Any other forums for beginers ?

Briony

Briony

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Nicki.
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Does anyone know of any other forums that beginners can go on and not feel out of their depth.

I just feel that I am not good enough for this site with all the nice photos etc that are put on here and I ask such trivial questions, which must annoy some of you.

Every day there are photos that are put on here and I often wonder "will I ever be that good?"

There are a few that are really helpful and I "Thank you" for this but perhaps a "Total beginners" thread might help for some of us that are too afraid to ask the most trivial of questions:shrug:
 
Your here.. this is the place.. take a deep breath and go for it.Theres really no such thing as a stupid question.. I still ask daft questions :) but there only stupid if you dont ask them
 
If you don't ask, Briony, you don't learn - everyone was a beginner at one point, so don't be afraid to ask for help with anything you're not sure about. :thumbs:
 
using the search option at the top of the page will bring up lots of answers, but if you still don,t understand just ask, I DO. :D
 
If you join a forum that is full of beginners, who are you going to learn from? TP has a really friendly bunch of members, and some of them even know a thing or two about taking photographs! ;)

Don't feel shy about asking what may seem to be even the simplest question, as there will always be someone on here willing to give an answer.
 
Just ask away. I'm a beginner and I have asked plenty of what I would call 'stupid questions'.
Every single question has been answered.:thumbs:
 
I just feel that I have not got the best of kits and everyone else has such sophisticated kit etc and can take really good pictures.

Do you think a better camera would help me? (I know a silly question :shake:becasue a camera is only as good as an operator!!!)

I cannot afford to buy good "glass" if thats what you call it so I have to make do with what I have got and was wondering if this makes all the difference between a good photo and a bad photo.

I am having trouble with sharpness and editing and this is what is making me want to quit at the mo because nothing seem to go right to get that perfect picture!! no matter how hard I try, and I do practise every day.:bang:

Sorry rant over, :bang:
 
Can I say "Thank you" for the people who have P.M. me feeling in the same situation and not wanting to post anything freely on the thread, I thought I was the only one.

I also feel, like others on here, that there are people on this site who are intolerant of newbies and beginners and that is what is making it so hard :shrug:

Hey mods, what about an Expanded Beginners thread" where we can ask the most ridiculous of questions and those who feel they want to reply and help can do and those who do not wish to read the threads need not do so :thinking: just a thought, perhaps we would not feel stupid to ask the most simplest of questions then.
 
Briony said:
I just feel that I have not got the best of kits and everyone else has such sophisticated kit etc and can take really good pictures.

Do you think a better camera would help me? (I know a silly question :shake:becasue a camera is only as good as an operator!!!)

I cannot afford to buy good "glass" if thats what you call it so I have to make do with what I have got and was wondering if this makes all the difference between a good photo and a bad photo.

I am having trouble with sharpness and editing and this is what is making me want to quit at the mo because nothing seem to go right to get that perfect picture!! no matter how hard I try, and I do practise every day.:bang:

Sorry rant over, :bang:
Click to expand...


Briony, do this >> :nuts: ...now add some of this >> :lol::lol:

no matter how good the kit is, no matter how many thousands of pounds photography has earnt you, EVERY single person has days when they look at their shots and think "Meh, what a load of bloody crap" and bin the lot.

Basically, you have hit the wall. Its the one we all hit regularly, the only difference is that it usually gets easier to climb over as you become more experienced [mainly at hitting it]. The wall is covered in grafitti saying you couldnt take a good pic if David Bailey pointed the camera for you and that processing is what clever people do, and you are a total idiot, and that your kit is shoite, etc etc.

THE WALL IS WRONG and its all in your head, trust me on this :hug:

Ask any and every question you need, post as many pics as it takes to get the feedback that will help. Slow down, don't panic and remember the answer is 42. ;)


Now get out there, stop stressing about how you think other people are better and just ENJOY using your camera. It doesn't matter what images othes produce, use them to inspire you, and everythiing you think is a 'mistake' is a new thing learnt.

Go GIRL! :thumbs:
 
Hi Briony,

Hang in here. There is not a better forum. Endless help available and never mind about your kit.

Where are those who are intolerant of beginners. You must have had an unfortunate experience. There are plenty on here who will jump on anyone being intolerant to beginners.
Without beginners the past time dies.
 
I would seem from your experience and the PMs you have recieved that people are afraid to ask for whatever reason..

So I wonder if an anonymous posting area is in order where people can post questions and there username doesnt show...I bet loads would post questions they where too embarresed too and thus .....
 
