Beginners Tips & Inspiration

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JHales

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Josh Hales
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Hello All

I am just starting out in the photography world, I have wanted to for ages, but only just got round to getting a camera (Nikon D40).

I was wondering if anyone had any beginners tips or inspiration. What I should be doing first, good practise shots, ideas, techniques etc.

Any comments welcome...

Thanks,

Josh
 
What sort of tips are you looking for? Lenses tips, or like how to do things?
 
I guess it depends on what kind of photography you enjoy/want to do?

All I would say is keep an open mind, I started out thinking landscape was for me but now I love doing portrait shoots!

Your in a good place to learn, I have picked up loads from this forum.
 
Try to find something you really want to photograph well, then nip down to a library and get a few books out on 'How to' - read a fair bit then fire away and start posting on here

If you simply post anything you happen to have taken, not only are they unlikely to be 'great' images - but you won't have the knowledge to understand and appreciate/learn from the critique either - which can be frustrating

DD
 
Techno-Geek said:
What sort of tips are you looking for? Lenses tips, or like how to do things?
Click to expand...

Im looking for any tips really - interesting things to do mainly. Probaby best leave the equipment ideas, only just got the camera!

Should I be taking every shot on manual, or just go auto an then do the odd shot with manual etc.

What do you guys enjoy shooting?

Thanks,

Josh

p.s you guys are quick! No work to do? (I don't!)
 
You'll find this place addictive! I'm still working too but I'm multitasking lol.

The techniques you use will depend on the subject you are shooting. There are some that don't lend themselves to shooting on manual and some that do.

Read, look and learn, get your hands on some books too. The theory may be a little dry at times but if you don't understand it then the answers to any questions still won't make sense.

If it's any consolation I've had my currect camera for a year, taken 3,500 pics and I'm only just getting to grips with it to the point that I can actually create what I want with it. Don't rush it and don't get disheartened when you don't get the stunning shots that you can visualise.

And don't forget to enjoy the ride :)
 
Well i enjoy photographing anything really, but like landscapes and buildings are more my sort of thing :thumbs:
 
andrewc said:
I think the best idea is to learn how to use the manual or semi-automatic modes rather than getting into bad habits by leaving it on idiot proof mode
Click to expand...

yeh, I didnt want to get into photography and buy a proper camera to have it do all the work!

I wanted to do landscapes, buildings, macro kinda stuff. I guess alot is down to practise an patience really, taking lots of shots and reading up!

Josh
 
Read the books, then play with your camera, if you do it the other way round you won't understand it. If you've read your books and understand aperture , shutter speed, white balance, ISO, metering, all that go onto manual straight away. If you start of in manual you will learn how to use it quickly and efficiently which pays off, rather than using auto really well then learning again to use manual.

Welcome to TP aswell !
 
My advice try as many different types of photography as you can. Play with the camera settings using the semi-automatic modes and manual. Shoot the same subkect with different shutter speeds, apertures, focal lengths etc and learn from the images produced.

Secondly spend time here, it's the most valuable learning tool I've come across.:thumbs:
 
My advice would be to carefully put the camera down, walk away and don't look back :D

Photography is an addictive hobby that gets time consuming and expensive :bonk:

My tip - practice, play with all the settings on your camera. When you do not have it with you have a small piece of card with a rectangular hole the same shape as your pictures and use this to look through and practice framing shots that don't have distracting backgrounds, poles growing out of people's heads etc and then when you do need to take that fast shot checking out the background will become instinctive.
 
Being very new to photography(which now consumes every ounch of my free time) I have become dependant on this site. It is the most important learning tool i have. The one thing that was recommended to me when starting out was to read some books, and more importantly read 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson. I have read it several times, and i keep refering to it. It has been crucial in my understanding of the technical side of photography, which at best, was very shady. I have refused to shoot anything in Auto mode, a button I was so dependant on in the past. As said many times before, keep practicing, playing and trying something new, its the only way to learn.
 
All great tips, thanks!

so I've got...

- Read up
- Play with the camera
- Take lots of shots
- Practise what you learn
- Experiment
- ENJOY! :)

Thanks guys! Obviously more tips an tricks are still welcome!

Any on building shots?

Josh
 
As above.

And...

Go to a charity shop and pick up a book by John Hedgecoe, the newer the better so you don't get bogged down in film stuff (which can be a lot better but maybe so you can pick up and play straight away with your digital a newer book would be better) His stuff is simple and clear, lots of photos and setting info next to it.
 
Further to Kerioak's tip, work out how far from your nose to hold the card to give the field of view from various focal lengths so you can judge which lens will be needed for a return to the scene. You can also approximate with finger joints or other "convenient body parts".

Learn how anything you can adjust or control relates to other adjustments and impacts on the end result. Never accept that your clever camera always makes the best choice for you. Be open to possibilities and don't take all advice as gospel - if we did, we'd never use our lenses wide open.

If you point your lens out of your own property, know your rights: http://www.sirimo.co.uk/ukpr.php -- but be prepared to walk away and not endanger yourself or your equipment.

Read John Harrington's book and/or blog to understand the possible monetary value of what you create: http://photobusinessforum.blogspot.com/

Develop a backup strategy for your work, including the original files. Don't be too hasty over deleting anything.
 
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