“Self-taught photographer” – this is often read in an artist statement or in the bio on the About Me page of a photographer’s website.  What does that mean?  To one extreme it could be the photographer had no outside influences and learned photography through trial and error.  Imagine this, someone finds or is given a camera with a lens and all the accessories needed to capture and charge the battery but no instruction book.  This person then teaches themselves the craft of photography by experimentation and self-evaluation.  This is highly unlikely and probably closer to impossible. 

The more accepted definition of self-taught photographer is someone that does not have formal training such as a MFA degree but has “taught” themselves photography by doing rather than studying.  Even this definition has its flaws. It’s not giving enough credit to those teachers that came before them that shared their photographic knowledge through classes, seminars, workshops, articles and how-to guides.  A truly self-taught photographer participates in a community of photographers, even if it’s not in person through a magazine or website, to learn techniques and craft by evaluating and learning from the words and images of others.

Recently, Popular Photography announced they have ceased publication.  Along with Pop Photo, Peterson’s Photographic and Modern Photography have all gone away as a resource for photographers.  Only Shutterbug remains, for now… For at least a few generations of photographers these magazines have contributed to the education of many self-taught photographers.  The articles were in-depth, the reviews did not seem tainted by manufactures advertising, and the how-to guides were well developed and instructive.  Even better, the letters to the editor were not inhabited with internet trolls and the advertisements within the magazines did not trigger popup windows and run the risk of downloading malware.  I understand there are business reasons photography magazines are not sustainable enterprises these days, but I wonder what the effect will be on the future of other self-taught photographers.

I believe the need for photographic education will continue but I don’t believe websites or online zines can fill the void of the traditional photography magazines. That education need will be filled with more person to person contact at seminars, workshops, classes and camera club participation.  In recent years there has been a flood of seminars given by professional photographers as they broaden their revenue stream.  Photographic Meetup groups are expanding and it seems there is more participation in camera clubs by younger folks.

The only constant is change.  Perhaps the downfall of photography magazines will expand the opportunities for person to person community and create more self-taught photographers.