Hi everyone,
I'm new to the project and will be using it over the next year (or so) to learn how to use my camera to it's full potential. Photography is something I have always liked but has never really got to the "hobby" status for me yet.
Here's the thing, I have a Canon 350D with all the standard fixtures which I have had for a few years now. I don't have the time or money to spend on a photography course but I'm keen to learn.
I'm sure there are plenty of books and websites available with tips and tricks and how-to's etc that I am more than happy to look into although I've been a bit overwhelmed with information when I've gone looking in the past. Aperture, depth of field, f numbers, focal length, Av, Tv, ISO etc etc.
So here's my questions ... does anyone have any recommendations of books, websites, blogs, RSS feeds etc for beginners. What I'm really after I guess is a guide to start me from the beginning and work up, rather than just reading chunks of helpful hints.
Hopefully you'll see a gradual improvement in my pics as the year goes on. I'll be starting on Sunday (Dec 26) which is my birthday so I figure starting a 365 project from then makes sense.
Cheers, I'm looking forward to your replies and being part of the community.
welcome!
i really like scott kelby--both his books (understanding digital photography 1 & 2) and his website. also the book 'understanding exposure' by peterson is really good too.
The book I use(d) is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It was recommended to me by a photographer I know.
Prior to around October 1, I didn't know anything about f-stop, ISO, etc. That book helped me have a pretty good handle on it all, I think. I can see a definitely improvement in my pics from early October until now (not necessarily what I post on here).
I'm sure there are plenty people more experienced than I who will follow with many more suggestions.
@heyroger ~ I think a good thing to do is to look at the exif data of the photos on here. That helps you figure out how they achieved that particular effect in that photo. And people on here are always more than happy to answer any specific questions you might have. :) Good luck!
Hi Roger, and everyone! I just bought "The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1" by Scott Kelby. I'm definitely learning some things from it. I may buy another afterward, though, as I am trying to soak up all the info I can. Who knows. I'll check into some of the other books suggested here as well. Thanks everyone!
"Digital Photography for Dummies" by Julie Adair King & Serge Timacheff is great at explaining all the things you mentioned as easily as they can. Has been very helpful for me
I LOVE David Du Chemin's ebooks. They're only $5 (USD) each and are well written. They're available through Craft and Vision. As for websites, I regularly go to PhotoTuts+ for both taking photos and post-processing tutorials and also Light Stalking, though they seem to be having website problems at the moment. If you want to learn about using flash and lighting in your photos Strobist is one of the best resources out there.
Are any of these aimed at those of us who are horrible beginners and have nothing more than an itty-bitty p&s? I've roamed the bookstore and have yet to discover any book for those of us using anything less than a dSLR. :(
@jjsooner yes, there are some manual settings avail to me. Maybe it would help if I learned what they are and where?! :) Thanks for the response...I'll hunt around for a copy of that book.
@humansheart I dont know if you've found your answer yet or not. When I dump my photos onto my computer they open up in windows photo gallery and I can rotate them there, if needed. Otherwise editing programs have a rotate feature. (www.picnik.com is free and has rotate)
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i really like scott kelby--both his books (understanding digital photography 1 & 2) and his website. also the book 'understanding exposure' by peterson is really good too.
Prior to around October 1, I didn't know anything about f-stop, ISO, etc. That book helped me have a pretty good handle on it all, I think. I can see a definitely improvement in my pics from early October until now (not necessarily what I post on here).
I'm sure there are plenty people more experienced than I who will follow with many more suggestions.
Welcome to 365 and good luck!
Best all around book for my money... everything digital, film, from setting up the picture, to selecting lighting, to post and printing...
I downloaded that book allmost two months ago! So I guess I should start reading it?
I found Bryan Peterson's 'Understanding Exposure' to start with then move onto 'Shutter Speed'.
Other links I recommend: http://www.bryanfpeterson.com/ http://www.betterphoto.com/article.asp?id=67 http://www.radiantlite.com/2009/06/magic-triangle-of-photography-aperture.html http://www.ephotozine.com/photography-videos/video/the-magic-triangle-of-photography-1449 http://photo.net/learn/basic-photo-tips/aperture-shutterspeed-iso/ http://photo.net/learn/basic-photo-tips/correct-exposure/
Does your camera have manual settings at all?