Total Noob; Interested in taking up Photography

Ninjaa · Sep 14, 2012

Hi! I'm really interested in starting Photography. I was wondering If you guys could point me in the right direction. I'm a total noob, never really had any experience but was always interested. I'm looking to purchase a camera.

I would like to shoot in film rather than digital

What kind of camera would I need to take pictures like these?

http://www.juxtapoz.com/Gallery/image?format=raw&id=38051&type=img

http://www.juxtapoz.com/images/stories/HannahS/0021012/Damien-Elroy-Vignaux.jpg
mod notice (second like is NSFW)

I apologize if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about but If you guys could help me out with any advice on anything like how to shoot, lighting, developing film, etc. would be really cool.

Any advice is appreciated,

Thanks!

Overread · Sep 14, 2012

Just had to slip a small notice on the second image link since it is NSFW - also note another mod might remove that link if they feel its too NSFW (its boarderline in my book but there might be a difference of opinion on that point).

Also you might want to add some additional info. For a start do you have any concept of a budget that you'd like to work with or at least start out with. There are lots of setups (and for film a whole range of cheap, yet very good options on the market) but with so many varying price points to enter the game some idea of where you'd at least like to start can help a lot.
This is especailly the case as the kind of photos you're looking at, especially the second one, will see much of their quality sunk into good lighting, control of the lighting and thus into equipment such as flashes, reflectors, softboxes, unbrellas etc..

Also on the film front are you thinking of developing yourself or having your photos developed by a lab and then either having prints or scanning the end results (and again Scanning can be done by a company or at home - if you've invested in a good enough scanner).

Ninjaa · Sep 14, 2012

For purchasing a camera, I'd like to start out with $400-$500. I'd like to purchase a portable camera suitable for street photography. I'm also looking developing the film myself at home. I'd like to know about developing in a lab and the scanners you mentioned too. Wow, I didnt know that you needed that whole setup to take pictures like those. Can I get an idea on how equipment like reflectors, softboxes, etc would cost?

PS- what do you mean by NSFW? Not suitable to post?

Overread · Sep 14, 2012

NSFW = Not Safe For Work
It basically covers risky to out right nudity and stuff that you're boss wouldn't want to catch you viewing at work - it also generally covers things kids shouldn't see. It's a grey area between NSFW and outright Nudity (Which is kept in a hidden second on this site only open to subscribed members) and then porn which we don't allow at all.

Lighting wise I'm afraid someone else will have to step in for that, I've simply not done portrait work enough to really give good solid guidance on the products and their use (I tend to do more macro lighting). That said it is one area where a few simple flash units, remote controllers and some stands can do wonders when combined with table cloths, white sheets, cardboard, white paper etc... So you can make it more budget friendly. Proper tools work better though and can make the process easier - but you can cheapen your setup and still get good results.

Ninjaa · Sep 14, 2012

Oh ok cool. What cameras should I look into? a Canon? Do you know where I can actually read up on the hows-in-and-outs on lighting for portrait work?

Overread · Sep 14, 2012

Strobist: Lighting 101
Is a good place to start learning about offcamera flash lighting and how to control and use affordable setups. You can also find loads of info in many guide books for portrait photography - libraries will often have a few guide books on photography and are a good place to start (I tend to find books do a better job of pulling all the parts together into a single cohesive guide, the net is good for then picking out choice methods and refining parts of it).

As for brands you really can have your pick - for film stuff there are loads of ex-pro series Nikon, Canon and other brand cameras out there which are going very cheap simply because they are film and the market fell out of that totally. You can even consider things such as medium format cameras for film as well - which can be great for portrait and street photography,

Designer · Sep 14, 2012

Could not see the first picture,but in the second one the model is backlit, mostly or entirely from the window.

IMO, no special camera, but you will have to find a model.

The depth of your question is such that it cannot be answered in a few simple paragraphs. You need to start studying. Get some books, buy a camera and film, and get started.

Tell the model I said it was o.k.

timor · Sep 15, 2012

Designer said:
The depth of your question is such that it cannot be answered in a few simple paragraphs. You need to start studying. Get some books, buy a camera and film, and get started..

Many people lately is asking basic questions about photography. Maybe we should create sticky tread with recommended reads or sort of a list of books. Discussion is fine, manuals written by pros might be faster way to learn.

djacobox372 · Sep 15, 2012

Ninjaa said:
For purchasing a camera, I'd like to start out with $400-$500. I'd like to purchase a portable camera suitable for street photography. I'm also looking developing the film myself at home. I'd like to know about developing in a lab and the scanners you mentioned too. Wow, I didnt know that you needed that whole setup to take pictures like those. Can I get an idea on how equipment like reflectors, softboxes, etc would cost?

PS- what do you mean by NSFW? Not suitable to post?

Keh.com is an excellent source for used film gear, and will give u a good idea of the prices of cameras and lenses--u can find cheaper on eBay and Craigslist but your taking more of a risk.

Film cameras are cheap these days, a Nikon f100 cost only $200, and is as good as it gets in small format film slrs. The first decision u have to make is if u want to go medium format or stick with small. Personally I'd suggest a mamiya 645 tl setup, still small enough for street photography, but with the extra quality/resolution of medium format.

PhotoWrangler · Sep 15, 2012

Ninjaa said:
I would like to shoot in film rather than digital
What kind of camera would I need to take pictures like these?

One that will accept a roll of film.
One that doesn't have light leaks.

PhotoWrangler · Sep 15, 2012

timor said:
Many people lately is asking basic questions about photography.

I think its other members creating fake accounts trying to start threads to entertain themselves over the weekend.

Overread · Sep 15, 2012

ChristopherCoy said:
timor said:

Many people lately is asking basic questions about photography.

Click to expand...

I think its other members creating fake accounts trying to start threads to entertain themselves over the weekend.

TPF ranks high in Google and has beginners sections - as such we tend to attract a fair few new to photography who are just after some guidance. This is nothing new and the site has always had a good recruitment of new beginner level photographers filtering through the site.

Also we DO have a tutorial sticky in the beginners section - everyone just misses it cause its sticky