Complete Beginner - any advice welcome

mrsberries

Hi all

I have always had an interest in photography and have finally decided to do something about it. I dont have a fancy camera, just a very basic canon digital one, so Ive signed up for an introduction to digital snapping. Im hoping that if I get a taste for this that I will invest in a good camera and do a more intense course.

Any advice on starting out and on cameras that would be good for my level?

Thanks

indieJones

I was in a similar position a year or two ago and I think the key is to take as many photos as possible. Good composition comes through regardless of your camera. Find out the limitations of your camera (easy enough on a little point and shoot), how they restrict you and do some reading on SLR photography and some of the things it can do to free you from these restrictions.

When you decide to move to a DSLR, I'd recommend a D60 or a D90 but it really depends on your budget. When you're just starting out in DSLR, you can't go far wrong with the main brands, you can only be overcharged so shop around. The main thing is to still keep taking lots of photos. I actually took less photos when I first got my DSLR because I kept worrying about dropping it/getting mugged/ having to carry it everywhere. Be self critical and always rethink every shot "How could I have made this better." Another avenue that many digital photographers are taking is creative post processing in Photoshop etc. Have a look at some of the possibilities and it might be another thing you'd be interested in trying.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN!

mrsberries

Thanks Indiejones for your advice there!!

Are there any books or magazines that you would recommend for me to even just get used to the different terms used or just to educate myself?

13tsoptuo

Get the holy bible of photography:

"Understanding exposure" by bryan Peterson.

I guarantee I've beaten at least 20 people to this post by a split second.

AnCatDubh

have a think bout a camera club maybe if there is one nearby. "Understanding Exposure" is really, really worthy of the few bucks. The forum here is a good place to look for advice or post your work for C&C (pull the belt tight while you wait - you will get honest opinion, but remember its just that i.e. opinion).

Really good deal on a Nikon in argos at the moment if thinking about an early christmas present - see recent thread. If doing a course which has any deal of seriousness your happy snapper will soon lose its appeal for you.

Challenges are posted here every month - 2 weeks to prepare and 2 weeks to vote. Irish Times also run a competition for their Gallery supplement each week. Current theme is "a day out". If you do well its very nice to see a picture that you may have taken appearing in print in the Times (how vain is that!). But both of these challenge you to get out there and apply your photographic talents.

Welcome aboard and don't be a stranger around these parts

ThOnda

Really one book or good tutorial on the web to understand basic. After that everybody would be pleased to comment your pictures to show you possible ways what to follow.