Don't go along with the flow in here or in fact in any photography site, just because others say 'this is the right way' doesn't make it the ONLY way. There are more than one route to the summit of Everest, some more dangerous than others, some quicker than others. Do you think that the mountaineers that climbed it took the easiest one just cos others said its the 'best way'? There is no challenge in taking the easiest route to achieve any goal. By all means, learn that route, digest it and explore it... but don't let that close your eyes to the other, more rewarding routes. Listen to people who have other ideas, and learn from them, the more knowledge you accrue along the way, the more your eyes will open and SEE the true photograph.

Im an ex lecturer who had to pack in work due to a series of strokes, which lead to various other health issues and I have been on the verge of giving up. But why should I? So I fought through it, every time I was told, no you will never do that, I made sure I found a way to do it, Im not supposed to be walking at all after a head on car crash in 2005, but I proved them wrong then and Im determined to do the same now,

I am enjoying photography and taking life by the throat daily in an effort to make it work for me. Its hard (ok no Carry On jokes please) but rewarding.... now Im digging a hole! .... I better stop now before I get into trouble

I'll finish off with this... when you are learning, take the routes of least resistance, but to grow, you must explore the other routes too, they may look hard at first, but they will reward you when you say to yourself.... WOW!