Advice needed please

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Muddy

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Lee
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Hi all,

Probably been asked a million times but I'm really keen to get started in photography - really like to do some freelance weddings etc and have always had a keen interest in photo editing etc. is it best to start on a course? What camera would b a good starter for me?

Thanks!
 
i would see if you can work with a wedding pro for a while and gain some experience
What camera would b a good starter for me?
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what's the budget,

what have you done in the past photographic wise ?
 
I'd see whether you can learn something about photography before you decide whether or not you really want to do it professionally.

When you've built up a portfolio and some knowledge and some gear, then you can ask about to get a foot in the door with professional work.
 
So whats the best way to learn? Lot of courses local to me here in northern Ireland, is it adviseable to go down that road? I'm really just looking for a decent camera to gain experience so a few hundred. I've really just used home editing software with good results and got the bug for improving photos.
 
Muddy said:
So whats the best way to learn? .
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go out taking pictures... then more pictures.. then more pictures... you will learn a lot quicker using these forums and getting out there taking pics than a course.....
 
You can start with a low end Canon or Nikon, but be warned, that's the thin end of a large wedge.

A kit fit for pro wedding photography will probably be in excess of £5000 (most of us have in excess of ten grands worth of insurance on our gear).

Of course it can be done cheaper, but you'll find you're less likely to compromise when you know your income depends on your gear being reliable.
 
Lee, welcome to TP.

Go out to jessops/currys/local camera shop and handle some cameras first to see what feels comfortable.

Don't get blinkered into only considering only one make.

You may get better/more helpful info from an independant camera shop rather than what head office think that they should be selling in the chain stores.

Once you have a camera get the basic knowlege from books/google/camera clubs etc and get out and use it. LOTS!

Ask questions on here in Talk Basics/Equipment to get guidance on other things you might need.

Spend far more money than you thought you had.

Once you have done all this then MAYBE think about the possibility of earning money from your hobby.

Heather
 
I'd personally only disagree with Heather about camera make.

I'm prepared to be flamed but starting with Canon or Nikon will mean that you're not likely to get stuck for a specialist lens later on.

If you hadn't a dream of becoming a Pro you could choose any brand you like.
 
Courses can be good if, obviously, they're good courses. Dunno about NI, but many colleges on the mainland run short (ten week or so) courses for beginners. The advantage of a course is that you get the chance to talk things through with the tutor and fellow coursees in real time.

Edit to add: To clarify, that's usually a couple of hours per week, usually in the evening, not a solid ten weeks!
 
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Phil V said:
I'd personally only disagree with Heather about camera make.

I'm prepared to be flamed but starting with Canon or Nikon will mean that you're not likely to get stuck for a specialist lens later on.

If you hadn't a dream of becoming a Pro you could choose any brand you like.
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No flaming from me on this:lol:

I only meant not to only consider Canon which was the only recommendation so far.....:D

Heather
 
I started with a pentax camera :D I think it's very good value and great performance!
 
dennis25 said:
I started with a pentax camera :D I think it's very good value and great performance!
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You 'started with'. What do you use now? Are you using it Professionally?

My Canikon advice was about turning Pro. I said for anyone not thinking of that any make would be fine.;)
 
I started with a Kodak Instamatic when I was eight. Never done me no harm. :)
 
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