Beginner, need advice/help on how to get started

[Steve5D]

Don't try to become technically perfect at the expense of creativity.

I've owned a number of digital cameras. For the most part, I've never read the manuals and, sometimes, I wish I had. I refer to them on occasion now, but that's about it.

Reading books is good, but be aware that you're reading what someone else thinks you should know about photography. Figure out, on your own, what you want to know.

Photography isn't rocket science. It's easy to make mistakes, and it's easy to learn from them. Making mistakes will teach you far more than any book ever could...

 

[IzzieK]

Can I just say what a wonderful collection of advice from each of you. You took a very broad request - that could have turned into an attack on "What are your thinking?" - and provided the most important information needed at the start of the OP's journey. Well done.

What I find slightly aggravating is that, after 3 days and 13 responses, the OP hasn't returned to acknowledge the gems of advice provided.
Perhaps I come from a different world but I just can't imagine NOT saying thank-you to people who give their time and expertise to benefit me.

Again ... well done folks. I'm sure plenty of others will come across this thread in the future and will be mighty glad they did.

Don't worry yourself about this one...Just remember she is just one of those that post, expect answers but not give something back to this community. There are a lot of them here and other forums too. I am just trying to know them and remember not to comment on their posts either. Sad.

 

[madisonofriel]

First learn how to use your camera (buttons, functions, ect.) Then read all scott kelby's books. they are amazing when you first start out. Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4, Updated Edition: Scott Kelby: 9780321966759: Amazon.com: Books

Also you can watch youtube videos too. I have a nikon d3000 so you can ask me anything you want

 

[greybeard34 7]

I have gone through and am still going through 3 distinct stages in my journey with photography. The 1st stage is with equipment, learning how it works and how to controls exposure, DoF, stop action etc. I think I would have progressed much faster if I hadn't kept buying more and more equipment. I am pretty comfortable with my equipment and am not gassing for anything new so now I'm thinking more and more about composition. I read a lot of books and try to analyze pictures I find interesting (stage 2). I'm also dabbling with stage 3, controlling light. I think everybody has to go through stage 1, just don't get so hung up on the equipment that you never get out of stage 1.

 

[KmH]

Beware - don't fall in the 'HDR Hole':

Stages of a Photographer

 

[keethjon]

Just as others have said, start taking pictures. You will be able to see good things as well as not so good things about your pictures. Study your pictures and try to see what you would like to improve. Take your initial pictures using the automatic mode and then begin to learn how to use your semi automatic modes and then graduate to full manual. You wont always need to use a manual mode to get good pictures, but it is nice to know how to use it when need. You might also want to check these simple tutorials from my site: Photography and Natural Light.
Camera Exposure Basics: Shutter Speeds, Aperture, F Stops, and ISO.

Keith

 

[Mashburn]

I started trying to read any and everything. but what helped me best was actually going out and doing it. So my best advice is go outside and take pictures. when you see a picture from someone else. go and see what they did and then go practice it. And slowly work your way into Manual mode.

 

[WW3]

I haven't read through all the suggestions, so I apologize if I am redundant.

Bring your camera EVERYWHERE with you. It helps a lot with getting great shots because you never know when you'll come across a great landscape when you're driving.

Don't get caught up in the gear hype, you'll know when you need to upgrade any gear. Plenty of good images are to be had with that camera and the kit lens. I used a D3000 for about six months until I upgraded to a D5200 recently.

Most of all, just shoot what you enjoy.

 

[triton54]

A lot of great info in here for me as I am a beginner as well. One thing i've noticed so far is the positive vibe, in dealing with truck forums, motorcycle forums and such I have encountered so much negativity. Wish me luck in this new adventure!