They say you need school to get ahead, but what if the skills you want are just a click away?
My journey as a self-taught photographer and avid off road motorcyclist is proof that with dedication and the vast resources of the internet, you can excel at any skill for free.
From Frustrated Tourist Snaps to Travel Photography Enthusiast
As an avid traveler, I grew tired of my photos failing to capture the beauty of my adventures. My phone camera just couldn't do justice to the real world views. So, while living in China, I took the plunge and bought a Canon DSLR. I had my best friend deliver it to me on our trip to Nepal.
During our trip, I desperately tried (and failed) to replicate the stunning travel photos I would see online. Unfortunately, I learned that having a nice camera was not enough to capture an impressive photo.
Nepal became a turning point in my photography journey. Point-and-shoot just wasn't enough. I wanted a deeper understanding of photography.
The online world became my classroom, with YouTube as my primary teacher. I mass consumed tutorials on composition, lighting, and posing. Read blogs and spent countless hours on social media learning the secrets of software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. My favorite photographers, generously sharing their editing techniques, became my virtual mentors.
This newfound knowledge transformed my photography. Gone were the days of crooked, blurry phone pictures. Now, I could capture the essence of my travels with intention and artistry.
Building a Photography Business
For a while I was happy with just taking nice travel photos for myself. Eventually, I wanted to learn more skills. How to take a captivating portrait? How to pose a couple in love? How to get a nice photo from someone who hates photos?
Back to the internet I went, and my friends became my patient muses.
After dedicating months to free practice, photographing friends, families, engagements, and even a wedding, a pivotal moment arrived. Friends started reaching out, requesting my photography services.
Suddenly, I saw my photography not just as a hobby, but as a potential business. I might as well get paid for the skills I'd developed!
Back to the internet I went.
This time I sought inspiration from established photographers' websites. I delved into the world of web design. Through research and online guides, I learned to navigate domain registration, website building platforms, and the art of crafting an impactful online presence.
Marketing myself became the next challenge.
My Instagram transformed into my personal marketing stage. I spent way too much time crafting the perfect feed, followed photography trends, listened to podcasts, doom scrolled on feeds, learning how to attract photography clients. Every like and comment added to my confidence, a testament to my self-taught skills.
Now I own a small photography business - all self-taught, all because of a hobby, all because of the internet.
Check out my photography website here.
Beyond the Lens: Learning to Ride
My love for online learning extends far beyond photography.
Believe it or not, I even used the internet to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
After learning from another backpacker about their motorcycle journey across Vietnam, I knew I wanted the same experience.
One problem: I didn't ride.
But nothing motivates me more than the idea that someone else has accomplished the feat. So, with zero experience, I walked into a motorbike rental shop in Vietnam. Confessed my lack of the experience to the owner, who confidently replied, "These are idiot-proof!" His solution? A ten-minute YouTube crash course.
With newfound (and perhaps slightly reckless) confidence, I was off on a two-week crazy adventure driving across Vietnam on a semi-automatic moto.
Upgrading to a manual motorcycle later on in life followed the same trend – countless online resources guided me through clutch control, gear shifting, and proper braking.
Now, I'm an avid off-road motorcycle enthusiast, having learned my theoretical knowledge entirely through online learning.
The Takeaway: Free Learning is Limitless
My story is an example of the power of online learning.
Photography and motorcycle riding are just two examples – the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to code, draw, or speak a new language, the web offers a treasure box of free resources.
So, ditch the notion that a fancy degree is the only path to success. With dedication and the internet as your guide, you can unlock your potential and become a master of (almost) anything.
Why This Matters to Learning Design
As a learning designer, my experience is a perfect example of the power of self-directed learning. This is a skill that directly translates into my work!
In the exciting world of instructional design, there's always a new tool, a fresh approach, or an innovative technology emerging. The most successful learning designers are the ones who embrace this constant evolution.
The good news?
You don't need a formal education to keep up.
With self-motivation and discipline, you can continuously expand your skillset and become a master of your craft. So, if you're looking to break into instructional design, or if you're a seasoned pro looking to stay ahead of the curve, remember:
The learning never stops – and the internet is your free, ever-expanding classroom.
