Helping my Mom get started in photography

[bradleyheathhays]

My mother has always wanted to take a photography class but her mobility issue has kept her from achieving her goal. So this Christmas I'd like to see what I can do to make this happen for her. I'm looking for recommendations for both online intro to photography classes and an appropriate camera. At 64 Mom tends to get frustrated more easily now with technical matters so I doubt she would like to take things any further than just your average amateur photo education. Her goal is basically just to get out and start taking pictures.

Can anyone suggest a good online intro to photography course as well as a camera that would suit our purpose? I believe she'd like a more traditional model camera with changeable lenses and a focus ring. Other than that we're wide open to suggestions.

thanks

 

[bradleyheathhays]

For a guideline I could see spending around $300 for the camera now with the idea of upgrading later with more lenses.

 

[ac12]

For $300, you would be looking at a used older dSLR. New ones will come in at about $500.

 

[zombiesniper]

A good free intro to digital photography can be found here.

 

[photo1x1.com]

May I recommend my free photography course on youtube: PHOTO1x1FreePhotographyCourse My target group was exactly people like your mom. I want to make newbies quickly and easily understand photography. I have tried to make the lessons really short and give a lot of examples.

In regard to the cameras and lenses: I too would suggest looking at the used market. For beginner photographers Its a great way to find out what you like about photography and upgrade or change your kit later without losing much.

 

[SquarePeg]

The book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is an excellent place to start for new dslr owners. I also like the video classes on Creative Live. On demand access is not free but they constantly stream free classes soon always peek in when I’m bored.

 

[Designer]

Search in these places:

Used DSLR Cameras from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, & More - Nikon - Very Good

https://www.adorama.com/l/Used/Came...ras?sel=Price-Range_-dollar-100-to-dollar-250

DSLR Cameras

Used DSLR Cameras | B&H Photo Video

Digital Cameras in Brand:Nikon, Type:Digital SLR, Features:Body only | eBay

Also shop your local B&M camera store, if there is one nearby.

 

[Designer]

Then B&H sent me this via google:

NikonD200 SLR Digital Camera with 18-200mm VR Lens

Older camera, good and clean-looking, not the most ideal lens, but it is in your budget, and you're all set!

 

[Dave442]

I have a D200, actually have a second body that I bought off a student that had also bought it used just for a college photography course. The good thing with a body like this is it has every feature that a photography course might require (except decent tethering capability). I am currently giving my grandson a hands on course as we both go out with the same model camera in hand.

 

[dennybeall]

I would suggest she start with a mirror-less (lighter and less complicated) and if she enjoys the hobby then consider moving up to a DSLR.

 

[EJA64]

A used Nikon- a D300, or a D2X, camera body might be a good idea, along with a used Nikon afs 50mm 1.8 G lens would be a good place to start.

 

[EJA64]

Nikon AFS lenses have focus rings, but not aperture rings. If you want Nikon lenses with aperture rings, go for the Ai-S, and AF-D, lenses.

 

[ac12]

I would suggest that she forget the focus ring, and let the camera autofocus for her. That is one less thing to have to do. And dSLRs don't do manual focus as well as the old SLRs. But you should discuss this with her. I suspect that she may LIKE the autofocus. I can do manual focus, but I would NOT give up my autofocus, as it makes life so much easier.

I would also recommend a light camera and lens, and not the heavy pro level cameras and lenses.
I am about your mom's age, and I have started to migrate from crop sensor camera (Nikon D7200) to micro 4/3, primarily to get the camera kit weight down. When I am sore for days after a shoot, the gear is too heavy for the time that I am shooting. Getting old sucks, and when the gear is too heavy to comfortably carry, she will stop carrying it, and stop taking pictures. So keep the gear weight down to where it is easy for HER to carry.

Caution: holding a camera for 5 minutes in a camera shop is very different than going out for a 1 or 2 hour walk and shoot in the park, or taking it on a 1 or 2 week vacation.​

I don't know all the options out there (and there are many), but my 2 choices (off the top of my head) would be:

• Nikon D3400 + 18-55 (DX/crop camera)
  • Canon has a similar camera, but I am not familiar with the Canon line.
• Olympus E-M10 + 14-42 (micro 4/3 camera)

If you buy 1 generation old, you can save a significant amount of $$$ over current models. The manufacturer is clearing out the old model from inventory.

 

[Strodav]

My mother has always wanted to take a photography class but her mobility issue has kept her from achieving her goal. So this Christmas I'd like to see what I can do to make this happen for her. I'm looking for recommendations for both online intro to photography classes and an appropriate camera. At 64 Mom tends to get frustrated more easily now with technical matters so I doubt she would like to take things any further than just your average amateur photo education. Her goal is basically just to get out and start taking pictures.

Can anyone suggest a good online intro to photography course as well as a camera that would suit our purpose? I believe she'd like a more traditional model camera with changeable lenses and a focus ring. Other than that we're wide open to suggestions.

thanks

Tried to introduce my elderly mom to the iPad so she could see family pictures as we take them, use texting, and move up to facetime from phone calls. Failed miserably and she is a bright woman so that was a waste of $500. She liked the goal, but just did not have the desire to spend the time learning what needed to be learned. IF you are sure she is willing to put in the time then the best way for her to learn might be 1 on 1 as opposed to Youtube or reading a book. Just a suggestion.

 

[Dave442]

Just thinking that if your mother is not technically inclined that a photography course with an instructor would be a better option over an on-line course.