Why Learning Photography on YouTube is Hard
In this video, the photographer discusses the accepted stages of learning different skills within photography. You can find the link to the video at the foot of this page, but firstly here are the key themes and takeaways:
1. The Four Stages of Learning:
Unconscious Incompetence: A state of blissful ignorance where one doesn’t realize their lack of knowledge or skill.
Conscious Incompetence: Awareness of one's lack of knowledge, often accompanied by frustration or unhappiness, as the individual realizes the gap between their current abilities and their goals.
Conscious Competence: The stage where one develops skills through effort and repetition but still requires deliberate focus to perform well.
Unconscious Competence: Mastery, where skills are second nature, and one can perform proficiently with ease.
2. Learning is Non-Linear:
Progress involves a cycle of steps forward and backward, requiring patience, persistence, and acceptance of setbacks as part of the growth process.
3. Limitations of Over-Reliance on YouTube:
While YouTube offers vast resources, it is limited by its algorithm, which often reinforces familiar topics instead of challenging users with new or diverse perspectives.
True growth often requires stepping outside of algorithmic recommendations to seek out new ideas, techniques, and concepts. Even learning new concepts and ideas from genres outside of your usual photographic pursuits.
4. The Value of Discomfort in Learning:
Growth often necessitates leaving the comfort of blissful ignorance and confronting the discomfort of conscious incompetence.
This discomfort is essential for true learning and improvement, despite its initial emotional challenges.
5. Lifelong Learning Mindset:
Learning is a continual process; even at advanced stages, there will always be areas where one is unaware of their ignorance.
Embracing this process keeps the journey exciting and fulfilling.
Key Takeaways:
1. Progression Through Learning Stages: Accepting and moving through the stages of learning is critical for skill development and mastery. Each stage has unique challenges and rewards.
2. Embrace Discomfort: Acknowledge that feeling incompetent is a natural and necessary step in the learning process.
3. Be Aware of Algorithmic Echo Chambers: Over-reliance on platforms like YouTube for education can lead to stagnation. Seek diverse resources and experiences to break free from repetitive content.
4. Learning is Cyclical, Not Linear: Expect to revisit earlier stages of learning as new challenges arise; this is part of continuous improvement.
5. Maintain Curiosity and Openness: Welcome opportunities to learn what you didn’t know you needed to know, as this fuels growth and innovation.
