Advice for an 11 year old photographer

February 22nd, 2011
Hi I'm an eleven year old learning about photography. Does anyone have any tips? I'm doing my project with Frito the hamster:
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun I think it's an awesome idea to have a constant in your pictures, as a theme. Just took a look, great start!
My tip? Take your camera and Frito everywhere you go and you'll come across loads of cool places to set up a photo..
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun @elephantgirl I agree with elephant girl. If you live near a park why not take the little hamster there, or to the swimming pool or the beach :)
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun Welcome! With something that small, it would be fun to play with depth of field, and using Frito is a great way to have your photos tell a story.

I recommend you look at Kate Marsden's project:
Greg the Duck

She does something similar with Greg the duck, and had lots of great ideas!
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun the most important thing to always remember is to have as much fun with photography as possible. Because this is an art, you get to make some of your own rules and do what makes you happy. You do not have to do what everyone else does and you can be independent.

My big tip, is to figure out how to turn off your cameras flash, and try taking photos with lots of windows or a well lit room. A flash sometimes makes a photo too bright and makes flash reflections.

The second tip is to try and have the sun at your back when you take pictures outside (unless it is a sunrise or sunset) because the sun will light Frito for you.
February 22nd, 2011
I love your Frito pictures! You are doing a great job, and I can't wait to see where else Frito goes. Do check out Greg the Duck and his adventures!
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun I think for your age the most important thing is just to enjoy it, and enjoy what you are taking pictures of.

Taking pictures of your 'toys' is a great idea. You are familiar with them and you know what you want them to look like.
February 22nd, 2011
Have fun - take as many pictures as you can everyday.
February 22nd, 2011
@elephantgirl @bekki @mrsharkleroad @brumbe @cdford @andrew_pavlik thank you for the great advice! I have been following Greg The Duck.
February 22nd, 2011
Try to find some easy to understand photography books (there are a few). Don't worry so much about all the little details, but try to understand the big concepts. The details will come with time. There are some books that have assignments or photo ideas after each section, see if you or your parents can find a book like that, it will let you practice what you just read about. Pick one book and stick with it to the end, then find another if you decide you want to read more. Ask questions about pictures you see on here, how, when why they did things to make get the look. Most of the people I'm sure, would be willing to help you out. I know I am.
February 22nd, 2011
@rossco088 thanks, fun is the main objective here.
February 22nd, 2011
@all71s thank you I'll try to find some books. Frito and I will be going to the library soon
February 22nd, 2011
oh wow just off to take a look at your project :) i agree with the advice given take him everywhere and u will find so many ideas when u are out and about !

and greg the duck that kate uses is fab to follow :)
February 22nd, 2011
This is a great idea for a project. Why not try looking on http://www.digital-photography-school.com/ which has loads of easy tips. And if you have specific questions, ask on here. There are always people will to help. :-)
February 22nd, 2011
You are doing a good job! Keep it up! I just looked at your project and they are all cute. Just try out the tips mentioned in this thread and you'll be in the right path. Good luck! :)
February 22nd, 2011
@unabun check out neeonline's photos his are fricking awesome and they follow a theme. You are off to a good start, I'll be following, lol
February 22nd, 2011
Fab Photos, Have fun on 365 :)
February 22nd, 2011
Una:
My suggestion for you is to make a comparison to a paper, like when you have to write about something at school:
think about what is your subject
make sure your subject is clear
tell a story about it
change your angle (in writing you can write about the pros and cons of a subject; in photography you can geet closer or farther, use a longer lens or a shorter lens, or zoom in /zoom out)
photograph what you like and know better. It helps to construct your "vision", to photograph things you relate to.
Surf the internet for inspiration, ideas and ask questions. Most people are nice and will hep out. I believe in good :)
Take lots of pictures. It is not how much you study, how much you read, and how many pictures you see that make you a better photographer: it is how much you photograph. The more you take pictures, the more you learn and the more you develop your vision.
Have fun!
February 22nd, 2011
I stick to three basic rules with phography:
1. Enjoy taking pictures.
2. Enjoy taking pictures.
3. Enjoy taking pictures.
February 22nd, 2011
My advice to you is look at other peoples photos. It gives you inspiration and also helps you to think of different ways to take a shot. Most of all have fun! Photography is so much fun! Good luck!
February 23rd, 2011
Love it. Have fun, and keep shooting.

Advice? Simple...keep it simple, and don't complicate it with too much software, button, and menus!
February 23rd, 2011
If you your doing a single object as theme (ie: frito) here is a person who has done the same thing but with her rubber ducky.... you might be able to get some ideas.... also just keep playing around with thing take it outside, try playing with lighting....

http://365project.org/katiegc24/365/2011-01-07
February 23rd, 2011
I'm impressed :) everything I would say everyone else has already said, keep it simple, tell a story with the photos and have fun, good work
February 23rd, 2011
@unabun Looks like you're having a lot of fun, which is the most important! I particularly love this photo - it shows real creativity and knowing your subject (Frito). I think these kinds of projects are awesome when you really concentrate on how the world looks to Frito, from his perspective. This photo is a perfect example. I love it!! Good luck to you!

February 23rd, 2011
@unabun oh, and PS....everyone loves something dunked in fizzy water shots. :)
February 23rd, 2011
Bring your camera with you everywhere. You never know when you might see something cool.
February 23rd, 2011
@flamez @wormentude @carrieoakey @lisahutchinson @chillbill @simonevision @robd57 @shutterbunny @moncooga @mattys @asrai @sdpace @hekatekris Thank you all for the great advice! I do enjoy taking pictures and that is an important part of photography. Lots of you have given me great ideas for new photos.
February 23rd, 2011
PS thanks for the new followers! :)
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