Are you studying photography? Here are 7 Flickr Groups to help you

You get a wonderful new camera, unpack the packaging, quickly figure out the buttons and immediately go to the first photo session. You shoot with enthusiasm, look at the results and then … It turns out that to get good pictures it is absolutely not enough to have an expensive camera and interchangeable lenses. You also need something that you can't buy in a store.

In this situation, some humble themselves and forever pass into the category of photo-teapots, while others begin to study patiently. This process is not easy and includes reading special literature, attending courses, thousands of hours of practice and, of course, studying the works of masters of different genres. We will consider this point in more detail in this article, and the popular photo site Flickr will help us with this.

Flickr was one of the earliest photo hosting sites, so many serious photographers have found their home on this site. Here you can find samples of pictures on almost any topic from recognized masters from whom you can learn the subtleties of photography. One of the most convenient opportunities in this sense is joining special groups that are dedicated to different genres and within which interesting discussions are held. We want to introduce you to several such groups that every person who studies photography should know.

Depth of Field

Depth of field is one of the more confusing aspects of photography for beginners. Skillful use of this technique can lead to interesting effects in your artwork. For example, by changing this parameter, you can make some objects in the photo stand out and shade others. This Flickr group is dedicated to discussing this technique and demonstrating its use to achieve a specific result.

Long exposure

Long exposure photography, when used correctly, creates some airy effect in various landscapes or even night shots. You can also use this to create a motion effect in still images. This method allows you to get great creative effects without any graphics editor. The half a million photos in this group will provide you with great examples, and discussing them will help answer questions about using this technique.

Bokeh: Smooth & Silky

We keep experimenting with focus and would like to recommend you try bokeh. This is a special technique that uses reflected light in focus and gives subjects a soft, blurry look. In this Flickr group, you can see some examples of correct (and not so good) use of this technique. The group also features one of the most lively discussions around the field of photography.

Poor Man's Macro

There are several macro photography groups on Flickr such as Macro Photography. But it's better to start learning this type of shooting with Poor Man's Macro, because it teaches you how to get great pictures without using expensive equipment. Here you will find a wealth of information on how to use a variety of tools instead of special macro lenses.

Black and white

Do you think that black and white photography is the same as color, only without colors? You are wrong! This type of shooting has its own rules and tricks, which you will learn about in the corresponding Flickr group.

Amateurs

Most of us take up photography as a hobby. All amateurs are pleased to communicate with like-minded people. You can find them in this Flickr group. During the discussion, you can ask any question, as well as share your experience.

Nikon Digital Learning Center

Using Nikon? Come here, Nikon Digital Learning Center is the place every camera owner of this manufacturer should know. This is the official Nikon dealership, where two professional photographers will answer your questions, and several specialists from the company will help to sort out technical problems.

We've introduced you to just a few of the popular photo hosting communities Flickr. All in all, there are a huge number of them, so you can be sure that you can easily find a group that suits your interests. One of the first groups that you might be interested in is your camera user community, which you can find using the dedicated Camera Finder tool. Watch, learn, share your experience.