Where to begin...

[myko5]

I have been reading up on all the posts trying to soak up as much information on photography as possible. I quickly realized that it can be very overwhelming. As I have started this adventure with the basic P&S background, I really have no idea where to truly begin.
I can, however, tell you where I would like to be. Obviously I would like to master all of photography, but thats not a realistic goal right now. As far as getting good enough to make money, I would like to get into infant/children photography.
So in review:
1. New to D-SLR (about 3 months of random shooting)
2. New to lighting techniques
3. New to anything not listed in 1 and 2

I have a 3 light Smith-Victor continuous lighting kit with white umbrellas. And I also have a SB-600 to go with my D5000.

So, do I start by trying to master my camera without any lighting?
Do I try to combine learning my camera and lighting at same time?
Should I try to learn the continuous lighting even though I enjoy the results of the speedlight much better?

Currently trying to gather some funds to get a background set up. Hopefully after the holidays I can get my garage set up for a studio.

I tried searching the forums for information regarding where to start, but I wasn't very successful.

Any and all input is welcome, even those saying I am already in over my head.

Thanks

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome aboard.

I'd suggest starting with just your camera & lens. Learn how to use/control your camera and about the basics of Exposure (shutter speed, aperture & ISO). Learn what they do and how to use them to get the results you want.

After that, it will be a lot easier to add things like lighting.

Should I try to learn the continuous lighting even though I enjoy the results of the speedlight much better?

The important thing here, is to learn why you enjoy the results of flash more than continuous lighting.

Also, if you plan to shoot kids/babies...I'd lean more toward flash/strobe lighting rather than constant lighting.

 

[Boomn4x4]

Put your lighting away and stick with:
Shutter speed
Aperture
ISO

Learn how those three things work together.

 

[myko5]

Anyone happen to have some good instructional videos bookmarked on basics of exposure? I tend to learn better watching someone teach it rather then reading the same information. I would search for my own videos, but I really have no idea who is teaching the right things.

 

[ann]

take your time, this is a life long journey. Others have made practical recommendations. Learning the camera and it's function is the first step for sure, other things will come in time.

 

[Big Mike]

Maybe look in your area for a course you could take. This type of thing is best learned with a hands-on method.

I'm currently sitting in on a couple courses and will be teaching them in the new year, one of which, would be the perfect course for you to take.
You could probably find something similar in your area.

 

[myfotoguy]

I don't know about video, but I started a blog earlier this year, to start sharing some basic things I had learned along the way, as well as a couple advanced things. I wish I had more time, but I got busy around July and have not posted much since. Maybe I reached the end of my experience! LOL.

I was told by a few folks that the exposure series was helpful to them, so here it is, hopefully the style speaks to you in a way that works for your learning. It's basically stuff I had read and learned elsewhere, so nothing uniqe really. I hope it helps:
Myfotoguy: The Exposure Triangle (Myfotoguy Series on Exposure Part 1 of 5)

Ther's an index on the blog too, linking to an article on recommended reading. Some books I suggest, and which ones are more useful at the beginning.

This forum you are in will teach you a lot too, and there are many blogs out there too. One that comes to mind is Digital Photography School.

Enjoy the learning process and don't feel like you need to rush or learn it all right away. Although, I can relate, that is how I have often felt about my photography and the skills that I am lacking in.

I agree with the others, learn basics then add lights.

 

[myko5]

The important thing here, is to learn why you enjoy the results of flash more than continuous lighting.

I have noticed from what little experience I have with both, that the flash offers a more "crisp" photo. It just seems like there is a better line between objects. I also feel that flash offers a richer color. Most importantly, it freezes my kids actions, and that alone is enough for me to like flash better.

Maybe look in your area for a course you could take. This type of thing is best learned with a hands-on method.

A local Photography store that I have visited a few times has a class once and a while on "how to use your camera". It is a day long class, and although im sure its not going to make me an expert with my camera, I am sure it will give me some more insight on how to accomplish things i want to do. I would like to just go back to school and take classes on photography, but I don't have the time right now with work and kids.

Enjoy the learning process and don't feel like you need to rush or learn it all right away. Although, I can relate, that is how I have often felt about my photography and the skills that I am lacking in.

I am enjoying everything about it right now, especially the learning. Since I bought my camera, I have been looking at things all around me differently. The wheels have started turning in my head. I am consumed by it. Even at work last night I saw some shadows and started thinking to myself, why is that shadow there, and how would I get rid of it.

Thanks for all the good information, I feel a little bit better about where I need to be right now with my photo skills.

 

[NikonNewbie]

Anyone happen to have some good instructional videos bookmarked on basics of exposure? I tend to learn better watching someone teach it rather then reading the same information. I would search for my own videos, but I really have no idea who is teaching the right things.

Blake added this a while ago..I have it saved....i watch them all the time...very good stuff here :thumbup:
YouTube - adoramaTV's Channel

 

[Blake.Oney]

Definitely learn how to use your camera. I would recommend shooting in aperture priority mode and paying attention to how it sets the other settings. Something to consider is how many children/family photographers are there in your area? It's one of the most saturated area's of the market right now I believe. If there are a lot around where you live and you eventually want to make money you may want to at least learn some more about other types of photography so you are capable of shooting a few different things. If you're more interested in people photography then definitely focus on that, but work on getting proficient with other things.

 

[myko5]

Blake added this a while ago..I have it saved....i watch them all the time...very good stuff here :thumbup:
YouTube - adoramaTV's Channel

I caught this in another thread, really enjoyed the content. They are simple, but well explained.

 

[Big Mike]

I have noticed from what little experience I have with both, that the flash offers a more "crisp" photo. It just seems like there is a better line between objects. I also feel that flash offers a richer color. Most importantly, it freezes my kids actions, and that alone is enough for me to like flash better.

The reason for this is exposure time. When not using a flash, your exposure is dependent on the shutter speed (along with aperture and ISO). If you don't have a lot of light, you may required a longer (slower) shutter speed, but the slower the shutter speed (longer exposure time) the more blur you will get.
With flash, the exposure time (of your subject) is determined by the burst of light, not necessarily the shutter speed...and the burst of light is very fast, thus giving you the ability to freeze the motion of your subject (and your camera).

You can get rich color with or without flash, that has more to do with exposure.

 

[myko5]

I was told by a few folks that the exposure series was helpful to them, so here it is, hopefully the style speaks to you in a way that works for your learning. It's basically stuff I had read and learned elsewhere, so nothing uniqe really. I hope it helps:
Myfotoguy: The Exposure Triangle (Myfotoguy Series on Exposure Part 1 of 5)

Wow, I got a chance to read some of this blog, very helpful! Thanks..