Good point and good idea how do we go about starting a thread - MODS ?
 
Lots of good answers here briony, I've been into photography for 5 yrs now and i still take crap photos sometimes it just takes a bit longer for some folks to figure things out, there is so much to learn i quite often feel like binning all my gear and take up a simple hobby like paragliding or brain surgery, but i keep plugging away and just enjoy it some days good some days bad. Just take your time and relax about it, photography is not something you can learn quickly like a lot of things. Lets face it my ex girlfriend was driving for 20 yrs and she still hasn't got the hang of it:naughty:.
Ask all the silly questions you want and don't take any notice of rude replies most of the members on here are great and will help in any way they can, don't get stressed girl just enjoy yourself.
 
Briony said:
Every day there are photos that are put on here and I often wonder "will I ever be that good?"
Click to expand...

So do I - and so does every other photographer on here when they look at really good photographs.

And I've been taking photographs for over 50 years, worked in R&D at Kodak, been a pro photog, and travelled the world taking pictures (I was a "Happy Snapper" on board passenger liners for several years - lol).

My approach is simple - enjoy it - and bin the bad ones!

I occasionally get some pictures which are reasonable for ME - but I just love taking pictures - and that's the best reason for doing it.

And don't forget - we were all newbies once.
 
Mods

Why not have a total beginners thread/board or whatever its called.

I am sure it is sometimes very easy to forget that some members are absolute beginners who often need a little more simplistic and sympathetic answer to their questions. I am sure that for some using the search function or being directed to another thread does not provide the support they need.

There are no such things as stupid questions but there are both complex and simple answers.

ian
 
If anyone sees someone replying in a way likely to put off or intimidate a beginner then just hit the
report.gif
under their name on the post in question and we will take a look.

All reports are confidential and the senders name will not be seen outside the staff room whatever action (if any) is taken - so don't be scared to point out something that you feel is not right.
 
Captain Morgan said:
Mods

Why not have a total beginners thread/board or whatever its called.

I am sure it is sometimes very easy to forget that some members are absolute beginners who often need a little more simplistic and sympathetic answer to their questions. I am sure that for some using the search function or being directed to another thread does not provide the support they need.

There are no such things as stupid questions but there are both complex and simple answers.

ian
Click to expand...

We discussed this before and it was decided against for some reason that I can't remember.

It's probably worth discussing again though so I'll flag it up in the staffroom :)
 
I wouldn't say your kit is rubbish I've only just changed from a 350D five weeks ago and it has produced some great shots even winning a wildlife competition with one, so don't blame the kit. Ok you may have certain limitations depending on what you have, so work to it's strengths. Reading the manual fully and several times so that you completely understand your camera is a good start. Then a visit to the local libarary and immerse yourself in a few books so you grasp the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings. Of course if you get stuck with something just ask here.

With all the snow about you have plenty of opportunities for some great shots even with a kit lens. Don't forget to add some exposure compensation as the camera will try and underexpose looking at white snow.
 
Briony said:
I just feel that I have not got the best of kits and everyone else has such sophisticated kit etc and can take really good pictures.

Do you think a better camera would help me? (I know a silly question :shake:becasue a camera is only as good as an operator!!!)

I cannot afford to buy good "glass" if thats what you call it so I have to make do with what I have got and was wondering if this makes all the difference between a good photo and a bad photo.

I am having trouble with sharpness and editing and this is what is making me want to quit at the mo because nothing seem to go right to get that perfect picture!! no matter how hard I try, and I do practise every day.:bang:

Sorry rant over, :bang:
Click to expand...

I know exactly what you mean!

Well I have the 450D also and it's a great camera for a beginner.

I had a 350D for about 4 years before I felt that I had outgrown the camera.

A great lens at a great price is the 50mm f1.8 which I bought on here for about £60.

Here are some pics taken with it:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=2226174#post2226174

But remember when you look at these pics that I took about 500 shots over 2 visits to my niece (these are her children) and kept about 100 of them.

The rest were blurred, OOF, or just not good enough.

And even Pro photogs do that - and remember: "great photographers are only great because they only show their great shots"!
 
dod said:
We discussed this before and it was decided against for some reason that I can't remember.

It's probably worth discussing again though so I'll flag it up in the staffroom :)
Click to expand...


I think we felt we all ready have that with general, the specialised stuff being split off as we have it.

... I think all we need is a few simple starter questions to get the ball rolling again in general again.... once the newbie’s realise how damn friendly and helpful the members are they'll start popping up more...
 
