PDF/Apps to teach me about photography?

jimbling

Hey guys, here's the situation.

I bought a DSLR a good few years ago. Nothing too fancy.... Canon 350D. The plans were to get into photography properly, but alas I constantly put it on the back burner.

So, time passed and I continued to use the camera, which was only occasionally, in the default snap & shoot mode (I know, I know... A crime!).
Now, I'm heading away to South America and visiting some of the most amazing places in the world (including the Galapogas), and would really like to have some ability to take a few decent snaps while there.

I'm bringing my iPad, so I'm looking for PDF or App based tutorial/course that I can install and start doing immediately. I have 3 weeks leisure before Galapogas and just want to learn as much as I can before that.

I have already got the 350d user manual PDF and what looks like a pretty basic general dslr tutorial, but looking for some more options.

Have you guys got any advice on the matter??
Cheers

twowheelsonly

This might come across all wrong but...

Put the iPad out of your hand and put the camera into your hand for the next 3 weeks or until you go away.
Use the user manual and the tutorial that you have to start with and mess about with all the settings. Learn what every button does, learn what changing shutter speed, aperture and ISO means and how it affects every photo. (Conversely you should then learn by default when to use each 'type of' setting..)

There is no fast way but to learn the basics, and in particular to learn how to use your own specific camera. Nothing worse than missing what could be a great shot because you're fiddling with settings or the wrong buttons...we've all been there. It takes a bit of time but you will get there. And when you get there you'll still make mistakes (Especially if you're anything like me!! )

The only way to learn in this instance is to do - hence why I say to replace the iPad with your camera. It's not rocket science but learning the basics and 'learning your camera' will stand you in good stead for years.

I'm personally not familiar with any apps - the only photo one I tend to use is Flickr - but I'm sure that there are probably a few out there. A photo magazine or two for the plane will give you a few tips and ideas as well..

Have a good one, and don't forget to post some photos!!

jimbling

Yes, I have a friend who is a budding photographer (after inheriting a lot of equipment) and he did give me similar advice all right. That's why I downloaded the camera user manual first.

To be honest, the tutorial I did find doesnt look to be great, so was just seeing if someone might know of a good one to get me started. And also any other advice about learning.
Thanks.

PCPhoto

Jimbling .... there are loads of sites which you can read material telling you about photography, the best way to learn really is get out there and take pics.

to be honest it all depends on what style/type of photography you wish to learn.... if you plan on doing macro, landscapes, wildlife, cityscapes, portraits etc.... in each case you will more than likely use different lenses/settings.

how much experience do you have ? when are you off ? I would love to visit the galapagos islands (its really expensive to do this) .... and most of the visits involve a number of days on board a catamaran/boat....its possible you could get some scuba/snorkeling and see some fantastic life underwater.

I would suggest if you really want to get the most out of your trip, get a compact (bridge) camera (I suggest a G11/12) and ND/Grad ND filters for your DSLR, .... a wideangle lens, macro lens (50mm macro) and a zoom (75-300mm) ....and a small tripod or gorillapod and if funds provide and underwater housing for compact (G11/12) .... oh and loads and loads ....and loads of memory cards.

enjoy the trip, if you want some advice on how to photograph things - there are loads of us here willing to give advice on how we photograph similar or how we photographed it in the past.

thedarkroom

If you go to www.issuu.com and register on the site there are literally hundred of photography books and information available to download. Do a search on 'photography' or 'photoshoip' and sit back and watch the results. It's great.

jimbling

PCPhoto wrote: »

Jimbling .... there are loads of sites which you can read material telling you about photography, the best way to learn really is get out there and take pics.

to be honest it all depends on what style/type of photography you wish to learn.... if you plan on doing macro, landscapes, wildlife, cityscapes, portraits etc.... in each case you will more than likely use different lenses/settings.

I'm sure in my travels I will want to take pics of all the above, but the main objective is wildlife in Galapogas. I can work on other stuff after that point. I want to learn as much as possible about shooting wildlife (with a basic SLR) as I can before getting there.

PCPhoto wrote: »

how much experience do you have ? when are you off ? I would love to visit the galapagos islands (its really expensive to do this) .... and most of the visits involve a number of days on board a catamaran/boat....its possible you could get some scuba/snorkeling and see some fantastic life underwater.

Dont have much experience. I understand the meaning of the basics, but dont really have a grasp on how to implement them into good shots.

Regards Galapogas, yes... really expensive to book from here. I'm winging it and going to try and get on a boat while on the main island. The time of year I'm going is good for that.
Worst case scenario I will have to do day trips which mean I wouldnt see as many islands, but still a hell of a lot of wildlife.

Scuba is out... it's ultra expensive on Galapogas, as well as the fact that it's supposed to be pretty tough diving there due to the currents.

PCPhoto wrote: »

I would suggest if you really want to get the most out of your trip, get a compact (bridge) camera (I suggest a G11/12) and ND/Grad ND filters for your DSLR, .... a wideangle lens, macro lens (50mm macro) and a zoom (75-300mm) ....and a small tripod or gorillapod and if funds provide and underwater housing for compact (G11/12) .... oh and loads and loads ....and loads of memory cards.

Unfortunately, I dont really have the money for any of those things. I have the 350D with the basic lens it came with (EF-S 18-55mm). A friend has also given me a zoom lens (EF 75-300mm) that he got in an auction for half nothing. It's perfect but the autofocus fails sometimes.

I would love a wide angle and a macro lens, but its not an option. Probably should get a gorillapod all right. They're a bit pricey, but handy to have I guess.

Why do you recommend getting a compact on top of what I have? I do own a compact, just a samsung digital. Its grand for basic pics. Was planning on bringing it anyway for use in dodgier spots where the Canon would scream "Rob Me".

PCPhoto wrote: »

enjoy the trip, if you want some advice on how to photograph things - there are loads of us here willing to give advice on how we photograph similar or how we photographed it in the past.

Cheers. I will have wifi in a lot of the places, so I'll definitely be back to as questions.

jimbling

thedarkroom wrote: »

If you go to www.issuu.com and register on the site there are literally hundred of photography books and information available to download. Do a search on 'photography' or 'photoshoip' and sit back and watch the results. It's great.

Cheers, I'll take a look at that.

I also discovered I could download youtube videos and put them on my iPad. So I've gotten a good few of the basic tutorials from there.

If anyone know a really good youtube channel for teaching, let me know.

Kenny Logins

jimbling wrote: »

Cheers, I'll take a look at that.

I also discovered I could download youtube videos and put them on my iPad. So I've gotten a good few of the basic tutorials from there.

If anyone know a really good youtube channel for teaching, let me know.

There are loads, look for Bryan Peterson, Adorama TV, Learnmyshot.com, Photoextremist, gavtrain, Dom Bower, Greg Cazillo, Adam Lerner, Steve Hermitage..

Adorama probably has the most extensive library, and covers almost everything.

http://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV/videos

jimbling

Hey guys, just a quick note to say thanks for all the tips. I downloaded a load onto my iPad (as well as the specific Camera User Manual) and made great use of the camera on my trip.

Really happy with some of my shots, especially the wildlife stuff.
Thanks again....

Gregor Samsa

jimbling wrote: »

Hey guys, just a quick note to say thanks for all the tips. I downloaded a load onto my iPad (as well as the specific Camera User Manual) and made great use of the camera on my trip.

Really happy with some of my shots, especially the wildlife stuff.
Thanks again....

Post some up, even on the random thread. We don't get to see many Galapagos pictures around here!