While a camera may be indispensable for producing photographs, there are manifold ways to learn the art of photography without one. Besides technical proficiency, great photographers like Dorothea Lange relied on less tangible traits like emotional intelligence and inspiration, and we can learn from them.
Coming to you from Tatiana Hopper, this awesome video discusses ways of learning photography without a camera. Hopper shares an exercise from mentor Alexey Brodovitch, who had his students frame compositions using cardboard with a rectangular cut-out rather than a lens. This trains the innate skill all photographers must hone - the ability to construct compelling images from disparate visual elements. Hopper suggests additional techniques like critiquing your own work, purposefully observing scenes without a camera, or finding inspirational activities that spark ideas.
By emphasizing the critical roles of emotional intelligence, inspiration and intentional development apart from technical proficiency, Hopper challenges us to rethink what skills differentiate snapshot-takers from artists. While mastery of camera controls provides the means, cultivating an intuitive eye through diverse inspirational sources represents the true heart of exceptional photography. It serves as an important reminder that our most essential tools as photographers remain not with our equipment, but within our own minds and spirits. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hopper.
A very nice video discussion, but I believe the process described by Ms. Hopper is only partially complete. She describes learning a very important element of photography - compositions, not photography in general. Most experienced photographers are observing their surroundings regularly to discover an area that has promise to be captured. Still, to make the photograph requires skills with a camera and the technical aspects and understanding of light that will enable the photographer to produce an image to reflect what that photographer want us to see. Lastly, if one is an event or street photographer, the option of observation may be very short or nil where the photographer has to react quickly, requiring a complete knowledge of the tools being used to capture the image.
The thing is that there are already (far too) many videos and websites discussing the technical side and that stuff is only relevant for absolute beginners anyway. I'm glad people like Ms Hopper discusses the creative side and feature case studies on famous photographers (and movie makers) instead of the technical side which will be boring for people already possessing those skills. Technique can only get you so far but the creative side is something photographers never stop learning and Ms Hoppers videos are always offering something new and interesting that beginners and more experienced photographers can learn from.
Remember Ansel Adams quote when asked the most important part of the photographic process and he replied "the 12" behind the viewfinder"! I believe creativity starts in the mind of the photographer and the camera is but a tool to be used to help capture it.