Any other forums for beginers ?

Briony said:
Yv,

Go get your camera out and have some fun

Trying but it is pi**ing with snow again LOL
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:lol: :lol: :lol: typical!

Go get that bottle out that you used for your 52. It's got a lovely shape and there's a great shot lurking in there somewhere.

Have a go at using a different background for it and try using a lamp / torch for lighting rather than the onboard flash.
 
judging by all the posts i have seen this is the place for beginners..;)

we are all learning...if not then its time to give up
 
I agree, dont be shy this is one of the best forums you will find (trust me I went through a few til I got here) ;)

There are always keyboard warriors on any forum, the trick is to ignore the numptys and just focus on those that want to help others, there are plenty of us around.

I may not be a top pro, but I will always help if I can and I know the majority of others on here feel the same.

:thumbs:
 
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.
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Really good pictures are subjective Briony. I think some of your pictures are really good, not all of them (but I don't think all of anybody's work is really good, there are always stand out pieces), but some of them ARE really good. So the way I see it you are producing really good pictures with what you think is 2nd rate kit.

I have some really good kit (in my opinion) and still produce really crap pictures 99% of the time. I've been on courses with people carrying the latest 1 series and a bag of L glass and I still didn't rate their pictures. The camera is only a small part of the equation.

Briony said:
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!!!)
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Nope

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.
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Nope, and sharpness is overated.

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:
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This is why I won't do a 365, I think it would put too much pressure on me. If I take one good shot a shoot and only shoot once a fortnight (normally less than that) then I'm happy. To take photos every single day and expect a perfect photo each time is unrealistic IMO. Instead of looking for perfection each day you should see if you can recognise that you've learnt something.
 
Don't hide away, don't feel you can't ask and please please please don't feel like you can't share your work here.

There is a great deal of knowledge and talent on this forum but that's not what makes a great place. Without passion and enthusiasm, none of that means a thing.

If all the folks who are starting out on a journey of discovering photography were to stop posting questions and sharing their joy at the discovery with us, I suspect that this place would crust over sink before our eyes.

As a working snapper my reasons for being here are to be around and share in that passion for making images and if I can answer a question that helps someone make a discovery, or bag a shot that had been eluding them, it brings a smile to my day for sure. :)
 
To inspire you this was shot with my 350D and standard kit lens, so it isn't all about kit.

http://SPAM/c3whur/Img_3049c.jpg
 
SarahLee said:
:lol: :lol: :lol: typical!

Go get that bottle out that you used for your 52. It's got a lovely shape and there's a great shot lurking in there somewhere.

Have a go at using a different background for it and try using a lamp / torch for lighting rather than the onboard flash.
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:agree:

With Still Life your subjects only move when you want them to and they go where you put them, you are under no time pressure to just grab a shot, and it can teach you so much about:

composition - keep moving things around until they look right,

lighting - experiment with different directions, use reflectors to increase light or card to block the light,

shape - both the shape of the objects and the negative shape (the shape of the empty space around them),

backgrounds, use sheets of coloured card - which ones complement the objects, which ones do not work.

DOF - just play with different apertures.

ISO - explore how well your camera copes with high ISO

Shoot lots and try to see why you like the ones you do and dislike others

and Enjoy It :)
 
Can I just say "Thank you" to you all for the encouragement and comments, I shall have to just keep on asking those daft questions and taking photos (promise not to many more of the dogs :lol:) and will post them here for the c & c.

Is there a book on how to teach yourself Photoshop so I can edit them myself a bit better?

Artyman - how far away were you when you took this piccy and what do you call a standard lens kit?

Thank you
 
Briony,

Please don't feel you have crap kit, I have a lowly Bridge camera, I can't swap the lens, it has a tiny (in comparison) sensor, lower FPS, crap at high ISO etc. But it is still a good camera. I'd love to have a 450d. But hey, I can only make the most of it. I just keep experimenting with the photos I like, ask on here for advise and just soak it all in.

I've now started playing with off camera flash and experimenting a bit more, just because I have seen on here what can be done.

just keep reading, asking questions and taking photos. I've askd some really daft questions and never had a bad answer.

HTH Lawrie
 
lawrie29 said:
Briony,
Please don't feel you have crap kit, I have a lowly Bridge camera, I can't swap the lens, it has a tiny (in comparison) sensor, lower FPS, crap at high ISO etc. But it is still a good camera. I'd love to have a 450d. But hey, I can only make the most of it. I just keep experimenting with the photos I like, ask on here for advise and just soak it all in.
I've now started playing with off camera flash and experimenting a bit more, just because I have seen on here what can be done.
just keep reading, asking questions and taking photos. I've askd some really daft questions and never had a bad answer.
HTH Lawrie
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get the best you can out of it then you can say you deserve more...maybe its really all you NEED



one man's pickle etc:bonk:
 
I'm new to photography, only really developed the will to learn when I bought my own SLR last November.

Looking around this forum before I joined I was tempted to look around for a more beginner level forum but as someone said earlier 'who are you gonna learn from?'

