pearlphotos
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2011
- Messages
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1. Dont go crazy buying the most expensive equipment right away.
Its possible to get very nice photos with an inexpensive point and shoot. See these examples on Flickr. The more photos you take, the more youll know about what kind of camera to get when its time to upgrade.
2. Consider a tripod.
On the other hand, an inexpensive tripod is worth getting, especially if you have shaky hands like mine. When I got a tripod, my satisfaction with my shots skyrocketed. For even more stability, use your cameras timer function with a tripod (read our introduction to tripods).
3. Keep your camera with you all the time.
Photo ops often come when you least expect it. If you can keep your equipment relatively simple just a small camera bag and a tripod you might be able to take advantage of some of those unexpected opportunities. Or, if your phone has a camera, use it to take notes on scenes youd like to return to with your regular camera.
4. Make a list of shots youd like to get.
For those times you cant carry your camera around, keep a small notebook to jot down places youd like to come back and photograph. Make sure to note any important details, like the lighting, so you can come back at the same time of day or when the weathers right. If you dont want to carry a notebook, send yourself an email using your cell phone with Jott.com.
5. Dont overlook mundane subjects for photography.
You might not see anything interesting to photograph in your living room or your backyard, but try looking at familiar surroundings with fresh eyes. You might catch an interesting trick of the light or find some unexpected wildflowers in your yard. Often a simple subject makes the best shot.
6. Enjoy the learning process.
The best part of having a hobby like photography is never running out of things to learn. Inspiration is all around you. Look at everything with the eyes of a photographer and youll see opportunities you never noticed before.
7. Take advantage of free resources to learn.
Browse through Flickr or websites like the Digital Photography School Forum for inspiration and tips. Also, your local library probably has a wealth of books on all types of photography. If youre interested in learning about post-processing, give free software like the GIMP a try.
8. Experiment with your cameras settings.
Your point and shoot may be more flexible and powerful than you know. Read the manual for help deciphering all those little symbols. As you explore, try shooting your subjects with multiple settings to learn what effects you like. When youre looking at your photos on a computer, you can check the EXIF data (usually in the files properties) to recall the settings you used.
9. Learn the basic rules.
The amount of information about photography online can be overwhelming. Start with a few articles on composition. Be open to what more experienced photographers have to say about technique. You have to know the rules before you can break them.
10. Take photos regularly.
Try to photograph something every day. If you cant do that, make sure you take time to practice regularly, so you dont forget what youve learned. An excellent way to motivate yourself is by doing the weekly assignments in the DPS Forum.
11. Dont be afraid to experiment.
If youre using a digital camera, the cost of errors is free. Go crazy you might end up with something you like. Youll certainly learn a lot in the process.
Its possible to get very nice photos with an inexpensive point and shoot. See these examples on Flickr. The more photos you take, the more youll know about what kind of camera to get when its time to upgrade.
2. Consider a tripod.
On the other hand, an inexpensive tripod is worth getting, especially if you have shaky hands like mine. When I got a tripod, my satisfaction with my shots skyrocketed. For even more stability, use your cameras timer function with a tripod (read our introduction to tripods).
3. Keep your camera with you all the time.
Photo ops often come when you least expect it. If you can keep your equipment relatively simple just a small camera bag and a tripod you might be able to take advantage of some of those unexpected opportunities. Or, if your phone has a camera, use it to take notes on scenes youd like to return to with your regular camera.
4. Make a list of shots youd like to get.
For those times you cant carry your camera around, keep a small notebook to jot down places youd like to come back and photograph. Make sure to note any important details, like the lighting, so you can come back at the same time of day or when the weathers right. If you dont want to carry a notebook, send yourself an email using your cell phone with Jott.com.
5. Dont overlook mundane subjects for photography.
You might not see anything interesting to photograph in your living room or your backyard, but try looking at familiar surroundings with fresh eyes. You might catch an interesting trick of the light or find some unexpected wildflowers in your yard. Often a simple subject makes the best shot.
6. Enjoy the learning process.
The best part of having a hobby like photography is never running out of things to learn. Inspiration is all around you. Look at everything with the eyes of a photographer and youll see opportunities you never noticed before.
7. Take advantage of free resources to learn.
Browse through Flickr or websites like the Digital Photography School Forum for inspiration and tips. Also, your local library probably has a wealth of books on all types of photography. If youre interested in learning about post-processing, give free software like the GIMP a try.
8. Experiment with your cameras settings.
Your point and shoot may be more flexible and powerful than you know. Read the manual for help deciphering all those little symbols. As you explore, try shooting your subjects with multiple settings to learn what effects you like. When youre looking at your photos on a computer, you can check the EXIF data (usually in the files properties) to recall the settings you used.
9. Learn the basic rules.
The amount of information about photography online can be overwhelming. Start with a few articles on composition. Be open to what more experienced photographers have to say about technique. You have to know the rules before you can break them.
10. Take photos regularly.
Try to photograph something every day. If you cant do that, make sure you take time to practice regularly, so you dont forget what youve learned. An excellent way to motivate yourself is by doing the weekly assignments in the DPS Forum.
11. Dont be afraid to experiment.
If youre using a digital camera, the cost of errors is free. Go crazy you might end up with something you like. Youll certainly learn a lot in the process.