Everyone has felt like that at some time or other,as long as you enjoy taking photos then that is the most important thing about photography.
We all started somewhere,we all ask silly questions at some point,but if you dont ask you can,t learn,enjoy.:):D:thumbs:
 
I just want to echo what other people have said so far, and that's that there are so many talented and knowedgable people on this forum who are more than happy to help out where possible :)

When I first started on this site I too felt completely out of my depth but by looking at all the information there is here I've learnt so much :)
I tryto offer advice where possible but often don't feel 'qualified' enough to do so - I've only been doing this photography lark for a year - but that doesn't stop me trying :)

If I could offer one suggestion - try and get along to one of the meets if you can - I went to the York one and met a load of other people from the forum there. It makes chatting away on here and asking daft questions so much easier when you've met the people you're asking! Also, they're a great bunch of people and are always happy to talk cameras and give advice in person :)

It's a great community - ok, some people may jump on beginners (not experienced it myself), but if you don't like the 'tone' of a post then hit the triangular report button and let the mods deal with it :)

It's good here, and I'm trying my best to make this my 'primary' forum this year, to contribute more, and to get to some more meets. Stick with it :D
 
It's not up to the mods to start a new thread just for the beginners, if it's just a thread then anyone can start it. Just think of a nice catchy title and a nice beginners question to ask and off you go.

There are people on this forum ranging from absolute beginners that don't even own a camera yet through to professionals with over 20 years of experience. If a question can't be answered on this forum then the answer isn't worth knowing.
 
Briony said:
1) I just feel that I am not good enough for this site with all the nice photos etc that are put on here
2) and I ask such trivial questions, which must annoy some of you.
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1) If everyone thought that way the forum would be empty :D
2) The only "bad question" is the one that remains un-asked

you should have seen some of the crap that that I used to post
( image wise that is :) I know I still post crap :D )

Since my time on here I have improved greatly, mainly due to the help
I received.
And I know that a lot of others have as well, I remember following quite a few
"starters" and seen the improvement, thats not quite so easy to do now though with the size of the forum,
and again, due to that it might well be
"easy to feel un loved out of place.
But just hang in there you'll get there :thumbs:
 
Hi Briony

When i joined here i had a camera for only 6 months. was not very good, meet up with a couple of members for a Red Arrow display in portsmouth and they helped me with my camera. the members on the forum have always answered my silly questions and have not been made to feel bad about asking anything.
I still meet up with some members and i have learnt lots each time we do.

Stay around, and if you can meet up with some members on a local meeting. I have not come across anyone yet that will not have the time to help you even if you are a novice and they are good at photography
 
I'm fairly new here as well, also a complete amateur compared to most. But from what I've seen up to yet this has to be the most friendly and welcoming forum there is.

Main thing is to try and not rush things. There's way way too much to take in at the start with the camera, which subjects to pick (portraits, landscapes, lighting), PP'ing and even venturing onto having your own website. Just start at the beginning and work on learning your camera and lenses you have currently. Everything else will follow on later.
 
You are in the right place :) 99% of the time, you will get polite and helpful responses. I can honestly say this must be the friendliest and most welcoming forum in the whole universe :D I learned a heck of a lot here (ie, everything to do with my camera). Love the place.

Stick around!

Gary.
 
Stay Briony. This really is a great forum for helping beginners like you and me. If you post pictures and they get some criticism thats great because it helps you to learn. I only had a point and shoot camera for my first 6 months or so on here and I learnt loads and even produced a few Ok shots.keep at it and soon you will be helping others.:)
 
I see Briony's point that as a newcomer to the forum,as well as new to photography,it can be a daunting prospect asking questions.

I,ve noticed in the Tutorials and Guides Forum a posting by Jaffster on the Basics of Photography - what about attaching this to the Welcome Forum ? and just a suggestion, a Photography-'All the questions you were afraid to ask' forum ?
TP is a veritable goldmine of hints,tips,tricks,advice etc and judging by the responses to Brionys post, she will have all the questions she now asks,hopefully,answered.

If its any consolation,Briony I remember being stood in Trafalgar Square,when the National Lottery launched a scratchcard with donations to the 2012 games. The likes of Seb Coe, Sir Steve Redgrave etc were there - to good a photo opportunity to pass up on. There's me, D70 and 18-55 in hand ,mingling with a load of professional togs - they looked at me like I was an imposter !!! I just wanted to crawl under a stone from some of the looks I got - but time,and knowledge is a great confidence booster..........so ask away

Regards

david700
 
The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Of course, applying a little bit of thought before you blurt out a question might help, but if you don't know you don't know.

