Need recommendation to learn basics please

[Mahkeymike]

Hello, im new to the forums.

I used to have a EOS10D years back, which ive basicly used as a point and shoot using the auto settings.Recently i purchased a Olympus E3, and im finding out its a totally new ball game.

Ive come to the conclusion that i now have to learn the basics of digital photography, like exposure,aperature,metering..ect..ect

Problem is, after a trip to the local borders,and picking up a few books on photography like digital photography for dummies...ect..ect, im not really grasping it.

I think a good dvd might do the trick, but i cant seem to find any general dslr photography training dvd's.All i can find is training dvd's for canon,and nikon cameras.

I did however, get one from elitevideo, which did help alot on learning how to use my E3, but unfortunitly its more geared towards people with a good understanding of the basics.

I really hope some of you guru's on the forum can suggest a good learning dvd (if one exists)

Thanks in advance,

mike

 

[davebmck]

The book you see mostly recommended here is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Also look here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123160

 

[tirediron]

Try joining a local camera/photo club. They often have seminars for beginners, and you'll usually find lots of skilled people willing to sit down with you and go over things.

 

[Mahkeymike]

The book you see mostly recommended here is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Also look here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123160

Thanks for the link.Apparently alot of people think its a good book to learn about exposure.Im alittle reluctant to buy another book, but maybe trying books on specific area's of photography is a better approach, then going for "all in one" books.

I dunno, Still hopeing theres a dvd out there somewhere.

 

[Mahkeymike]

Try joining a local camera/photo club. They often have seminars for beginners, and you'll usually find lots of skilled people willing to sit down with you and go over things.

How would i find local camera/photo clubs? You mean kinda like car clubs?

Havent thought of that.Doubt they would want to teach noobs like myself.

Only other option besides a dvd, is college courses, but there expensive, and only run certain times a year.(wish i would have took photography in high school)

 

[Turnerea]

if you feel you'll learn more from a classroom setting, check into community colleges. I found one near me, and the cost would have been ~$100. Not too bad really. Didn't have time to try it out now, but I plan on doing something like that at some point...

Understanding Exposure is a good book too- I read that, and the author's other titles. Very well done... not a "text" but a good easy read that will introduce the basics

 

[Mahkeymike]

if you feel you'll learn more from a classroom setting, check into community colleges. I found one near me, and the cost would have been ~$100. Not too bad really. Didn't have time to try it out now, but I plan on doing something like that at some point...

Understanding Exposure is a good book too- I read that, and the author's other titles. Very well done... not a "text" but a good easy read that will introduce the basics

Wow $100 bucks is cheap compared to the somewhat local colleges i called, they want around $300 and require a dslr, and a 35mm film slr (no idea why)and the next course doesnt start for another month or so.

 

[mrcrassic]

Go out and take pictures of things. Except do it in manual mode.

You'll learn most of the basics right there.

 

[SrBiscuit]

i dont know if i would consider "understanding exposure" an all-in-one approach...i got it over the weekend, and it's really good at putting the holy trinity of photography into terms that are easily understood. it's more of a basic platform to jump off of than it is a total photography book.

it's $17...give it a shot....easy read....great info....well written.