I started getting serious about my photography about 10 years ago even though I've been a photographer for much longer. I've worked in television production for almost 20 years and much of what I have learned about lighting and photography have come from that experience. I'm a self-taught photographer, having never worked as an assistant or for a studio other than my job and even then most of what I've learned there as well has been on my own. It's hard learning on one's own without mentors but with sites like this and others there are plenty of resources available to learn. I am always applying myself to learn, to see and use light better as well as improving my skills with exposure and composition.