I'm a noobie too, I've only had a DSLR a couple of months and I bombarded everyone in sight (online and in real life) with some of the most stupid questions imaginable. Made a tit of myself no doubt, but I learned. A favourite quote of mine, ignorance can be cured, but stupidity lasts a lifetime. So, you're ignorant of something. Ask about it and remove the ignorance.

For example, 3 months ago I didn't know what depth of field was or how it related to aperture, didn't know what metering was, didn't understand the relationship between shutterspeed and aperture, had never heard of ISO, thought megapixels were of great importance and couldn't understand why anyone would ever want to buy a camera body without a lens. I even asked a mate if a 18-55 lens would have zoom or not, which kinda shows my level of knowledge about focal lengths at the time.

This is a great place to learn.
 
Briony,

:nono: What's all this about finding another forum and not being good enough?
You stay right where you are. :bat:

After seeing your first shot in your 52 I can see that you've got a good eye for spotting what makes an interesting image, now all you need to do is work on your technique.
Technique can be learnt, creativity can't, so you're already in a good place :)

I also found the thread you started about black dogs in snow very interesting. It's a question that I would have asked if you hadn't beat me to it.
Chances are that for all the "stupid" things you want to ask about, there's somebody else wondering the same thing but not wanting to post.

Briony said:
Every day there are photos that are put on here and I often wonder "will I ever be that good?"
Click to expand...

Of course you will. But it takes time and even the most fantastic photographers on here started somewhere.

Briony said:
Do you think a better camera would help me?
I cannot afford to buy good "glass" if thats what you call it so I have to make do with what I have got and was wondering if this makes all the difference between a good photo and a bad photo.
Click to expand...

Personally I would stick with the 450D for now.
I just have the 450D and the kit lens. It's perfectly adequate for what I want to do right now and I still haven't really pushed it completely to the limits.

In some ways the more basic the camera, the better it is to learn with. I started with a bridge camera and BECAUSE of its limitations, I had to learn loads about how all the settings worked to get the results that I wanted.

A few things to do to help you improve :

- practice as often as you can (like you already are)
- keep asking questions and do some reading about the technical stuff too
- Look at other people's shots on here and ask yourself what you like about them and what you don't like . . . and why.
Posting C&C for other people is a great way to start looking at your own images more critically.
- If you need to practice PP have a look online. There are loads of free tutorials that you can find.

Now have a :hug: and remember that you're supposed to be ENJOYING this hobby, not torturing yourself with it.
Go get your camera out and have some fun. :)
 
Squawk.
Of course, applying a little bit of thought before you blurt out a question might help, but if you don't know you don't know.

Are you implying something?

I always give it some thought before asking, if I knew the answer I would not be asking the question:cuckoo:
 
Stick with TP its the best forum to learn from and as for your equipment and fotos it doesnt matter the only thing that matters is you enjoy it, and as you get better and you will you can upgrade as you can afford it so dont worry ask away and enjoy this fantastic thing called photography :thumbs:
 
Yv,

Go get your camera out and have some fun

Trying but it is pi**ing with snow again LOL
 
Briony said:
Squawk.
Of course, applying a little bit of thought before you blurt out a question might help, but if you don't know you don't know.

Are you implying something?

I always give it some thought before asking, if I knew the answer I would not be asking the question:cuckoo:
Click to expand...

I don't think squawk was really talking about you then Briony, it was either rhetorical or about themselves.

and if it helps I'm semi-pro and think most of my pics are crap too - that's what gets me up in the morning - the opportunity to do better than the day before
 
Briony said:
Squawk.
Of course, applying a little bit of thought before you blurt out a question might help, but if you don't know you don't know.

Are you implying something?
Click to expand...

Not in the slightest and my apologies if it sounded that way, on reflection perhaps I worded it badly. My intention was solely to offer support and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.

Briony said:
I always give it some thought before asking, if I knew the answer I would not be asking the question:cuckoo:
Click to expand...

I've asked boneheaded questions in the past, always useful to remind myself.

On the subject of lenses/cameras, I have the 400D and only the kit lens, all the images on my redbubble were taken with it save for the couple that were taken on a 300D, again with the kit lens (linked in my signature in the post above). It's restrictive on the subjects you can shoot simply because you can't reach them or it's too dark (poor ISO performance and a slow lens), but its perfectly adequate for taking excellent photos, I know that I'm most definitely the limiting factor in what it produces.
 
Squawk said:
Not in the slightest and my apologies if it sounded that way, on reflection perhaps I worded it badly. My intention was solely to offer support and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.



Apologies accepted
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