I've just bought my first entry-level SLR - a Pentax K-x. I want to start learning how to use all its features so I don't have to rely on 'automatic mode' so much and to get better at this photography lark. Just wondering if anyone could recommend any helpful books for a relative beginner?
They make the "For Dummies" books. Please don't take that the wrong way! Hungry minds writes things so a novice can learn.
A lot is really experimentation, though. My recommendation is that you play around with it, and learn from mistakes. And my highest advice is this...DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE BUTTONS AND MENUS!!!!! A film camera never had all that junk. Concentrate on shutter speed and aperture (lens opening). Each play a part differently based on circumstances. After experimenting, common sense will begin to take over.
Also, don't think that the more "gadgets" you have will make a better picture. Save your money for a good lens instead, versus a bag of junk that you will never use.
From there, work on things "outside the camera" (composition, etc.)
@moncooga Thanks for your comprehensive reply! I understand what you mean about not getting caught up in all the buttons and menus - I don't think I'll ever remember what they all do anyway!
I really need to learn about things like exposure. Thanks for the links - will check them out. :)
I really loved Bryan Peterson's Field Guide To Photography, and I agree with Vikdaddy about the manual. Oh, is your camera one of those colorful ones?? I was looking at those, and I want one because they are so cute!
@vikdaddy@meggageg Thanks both! I have started with the manual, but I'm finding some of it a bit complicated - I don't quite understand what it all means, but I agree it is helpful. I just feel like I need a bit more explanation of all the terminology so I understand what I am doing!
@laceyjogautreau Thanks for the suggestion! They do come in different colours I later found out, but the shop I went to only had them in black! But I'm not too bothered about that as I probably would have chosen black anyway, boring as that is!
I want a yellow or white one...or red. Haha. Yes, the book I mentioned has a great way of explaining what all the basics mean. I read it cover to cover quite fast, and have referred back to it since. :)
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A lot is really experimentation, though. My recommendation is that you play around with it, and learn from mistakes. And my highest advice is this...DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE BUTTONS AND MENUS!!!!! A film camera never had all that junk. Concentrate on shutter speed and aperture (lens opening). Each play a part differently based on circumstances. After experimenting, common sense will begin to take over.
Also, don't think that the more "gadgets" you have will make a better picture. Save your money for a good lens instead, versus a bag of junk that you will never use.
From there, work on things "outside the camera" (composition, etc.)
Here are 2 great primers to get you started:
For exposure:
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/understanding_dof/index.html
For taking good pictures:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
Best wishes to you!
I really need to learn about things like exposure. Thanks for the links - will check them out. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1302394216&sr=1-1