with me. After reading /practicing with the cam, I have asked a TV cameraman friend to demonstrate the cam’s actual use. I took notes… With the demo, my confusion on what / when to use certain options lessened. It’s a leap from just reading about it or directly trying it myself.

But in learning the painting skill, one has to dive into it I believe — reading on how to paint, and only hearing someone describe how to acquire painting skills would just be a waste of time… you’ll end up frustrated. You may also be frustrated on what you’ll come up when you first dive to it but not trying it at all is tantamount to just passive dreaming. A demo or few points from a skilful artist helps though and may inspire you to hasten the jump into it.

But whatever skill we are learning practice, practice, practice is the key. Sign language skill is the latest that I need to practice…

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/daily-prompt-learning-style/

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