Beginner, What to shoot?

Sony_SoFar

Sony_SoFar

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Lewis
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Haven't yet got a camera, but hoping to get one very soon.
When I eventually do get one, what is it best to take pictures of to get a feel for the camera, the zoom, the focus etc. I'd like to take pics for sports such as football later on. But when im just at home when I can't take pics of football what should I shoot?

Thanks

Sony_SoFar
 
Whatever you want..

Thats about the only "correct" answer
 
What sort of pictures do you like looking at? That may give you a good starting point. Look at the pictures on this and other sites, see what inspires you and go and take some like it.
Some categories include: landscape, wildlife, portrait, still life, macro (small things made to look big), glamour, abstract.

One way of approaching photography is to set yourself a project.

eg, My Day, My Life, Over there, A One Mile Walk, Then take photos to illiustrate the project title.

Oh and read some books on composition.
 
I like wildlife such as bugs, birds etc, but I dont like touching them...bit of a wuss me!
 
Sony_SoFar said:
I like wildlife such as bugs, birds etc, but I dont like touching them...bit of a wuss me!
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its not compulsory to touch them to take pictures of 'em ;) and its quite similar to photographing football - ie long lenses, fast action, promiscuous subjects :lol:
 
But I can just imagine that being so zoomed into something and then it moves I may panic and drop the camera etc haha!
 
p.s. maybe birds would be the better option or a super zoom lens so I can stand a mile back knowing I won't get caught by the tiny weeny creature !
 
Take lots of pictures of everything! :D Setting yourself a project is a good idea - such as a 52 or "in my garden" or whatever. Post them on here or on Flickr, join Flickr groups, ask for critique on your shots, look at the bad ones and work out where you went wrong ... the options are endless. I also like looking through Flickr and seeing what other people are photographing near me. I don't always want to take the same shots (sometimes I do) but it can be good for inspiration.

I work on an approximate 10% keep rate at the moment (going up slowly to 20-30% for some subjects) but I always look at all my shots and work out whether it's a keeper or not, and if not, why not. You can learn just as much (it not more) from the ones which don't work IMHO!
 
When I first got my DSLR I was in a similar situation not being sure what I should photograph, and I didn't even know what I wanted to concentrate on in the long term, but I joined Flickr and started commenting on photos, and that soon made me realise what I liked and didn't when I found that I was only commenting on landscape, wildlife and macro. Try it and you might find that it clarifies things for you.

Or, as has been suggested, just take everything and see how you get on!
 
Ducklings ect can make interesting subjects , also pets if you have any , leaves are good at this time of year "bright & fresh" .:)
 
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The day I got my camera I took pictures of things around the house! Mainly my cats, and did some close up pictures of my trainers etc. Just trying to learn :) be creative!
 
blackalice82 said:
Good questions,i want to know too.
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Everything. You could do some street shooting that's always good, nature, buildings, landscapes.

But if you want stunning images don't look for great locations, just look for great light. Everything will look good in great light.
 
Davince said:
:lol: glad it's not just me then. Who'd have thought a wall could provide so many opportunities!!!
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I checked through all of my aperture library over the weekend and found a couple of hundred shots of my coffee table with various items on it. I really must get out more!!!

Seriously, as an amateur I'm finding it too easy to slip into one style, and i need to keep kicking myself into shooting something different. I guess the maijn thing though is to keep clicking that shutter button.
 
I have a rabbit, suppose I could go to the local rec and see if there is any footy going on. Otherwise maybe just a trip to the garden ;)
 
Only you can answer that question. I bought my camera in February last year with thehope of getting down to the local race tracks on a regular basis, since I bought the camera I seem to have found a love for wildlife and zoos. Play with the camera, enjoy it and see what takes your fancy when you start shooting.
 
lensflair said:
Take hundreds of photos of your cat and post them on flicker. Then offer your services as a wedding and portrait photographer.


Sorry couldn't resist ;)
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Great Idea Graham! Thats the best thing to do, you know what just forget about the cat altogether and do what Graham said.
:clap::clap:
 
Starting out in photography absolutely everything is a photo opportunity. You'll start to find areas you prefer to others, or areas that your equipment best suits.

Urban landscapes/cityscapes are an easy one as it just requires a walk around to find interesting views and scenes.

Most photographers have areas they find they have little or no interest in and so try everything and stick with what you enjoy or what gives you the most satisfaction.
 
Shoot everything and see what you prefer. :thumbs:
 
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