Four levels of experience
At this wee hour in the morning, I was thinking of what would be the best way to impart knowledge. I believe in experience. As in my other training, I was never a trainer but simply a person providing an environment for the experience.
Then, I flip thru my materials for i-Nature Photography Workshop and I decide to share it here.
There are four levels of experience which is also translated into four levels of learning.
Level 1 : “I don’t know that I don’t know”
This is at the bottom of the hierarchy. Ignorance is a bliss. In photography journey, it was the time before I own a camera or at the beginning of the journey. As the interest grows, the learning curve started.
Level 2 : “I know that I don’t know”
Here I’ve shot ample photos but how come I cannot get the photo as my friend got it? I started to browse net for more information. I bought books to read. I revisit my manual. I started asking many questions. I was a sponge, ever ready to absorb information and still thirst for more.
With perseverance and practice, I started to grasp basic concept and able to “quite” consistently produce what I wanted. It may be long journey here. It may take years and to some with natural talent able to master it with good attitude. I put attitude here because it is an utmost important trait in learning.
Certain part that I am not very good yet, I will keep on practice and practice, shoot and shoot until one day I got it. Yeay!
Level 3 : “I know that I know”
This is where the thin line between good and great becoming evident.
“I know that…”
“I know how to do panning”
“I know rules of third”
“I know how to balance the exposure between highlight and shadow”
“Aah.. nevermind, just ensure the sharpness is there, I’ll digitally re-compose and touch up later!”
This is were we started to get cocky. I’m not saying you. I’m referring to everyone of us. At some point or another, we tend to fall into this great feeling of knowing but still lacking of experience.
I can start telling others what to do coz I know how.
Sometimes, I start to be righteous on what is the “right” and “correct” way. (Quote unquote intended coz what is right and correct anyway?)
Time and time again, I have to pull myself out of this comfort zone to stop living in the illusion of knowing but start experiencing.
This is where you can see good and great photographer divided.
A master will never wanna be stucked here. They are humble to always go back to level 1. A master always willing to unlearn and re-learn.
They constantly put themselves into the beginning of experience cycle until one day, without them knowing, they are at the next level.
Level 4 : “I don’t know that I know”
At this level, everything seems to work. Their shot seems effortless. It’s not without struggle, but they know not what is struggle coz for them it is just the journey of learning.
Where are you? I hope we are not stucked at level 3! <wink>
End note:
How you know that you have understand? When you are able to teach and they understand it.
How you know that you are good? When you can coach another to be as good or better than you.
Note to self : Starts your i-Nature again!