Photography

Start by understanding the formal elements of art. Use those to analyze composition.

Then go beyond that and try to understand what makes each photo elicit the emotionally reactions they do.

With Leiter, colors are a huge component. Look up color theory if you need to have better tools to analyze that.

Lighting is also important to understand, to get a better technical understanding of how the results were achieved.

All of it will influence your work one way or another. But make sure you don't get in too deep with only one artist. Try to diversify the art you're exposed to, in order to diversify your influences.

I'd say composition is the most important thing, because light, color, shapes, framing, are all parts of the composition. You can have the same elements, but put them indifferent order, and the composition and final result will be different or incoherent.

I suggest reading 'framed ink' 1 and 2 to learn a lot about composition, then you'll start to see things in photography, movies etc. That otherwise would be hard to even notice.

With this knowledge you'll be able to consciously read all images instead of just having vague feelings while looking at them

Do a short photography course first.

Best way to learn is to just go out and shoot/experiment. Combine that with tutorials from YouTube and the likes and you'll learn way more and probably faster than any course out there. Books contain very useful info but it's still just theory.

I like photography books that have segments discussing the work.

Image - study - image - study…etc all the way through.

I look at the picture. I read the study of the picture. I go back and look at the picture to see what the examination says. I consider that against my own point of view and interests, and then move on to the next image, and then the next book.

If I’m really trying to absorb a specific style, then I give myself shooting homework that helps me repeat and practice things from the books I want to master.

Rinse and repeat…for years.

Best way to learn is to just go out and shoot/experiment. Combine that with tutorials from YouTube and the likes and you'll learn way more and probably faster than any course out there. Books contain very useful info but it's still just theory.