Newbie...

Munki · Feb 1, 2004

Hi,

I'm completely new to photography and would like some advice. I had been thinking about getting into photography for a while, anyway I bought a Nikon Coolpix 4300 a month ago and started to play around with it and really like it.

Here's two pictures I took, cropped and resolution lowered for the web...

I know it's not going to get me very far if I start taking this really seriously but for now does anyone have any advice for me to get the most out of what I have?

Also are there any decent books out there that would be worth getting?

Thanks

craig · Feb 1, 2004

Great start! Since you asked. Take a lot of photos! Try and always bring your camera with you. Note time of day and exposure. I have learned the most from history of photography books.

vonnagy · Feb 1, 2004

welcome to the forum!

nice shots, munki

The first shot, is that a lens flare on the right, or a 'sundog'?

I like the feathershot too, I would have cropped tighter on the bottom stem and given the tip of the the feather more breathing room.

Take a lot of photos! Try and always bring your camera with you. Note time of day and exposure.

yep I agree with craig. What I found though it helps having a nice camera, getting alot of practice in is what really matters.

Hope to see more stuff soon !

Munki · Feb 2, 2004

The first shot, is that a lens flare on the right, or a 'sundog'?

It is a sundog, that was the first day I got my camera and I went to the beach just before sunset. I'd never seen anything like it before so I had to take a picture of it.

Looking at the feather shot now I have to agree, I should have left more space above the feather.

Thanks for the comments, really appreciated.

Hoping to have some more pictures to post shortly.

LaFoto · Feb 2, 2004

So that is what it is called: a sun dog. Never knew that!
This board is teaching me more than just how to take nice photos!

cowbert098 · Feb 2, 2004

Great photos I really like the second one.

bogleric · Feb 3, 2004

the first shot has some neat cloud patterns but not much else. It doesn't stimulate the eyes or mind for more than a split second.

The second shot is a nice macro but nothing unique was added to the picture. Try to make it more interesting with the composition. You are off to a great start.

One piece of advice someone gave me once.... "the only difference between a good shot and a bad one is the number of shots in between"...