Books are the only way to learn. Most of them are written by professionals that have the knowledge.

None of the above. I read photo books and magazines voraciously but the most useful info comes from the 2 camera clubs I participate in.

Self-taught plus occasional workshop and seminars.

Although I no longer work full time as a photographer, I still photograph regularly, and rely on online websites for news and information, technical updates, and artistic undertakings by my fellow artisans. But at the same time, I have found the need to be diligent and seriously examine the source of the information being provided. With each passing year, I have discovered the Internet makes it evermore easy for anyone with a camera and little if any working experience or training in this field, to set up a website or blog, and claim to be an "authority" on photography.

Using great tips in your magazine, and then taking to the street and practice and take chances, is how to be a better picture taker.

Brand specific websites provide a lot of information about my cameras and photography in general. Nikon Cafe and Nikonians have been a huge help in developing my skills.

Working with your camera is the best way - and digital makes that a cost effective way to learn.

Working as an assistant for a photographer or going out shooting with another photographer or a photography group.

I have learned mostly by reading books, magazines and going out a taking photos with the knowledge I get from those books and magazines.

Best learning method is mentored hands on.

You neglected to mention other photo magazines and books--both of which are important resources for me, more than classes, workshops or seminars.

I get most of my training from books.

I use magazines such as shutterbug and others. I use Adobe Elements 8 and use Adobe internet support. I have a Sony camera and I use their support and software also.

I do considerable reading to supplement web info. But primarily have been self-taught over many years.

You left out magazines and books as an option. I learn a lot from them.

I try to use as many available resources as possible. Since I made the switch to Digital, most of my info is from Video Tutorials.

Actually I am getting most of my info from magazines. Shutterbug and Peterssen's Photographic are my biggest reference. Also talking to other photographers.

I read magazines and teaching aids such as books and web.

In todays everchanging world of technology, you cannot simply rely on the web or yourself. You need to position yourself in classroom environments that provide hands on training with the experts.

The best learning about photography comes from other photographers, and from making images - a lot! If you are a pro, membership in a pro photo organization is a great place to keep learning.

While the info I get from the web is invaluable, I learn a lot from actually practicing what I learn and then receiving feedback from instructors. Online courses are best because they can extend over several weeks or months and don't involve the cost of travel. Onsite workshops can be so intense that one doesn't have enough time to practice, have the info sink in, and receive feedback on one's efforts.

1. Learn basics on a mechanical camera so that any camera becomes transparent as the least important aspect of the shot. 2. Forget zooms. Use a prime focus lens. My "normal" lens, as a pro long ago on 35 mm, was a 24 mm. 3. Choose what you want to shoot and how. Observe the play of light early morning, daytime and just as the sun begins to set...setup 45 minutes before sunrise/sunset if you want your scene painted with that sort of light. My favorite always is horizontal early or late lighting, particularly with dark skies ahead and clearing backside. 4. If lighting and composition are not innate concepts you must learn them. Go to a used bookstore. Find a book that's full of large images by Ansel Adams. Study each to ascertain why it is so wonderful. Study how lighting falls; see what leads your eye into his image; think of the tonal range and how it impacts the image; examine depth of field and how and why he used it to his advantage..if you are into people pictures, do the same with a book that features portraits by Josef Karsh. Karsh had a manner of capturing sometimes the worst side, scar, or whatever of the face and used lighting like Rembrandt to amplify that aspect into a true personality capture of his subject. When he jerked the cigar from Winston Churchill's lips, his features morphed into the growling lion that kept Hitler's underwear damp. In every aspect these two were the finest photographers ever on this planet. If you learn 10 percent of what they did you will be 100 percent better than the average point-n'-shooter. This only can be done when the technical side of exposures and camera operation are non-issues. Practice, practice, practice until your eyes see everything in a horizontal format (as most cameras now are) and don't even notice the equipment that's mostly automatic now anyway. You should have already decided your depth of field and composition, hence your f stop and shutter speed. The camera and lens are really in the way when you learn how the great ones did it.

I take photos for my own pleasure. I can see how others take pictures, angle, color, what is included ,outdoors or not, natural light etc. I am always willing to learn and try things

I learn best hands on, and by experience.

I also get my knowledge through retail outlets where I can get my hands on the equipment I want more information about.

I also read a lot of photography books. Attend some seminars.

The best way to learn is take a couple of classes; continue reading as much as possible; but most important get out and take pictures.

I have attended seminars and classes. Web education as of the last few years is improving but nothing beats just going out and shooting and learning by trial and error and experimentation.

For specific curiosities and some needs, I can find info and links on inet to guides and answers. Thanks for your info.

I get excited every time I find a new photo tutorial somewhere online.