As a professional photographer, how have you learnt photography?

Professional photographers universally describe a common path:

• Shot constantly: Volume builds intuition. The people who improve fastest shoot every single day, even mundane things.
• Studied deliberately: Not just taking pictures, but analysing them: why does this image work? They studied great photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, Steve McCurry and analysed composition, light, and timing.
• Learned their equipment deeply: The exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) not from memorising definitions but from experimenting and seeing results.
• Sought feedback: Photography communities (online and local clubs) give honest critique. Feedback from others accelerates improvement faster than self-assessment alone.
• Specialised gradually: Began as generalists and found over time that one type (portrait, landscape, documentary, product) resonated most.
• Worked as assistants or second-shooters: Working alongside established photographers, even for free, is a fast education in professional technique and workflow.