It's actually harder for a traditional film photographer to learn digital photography than it is for a complete novice who never touched a camera in his life. This is because someone who has used film cameras for years has two jobs ahead of him when trying to learn digital photography. Not only must he or she learn a whole new method of taking pictures – but they must forget a lot of what they already know.

No Simple Answer

You can't force anyone to learn digital photography (not legally, anyway). This is a complicated process, even more so than a point and shoot film camera. It's not enough to learn how to use the camera, how to set up a shot and how to use lighting, digital photography is also about knowing how to use your computer to "develop" your images.

It's usually this part that really makes or breaks anyone wanting to learn digital photography. Not only do you have to figure out which Tab A goes into which Port B, you also have to learn a new software package. This writer has given up trying to learn digital photography and just sticks to a 35mm auto focus camera.

Of course, I don’t have the same motivation that other people have when they decide to learn digital photography. Let me rephrase that – I don’t have ANY motivation to learn digital photography. I have a busy enough life. Also, knowing me, once I figure out the shiny new toy – er, digital camera – I will go bankrupt playing with it.

It Takes Time

Digital photography is a skill just like any other. Because it is a skill, you just can’t get it overnight (and if you do, keep your mouth shut or very jealous people will want to stone you). Everyone learns at their own rate. Try to resist the temptation to compare your learning rate with others. Just because someone half your age figured out your digital camera in half the time you spent figuring out just how to turn it, does not mean that anything is wrong with you.

You might also be able to integrate film and digital photography. Get a program like Windows Paint or Photoshop and scan your current photographs into the program. Then, get silly and push buttons. Try different colors, textures and special effects. Making mistakes is the best way to learn – and you won’t have wasted any expensive film.