where to start?

[vietarmis]

Ive had my small point and shoot digital camera for almost three years now and every time I use the thing I want to get deeper in photography. I want to start with a nicer camera and do things the right and not have to rely on the cameras auto settings to do it for me.

I take a lot of obscure pictures and band pictures. I want to get high contrast pictures in black and white along with color. How do photographers achieve this look? Is it in the developing of the film, is it a digital effect?

Some examples of what I am talking about...
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/288/thisishell192tf.jpg
http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/1228/303xi.jpg
http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/3/160182r1201uw.jpg

Im willing to try both digital and film photography. Whatever will be cheaper and best to learn with. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Hertz van Rental]

The examples you have given all use a reasonably powerful flash. It tends to give a picture some punch with high contrast. Get a good flash to go on your hotshoe - the effect will be pretty much the same for film and digital.
Two of the pictures have been taken with flash and a longish exposure to get some blur. Some of those who went to the London meet-up in August will be able to explain better if you are interested. I believe they took some like that

 

[vietarmis]

Thanks for the reply! I have about 600 - 800 to start in photography and Id like to use that to get both a camera and a lens (a flash too I guess).

What can you recommend for a starter?

 

[tito_gh]

when shooting with a flash like that you are going to want a higher flash sync
usally 1/250 or above

i recomend nikon f4 or f100 both are really nice 35mm film cameras i am more of a nikon person so i know a little more about nikons than say canons

looking for digital i can recomend the d50 for the budget you are still you are going to put some more money in if you are looking for a digital slr

flash wise you can go wrong with 2 sunpak 544 or vivtar 285

 

[tito_gh]

for getting shots of the band like that a nice 50mm 1.8 lense would be great or even something a little wider