Just like anything in life, you can never learn too much.

Take photography for instance. Even though I take pictures regularly for the newspaper, I would never claim to be a professional.

That’s because I know I don’t know everything about it, and as such continually strive to learn more about the “art”.

I use that word in quotes because while I do feel that photography can be considered art, it doesn’t really rely on creating something from scratch like true art.

However, there is a certain level of creativity in taking truly compelling photographs.

Anyone can point their cellphone at a scene or person and touch the shutter button.

But it takes a trained eye to compose the shot, adjust for lighting and compensate for timing.

And while I admit today’s pocket sized devices, all the way from cellphones to point and shoot cameras, are capable of taking very good pictures, if you are serious about photography you will want a good digital single lens reflex camera.

So, knowing I could learn a thing or two about composing a very compelling shot, I attended a workshop last weekend held by Gulf Coast photographer Alex North at the Crosby Arboretum.

While speaking with him, I found it astounding he’s been able to take so many great pictures in just the seven years he’s been shooting.

But he’s able to do that because he learned how to operate his camera and puts in the time to wait for the perfect moment to push the shutter button. 

If you truly enjoy taking pictures, or any other creative hobby, keep at it.

It’s that drive that will push you to want to learn more about the craft, and then utilize those new skills when next you turn on the camera.