Gaining Photography Knowledge?

Aved

Sorry if this was posted somewhere before but I was just wondering what's the best way for a novice to gain experience/knowledge in Photography?

challengemaster

experience - take photos

knowledge - take photos/read books/internet articles/ stickies on fora like this one *cough*

Oriel

Read websites and books, learn about aperture, shutter speed, composition, exposure, interaction with subject, prices. Main thing is shoot and experiment!
Take photos of "boring" stuff to put these into practice.
Don't post those photose here for C&C like some people do.
I've come to learn that you either have it or you don't.
Those who don't "have it" shoot on auto and try to make most of their subjects.

Aved

Cool I'll look into the general theory of things first and then try and apply it practically afterwards.
I studied lighting design last year so hopefully that will ive me some sort of starting point.
Thanks:)
ps I promise not to post any material on the forum untill I know what I'm doing;)

sineadw

Don't mind Oriel Aved - post shots here. You'll get mostly constructive criticism. How can you learn if you don't know where you're going right and wrong. And you learn to ignore the non-constructive stuff..

Yep - web tutorials. I found the morguefile classes really good to start with..

Get yourself a flickr account. I look back on the stuff I posted on mine at the start and can see progress - never a bad thing. And add us lot as contacts - you'll learn a lot from the stuff posted on some of the accounts knocking about here.

Most of all though - try to meet up with other photographers. We have regular meet-ups (one on today in Dublin city centre!) and I have learned more in the hours I've spent with this lot than I would have in a whole library of books. Plus you get to try out other peoples' expensive equipment And as far as I know none of us are axe-wielding murderers*

Welcome along BTW

*not a guarantee

Paulw

Aved, ignore Oriel. Do post your photos here. The vast majority of people will give you constructive criticism, while the odd person will just give you abuse. You will learn a lot from comments from people here, and your photography will improve. This forum is a wealth of knowledge and skill.

The important thing - get out and take photos. The boards gatherings (like the one today) are a great way of learning, never mind the social side to it. It's also a way to see what others use and try out kit before buying.

Most people find this place great for tips/advice and learning. I know I've learned a lot in here, and my photography has certainly improved because of it.

Aved

Thanks guys, as I'm a struggling student I think it could be awhile before I embark on a good camera and nice equipment:( Is it worth looking at second hand material or would the price range not differ that much?
I'll look at the comments people have made on other photos and see what I can learn from that.

5uspect

You might be able to pick up a second hand Nikon D50 or Canon 300D (with modded firmware) with a 50mm F1.8 quite cheaply. The 50mm is a fixed focal lenght (that means you zoom with your feet) but its a great lens.

Have a look here
http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=30159&cat=all
and here
http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=42236&cat=all

Either of these will get you through the basics for a good price.

floydmoon1

I think understanding exposure by bryan peterson is a great book to get started.Just been reading it a few days and really helping my understanding of aperture,shutter speeds etc.Also if you put your camera on a tripod and take exactly the same shot but change the settings you will soon find out how the differenet elements effect the shot.

melekalikimaka

share share share, get a flickr and get shooting, ask advice on everything, we all like to help here

rymus

Aved wrote: »

Thanks guys, as I'm a struggling student I think it could be awhile before I embark on a good camera and nice equipment:( Is it worth looking at second hand material or would the price range not differ that much?
I'll look at the comments people have made on other photos and see what I can learn from that.

*cough* http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=44162&cat=500

mikeanywhere

Oriel wrote: »

Read websites and books, learn about aperture, shutter speed, composition, exposure, interaction with subject, prices. Main thing is shoot and experiment!

For once Steve, I agree with this part however the rest you talk about it bollocks!!!!!!

Aved

Thanks for all the advice and the adverts for cameras but I currently have €40 to my name so it might be a long time before I can afford any of them:(.
College is taking up all my time as I'm cramming a 4 year degree into 3 years so it's hard to find work that pays sufficiently. I should be able to get a good camera by June. That works out perfectly as I plan to go inter railing/traveling over the summer so I should get plenty of photographic oppertunities.

TelePaul

Oriel taught me everything I know about a) photography and b) life

Oriel

rymus wrote: »

*cough* http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=44162&cat=500

Actually, Ryan I might take that off you hands for you...

rymus

wonderful.. There's nobody on boards who I'd rather take money from

mikeanywhere

rymus wrote: »

wonderful.. There's nobody on boards who I'd rather take money from

LOL classic!!

rymus

but I meant that in the nicest possible way of course.