Where to start?!

liliq

Hi,
First post in this forum!
I've been wanting to learn about/ get into photography for ages, and my husband bought me a camera for Christmas!
A half day basics course comes with the camera, but I'm guessing that's the very basic operation of the specific camera!

Would people here advise doing a course or two, and if so any recommendations? Or would you suggest just to start snapping? I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing!

Thanks

Daveysil15

I would recommend checking out some of the tutorials on youtube, in particular Mike browne and Gavin Hoey. I found them very uselfull when starting off. Maybe get one of the monthly magazines too like amateur photographer.

liliq

Thanks!
Ill def check those tutorials out and have a nosy at that too.

pixbyjohn

liliq wrote: »

Thanks!
Ill def check those tutorials out and have a nosy at that too.

And in the meantime snap away. Practice in your home, on the street and anywhere you can safely.

claystevens

What's the correct camera model is it? Search the specificed device of your camera in YouTube. Second, get invovle into some more professional forums or communities, post your photos, and ask for advices. You have a long way to continue.

mollybird

Hi OP im pretty much the same as you but ive a bit more time behind using a camera but not one anywhere like the one i got for this christmas. what i did is ive joined up on some meet up photography groups and going ot head out with them hopefully in the new year. ive also come across a full days workshop on Groupon on how to use SLR camera ( my crimbo pressie) so i know that is going to help also in getting the most use out of my camera. But for the mean time im just happy in snapping away. Heading into city tommorow evening with my hubbie and going to take some snaps of the xmas lights.

osprey

Daveysil15 wrote: »

I would recommend checking out some of the tutorials on youtube, in particular Mike browne and Gavin Hoey. I found them very uselfull when starting off. Maybe get one of the monthly magazines too like amateur photographer.

I agree entirely, that is the best advice you could get from your question actually. Even now, as a full time photographer, I refer to YouTube for the odd refresh and insight.

hytrogen

I found a good vidcast on iTunes for free: "photography tips & tricks" some american lads that show general usage & how-to's. they're always asking for feedback & things to talk about on 'the next show'. I'm no pro either but I found these guys to give a bit of support & encouragement for things to do..
Otherwise get cracking on taking pics anywhere any time, I keep my DSLR in the car now wherever I go just in case

liliq

Thanks for all the replies!
I started a project 365 which will hopefully get me snapping anyway, and have started checking out some of the suggestions!

Adrian.Sadlier

An alternative/addition to on-line tutorials/communities is to take a course. Depending on where you live/work you might be interested in a course run by Dublin Camera Club. It runs over 10 weeks (every Wednesday evening) in their premises in Lower Camden Street. I've heard good things about it from people who have been on it (I am a club member but never went on the course). It costs around €100 and runs twice a year. Next one starts in about 2 weeks time.

Full details can be found at www.dublincameraclub.ie.

Good luck with the project 365 and happy snapping

liliq

Adrian.Sadlier wrote: »

An alternative/addition to on-line tutorials/communities is to take a course. Depending on where you live/work you might be interested in a course run by Dublin Camera Club. It runs over 10 weeks (every Wednesday evening) in their premises in Lower Camden Street. I've heard good things about it from people who have been on it (I am a club member but never went on the course). It costs around €100 and runs twice a year. Next one starts in about 2 weeks time.

Full details can be found at www.dublincameraclub.ie.

Good luck with the project 365 and happy snapping

Thanks for that! I might give them a buzz and see if they have any spaces left. My mam did a course with them years ago and loved it.

pullandbang

Put your camera on auto, walk outside your front door and take some pictures. Shoot the first gate you come to. Then shoot your house, then shoot your neighbours house. Shoot your street, shoot the people walking down your street. Don't worry about the technical stuff - you can learn that later.

Take some pics and enjoy photography.

When you've taken loads of shots, you'll have a better idea what sort of course you might want to do.