Everyone on here is so friendly and helpful also the diverse range of photographs here make for great inspiration - I'd never look for another forum! :)
 
martyp said:
I'm new to photography, only really developed the will to learn when I bought my own SLR last November.

Looking around this forum before I joined I was tempted to look around for a more beginner level forum but as someone said earlier 'who are you gonna learn from?'

Everyone on here is so friendly and helpful also the diverse range of photographs here make for great inspiration - I'd never look for another forum! :)
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you made a good choice...even with years of doing it...there is more to know
everything has a beginning...no more so than the manipulation of a camera despite its high technology it needs control...in any hands

a camera is not just for christmas

are you the torphichen lad who shoots the red bings?
 
This is by far the best photography forum I have been on. I have had sensible criticism and good advice from other forum members.I have bought and sold a few things as well, (done on trust, much better than ebay)
 
mrcrow said:
get the best you can out of it then you can say you deserve more...maybe its really all you NEED



one man's pickle etc:bonk:
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Leave the port, you can keep the rest. Blue cheese and pickles... :gag:
 
Briony said:
Can I just say "Thank you" to you all for the encouragement and comments, I shall have to just keep on asking those daft questions and taking photos (promise not to many more of the dogs :lol:) and will post them here for the c & c.

Is there a book on how to teach yourself Photoshop so I can edit them myself a bit better?

Artyman - how far away were you when you took this piccy and what do you call a standard lens kit?

Thank you
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This is an online resourse ... hope it useful. :thumbs:


Just to echo Artymans point, you really can take a world class photo with that camera of yours ...its a fine tool well up to the job. :)
 
Keep the questions coming Briony :)

I've asked loads of daft stuff. Only today I'm asking the good people here about their opinions regarding upgrading my gear which is a fairly major undertaking and makes my brain hurt!

I've also posted some right old C*** piccies over the years and it's funny but I've learned more from what I got wrong. If you know what was wrong you can work towards putting it right next time. I still don't think I've ever taken a "perfect" picture, I can always find something wrong but that's actually part of the appeal. Partly what makes me take pictures nearly every day is that quest to make it better.

I'll quote one of the world's most acknowledged wedding photographers when he says "You don't have to be the best photographer in the world, just better than yesterday"

Now put your feet up and get comfy, you're not going anywhere or we'll have to go drag you back ;)
 
Hi, I know how you feel Briony and feel a bit like that myself sometimes.

I posted on another forum about maybe having some sort of beginners weekly section. Where one or two of the more experienced guys set us a list of things to shoot. Doesnt matter what it is, ponds, door handles whatever. We all post in an area and get some crit without feeling overwhelmed by the more experienced and better photos.

Didnt really get anywhere with it though.
 
We all have to start somewhere, even those people that take the great pics of which you speak. No question is silly, but I guess it is up to you how to take the answers. If you post pics for crit that is a great way to learn, sometimes it is difficult to accept what people say, but that is all part of the learning.

Stick at it, you obviously enjoy it, so just take the tips and answers off the forum and you will soon begin to reap the benefits.
 
blert596 said:
Hi, I know how you feel Briony and feel a bit like that myself sometimes.

I posted on another forum about maybe having some sort of beginners weekly section. Where one or two of the more experienced guys set us a list of things to shoot. Doesnt matter what it is, ponds, door handles whatever. We all post in an area and get some crit without feeling overwhelmed by the more experienced and better photos.

Didnt really get anywhere with it though.
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You want to get involved in the 52's here then - it's a brilliant way of being forced to shoot something you wouldn't necessarily get involved with, and to get feedback from everyone else doing their 52's :)
 
This place is like the hotel california. You can checkout any time you like, but you can never leave... I still have no idea what I'm doing and I'm still here!
 
shooter said:
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.
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:plusone:

What he said, however I can't get the image of the brain surgeon throwing his/her toys out of the pram mid-op :dummy:
 
I have not been here long and it's one of the most friendly places and sooooo many people here want to help others. (your thread is now up to 65 replies)

I saw a thread just recently where it was brought up that sometimes some of the answers members give may get too technical, but you can easily say you don't understand an answer and others will try to explain and help.
 
Briony said:
I just feel that I am not good enough for this site...

Every day there are photos that are put on here and I often wonder "will I ever be that good?"
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Briony, there have been more than a few times when I felt the exact same way. I'm very critical of most of the things I do, and frequently nothing is ever good enough. On top of that I'm quite quiet and reserved and tend not to "intrude" upon others by asking questions when I should, instead I stumble along, making more mistakes.

I've decided to change that and I'm going to start asking questions, daft repetitive or otherwise. If people aren't concerned about asking what bag they should get, then I'm going to try and be less concerned about asking how to improve my technique.
 
I am also reasonably new to this forum aswell, and I understand how you feel. I certainly have had reservations on posting photos as I know that they are just not up to the mark.

