Beginner books

Briony

Briony

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Can someone recommend a realy good book to buy for beginners in photography.

I keep asking questions on here but don't seem to get any answers and all I want to do is learn.

I like to learn about how shots are created what lenses to use, what speed, distance etc.

Just an idiots guide for someone who wants to learn please.

Thanks.
 
I got a general book a few years ago to see if I wanted to get in to it or not. Then I did a bit of research on cameras/lenses and used the manuals to get up to speed on the technical bits. By that stage I knewwhat sort of pics I wanted to take so sought books geared around that.

Was a bit of a process for me, not sure I could have gone straight to a single source as it kinda evolved.

Would recommend a quick visit to your local bookstore or a surf on Amazon :)

HTH

Cheers
 
Hi Briony, seen your other post in the birds and have a suggestion on 1 book that is a good read
It is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen.
Will give you a great deal of information.

Oh and Welcome:)
 
Hi Briony - I've just bought Bryan Petersen's book based on a few recommendations on here - amazon are selling it for just under £10
 
Hi Briony

I got Scott Kelby's Digital Photography volumes 1 & 2 boxed set from Amazon for about £20 back in January (not sure how much it is now) and I find these 2 books are quite good. I've had Understanding Exposure recommended to me as well.

I've found the best place to go is my local libraries - they have quite a good selection of books on offer and if you go on their website you can check which books they have and when they're available - a cheaper alternative than going out and buying them all.

Hope this helps.

Alison :)
 
Thank you all Waterstones have a good offer on at the mo with free delivery and have ordered Bryan Peterson and also Digital Exposure for under £20.00 so will wait for them to come and hopefully there will not be so mnay questions then!
 
Questions are never a problem, the learning process never stops.
 
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a great book.
 
Understanding Exposure is great, and Scott Kelby's books are also a good place to start - very good for showing you how to achieve different effects and for giving you explanations that make sense but aren't too technical (if that makes sense!).
 
+ 1 on the Bryan Peterson.

I'd also like to recommend 'Travel Photography' by Steve Davey. Even if travel photography is not your bag, the information within can all be applied - there's a lot in there on composition as well as more technical aspects. Also, the book is illustrated with plenty of examples containing info on how it was shot ie: this shot was taken with this particular length of lens, here's how it would look using this lens, etc. as well as exposure times, and aperture used.
 
Thank you all for your advice 2 books now ordered.;)
 
We ought to have a library on here or a swop shop of books LOL
 
Briony said:
I keep asking questions on here but don't seem to get any answers and all I want to do is learn.
Click to expand...

That's a bit unfair. You have replies to several of your questions.

Start with looking in the tutorial section eg Waterdrops (which you've asked about): http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=41679

Or use the search function.

Or ask a specific question. Putting a question in another thread is a good way to get missed. Ask a specific question in the right forum and you'll get an answer. But give it time. There are thousands of users here but most only look or post in the topic areas.

Especially in the topic forums things can disapear from the first page quickly and they get 'lost'. Try asking in the technique areas like lighting/equipment/etc and you will be more likely to get an answer to some of your technique questions.

Personally, I found the web more useful than books for getting up to speed.

(Oh, welcome to TP by the way)
 
I agree with Who?

The internet is full of tutorials, some text based with images - others, full video clips. You Tube is also good for photography.

Regards,

John
 
Rather than spending £25+ on a book why not borrow it from your local library, mine has a pretty good selection and they'll order books not in stock from other libraries for a nominal fee.

If you find one that suits you can always buy it if you want your own copy
 
I'm very much a beginner - but I've been buying Digital SLR Photography and Digital Photo magazine and that's helped me improve no end :)
Different topics each month help you learn new bits, and if you take part in the various competitions on the forum here (and other sites) then it forces you to get better and try new things to compete :)

Now, I know I've still got a hell of a long way to go myself, but I've gone from never holding an SLR in December to having the lead photo on the BBC News website's Theme of the Week (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/8046694.stm) today :)

Have fun :)
 
This is no longer cheap with the $ exchange rate but I would highly recommend it for understanding all things digital: www.123di.com
 
BooBear said:
Understanding Exposure is great, and Scott Kelby's books are also a good place to start - very good for showing you how to achieve different effects and for giving you explanations that make sense but aren't too technical (if that makes sense!).
Click to expand...

I can vouch for Scott Kelby's Photoshop for Digital Photographers series, they have been a great help and the CS2 version was in my local library. Briony (my daughters name by the way and same spelling) I can also sympathise with you seemingly not getting an answer the thread's move down so quickly in TP these days and so get lost from the front page very soon after posting.

Good Luck with your voyage of discovery .... :thumbs:
 
You could join the photographers book club - they always have a really good selection of photography books from begginers to professionals

www.readersunion.co.uk

or you could have a look on e-bay too!


Hope this helps

Michelle
 
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