Any advice for a beginner??

KHM123 · Apr 17, 2012

Hello! I am fascinated by photography and had a mad idea to look into it and learn! Although i haven't got a clue where to start.. any tips? I have to admit i am a complete beginner.. My daughter has been my inspiration to get involved in photography as im constantly wanting photos of her. Any advice on where to start would be great!

How can i gain knowledge best? Type of courses, books, websites ect..
Essential equipment i may need? A camera of course! Which leads to my next question.. any tips of what type of camera for a beginner..?

I am just generally looking for any kind, helpful advice available. Thanks

2WheelPhoto · Apr 17, 2012

Digital Photography Tutorials

fotomumma09 · Apr 17, 2012

Welcome! Just search the forum as these are all common questions that people ask. So there will be plenty of threads with information to help you with your decision. Best of luck

Derrel · Apr 17, 2012

Photography can be learned from any number of sources; the internet, books, magazines, photo enthusiast friends or associates, etc.. Your local library has many books on photography; I would start there. Cameras? so,so many to choose from. Priced from $100 to $1700...

The UK's own John Hedgecoe wrote many instructional books on photography, illustrated with literally HUNDREDS of photos and diagrams and schematics in each book! I would say **definitely** look into one of the Hedgecoe books as a great way to learn about lighting, lenses, flash, composing, and many other photo-related tidbits.

DiskoJoe · Apr 18, 2012

Step one: Buy camera.

Forkie · Apr 18, 2012

This is KmH's evil cousin testing us all. :fangs:

pgriz · Apr 19, 2012

Run! Run! As fast as you can! Don't go there! If you have too much money, take up restoring and racing WWII fighters instead. Might be cheaper in the long run.

But if you ignore the sage advice, and get involved in this hobby, you could do worse than starting with http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum/123160-tutorial-thread.html.

murklemark · Apr 20, 2012

I found I learnt alot by doing, get a good camera (within budget) and just start shooting, trying out all the settings and settings and seeing what works and what doesn't. Gave me a good understanding of photography and allowed to pick up books and learn alot quicker. I'm still learning now!

EchoingWhisper · Apr 20, 2012

Exposure, composition, camera tech, lighting, posing and interacting with your subject.

OscarWilde · Apr 20, 2012

This thread has some useful info in it; last time I read it

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/251795-tips-you-had-learn-nobody-taught-you.html

Designer · Apr 20, 2012

KHM123; I think you will gain knowledge best a little at a time. Stays with you better. The courses are fairly expensive, so if you can afford one, take one. In the U.S., we have something called "adult education" which are short courses taught at night by local experts at the local school. They are fun, and not expensive. Photography, fly tying, cake decorating, etc.

Books are o.k., but unless you purchase a recent publication, you are not getting the latest information. Most books you find at the public library will be outdated, and practically useless. Certain websites will be helpful, but you have to sort through a lot of nonsense before you find the valuable stuff.

I would recommend getting a simple "point and shoot" compact camera to begin with. You can carry it in your pocket, and get reasonably good photos without a lot of fiddling. Meanwhile, you should strive to educate yourself in composition, balance, form, texture, etc.

I think the more valuable skill is learning to visualize a shot before you get your camera out. Film cameras will teach you to carefullly consider each shot, while digital cameras will teach you to take more shots than are required, but you might get lucky with a few.

ph0enix · Apr 20, 2012

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-forum/267492-info-those-new-photography.html

autorres · Jun 20, 2012

Hi. I've been in the photography business for about 4 years doing weddings and model portfolios and once found myself as lost as any other beginner. After months of practicing and many frustrations, I decided to go for a Bachelor's degree in the science of photography at the Art Institute of Pitsburgh (a very expensive decision). After a couple of years and many credits down the road, I realized that there were other, less expensive ways of learning photography; so I discontinued my studies. I learned on my own and was able to pair up with a seasoned photographer and soon after, began my own business. It's been great! You can see some of my work if u look up autorres on Flickr or Prestige Photography on Facebook. I learned by lots of practice and reading photography guides such as this: Complete Digital SLR Guide for better photos I recommend you try this and I promise you will gain a stronger foundation of knowledge on which to build on. Best of wishes!

DiskoJoe · Jun 20, 2012

oh nos! Spam bots on the loose!

autorres · Jun 20, 2012

DiskoJoe said:
oh nos! Spam bots on the loose!

Actually, not spam nor a robot! To be any sort of photographer, u need to learn the basics of how DSLR's work, understanding lighting, camera settings, composition, editing, etc. I simply recommend a means to attain that basic understanding. I'm sure there are numerous books on learning these basics. I'm just recommending one that worked for me. Besides, bots don't respond.