However, I am a member of a few photography forums, and this is the only one that I keep coming back too, as this seems to be a friendly place......:D
 
jamesoliverstone said:
I agree, dont be shy this is one of the best forums you will find (trust me I went through a few til I got here) ;)

There are always keyboard warriors on any forum, the trick is to ignore the numptys and just focus on those that want to help others, there are plenty of us around.

I may not be a top pro, but I will always help if I can and I know the majority of others on here feel the same.

:thumbs:
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Ha, there is loads of us from round here! Parents live in Widley..small world
 
Paul Kettless said:
I am also reasonably new to this forum aswell, and I understand how you feel. I certainly have had reservations on posting photos as I know that they are just not up to the mark.

However, I am a member of a few photography forums, and this is the only one that I keep coming back too, as this seems to be a friendly place......:D
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What IS this mark people keep refering to? :whistling: ;)
 
I have asked questions over the past 9 months that I have had reservations about asking, because photography is still all new to me, but I have always had very helpful replies, most do realize that you are a novice and give non technical answers, having said that, I see we use the same camera, I have learned allot from the Canon monthly mag..PhotoPlus as it comes with a CD to follow on all types of photography
 
Hi Briony,

I understand how you feel, I was in the same situation a few days ago. Total newbie, don't even have a decent camera - yet [in the process of getting one] and all the photos I have are either shot using my mobile phone cam or my old Kodak EasyShare camera.

I have absolutely no knowledge of photography, except 'point & shoot' and basic editing. But I have a passion to persue photography, not only as a hobby, but eventually as a career (and I think that is what drives me at the moment).

When I first joined, some time last week, I was so frustrated because I couldn't even figure out how to us TP let alone upload photos. But with the help of the fantastic peeps here, I did it!

I was a bit aprehensive at first to uploading photos, with the same thought you have about 'not being good enough', but I thought 'what the hell' if I can't post them here for my learning experience, then where?

I was ready to throw in the towel too, and look for another forum, but with the moral support, encouragement and valuable information from fellow members I am now really enjoying this forum (and won't be looking elsewhere - besides I wouldn't have the time to look at any other forums because TP already is so full of info that I wouldn't have the time to spend on any other :lol:)

I am so looking forward to learning here, and now the first thing I find myself doing in the morning when I wake up is sign into TP, :cuckoo: you might think, but I love it.

Soon I will be asking loads of questions when I get my new equipment, and you know what ..... I don't care how stupid the question might be (especially as I am not familiar with terminology) so long as there is help and an answer that is what counts.

I have read each post in this thread and I would just like to extend a sincere thanks to all the members encouraging words. You are a fantastic bunch :love:

Thanks, Briony for starting this thread, it has been encouraging.

Take care

Dawn
:)
 
Briony said:
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:
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I have only read this post, but here goes.

For goodness sake Briony, EVERYBODY has to learn,we all started somewhere.So ask away and people will help, this forum is good at that. (though some are arsey about it).

I looked at Cedrics bird shots for ages and thought I will get to that level, ain`t there yet,but not far off.Yet he is one the most helpful guys on here,as are many others. Ask and people will help, your efforts will improve and you`ll improve.................:thumbs:
 
Honestly, this forum is great, have some patience, your photos will get better and newbies will be looking at YOUR images thinking "will I ever be THAT good?!" ;)

You should have a look at some of the first posts of some more established members and look at where they are now ;) most of us start in the sboat hun ;)
 
Wow, what a response and it makes me feel so much better.

I went to bed last night with "Understanding exposure" I know exciting wasn't it :lol: but I am going to nail this so be preapared for the stupid questions etc.and I want honest c & c when I post pictures here.

Well I will be out today, (now you have all given me a kick up the bum) watch this space and "THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND REPLIES" it means alot and for all the private p.m.s people have sent.

I will try and get to soem of the gatherings that are organised but find alot of them far away, thinking about Sat at Whipsnade!!:thinking:

Thank guys once again for the support and encouragement and hope that a few more people got the advice they wanted out of this thread and I will try and keep it going for our sake.

:thankyou: ;)
 
It'll all just suddenly fall into place Briony, but the main thing is to enjoy the hobby, so just get out and take some pics. If you need any help just ask, but I'm pretty sure you'll be fine :)
 
Briony said:
Wow, what a response and it makes me feel so much better.

I went to bed last night with "Understanding exposure" I know exciting wasn't it :lol: but I am going to nail this so be preapared for the stupid questions etc.and I want honest c & c when I post pictures here.

Well I will be out today, (now you have all given me a kick up the bum) watch this space and "THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND REPLIES" it means alot and for all the private p.m.s people have sent.

I will try and get to soem of the gatherings that are organised but find alot of them far away, thinking about Sat at Whipsnade!!:thinking:

Thank guys once again for the support and encouragement and hope that a few more people got the advice they wanted out of this thread and I will try and keep it going for our sake.

:thankyou: ;)
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So arrange a local one, Oxfordshire is beautiful, I would happily ocme over for a meet there, especially with someone that might have more local knowledge of good spots. ;)

Glad you are getting out though, dont worry about the weather, as Graham says, just enjoy taking pictures :thumbs:
 
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