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Purple Scorpion

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Hi, I'm new to this site and new to DSLR photography. I bought a DSLR camera a couple of years ago and couldn't get to grips with it so ended up selling it and getting a nice compact instead but I've always yearned to get the results that can only be achieved with DSLR photography so I've now bought another one and decided that I would learn to use it properly and finally take it off the Auto setting.

Well here's my problems, I contacted the college to ask if there was a course suitable for me and I've ended up enrolling on an AS photography course, the thing is after the first week I'm not sure if this is going to be the right course for me as I'm a complete beginner and I'm not sure I'm ready to compare and contrast the work of other photographers both historical and contemporary, all I really want is to learn to take great pics without using the Auto mode. The course is £260 for just the first year so obviously I don't want to spend the money if it's not the right course for me.

I've just been looking online for courses and also at books. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to start, is it possible to self-teach from a book or do I really need to get on a course?

Any advice gratefully received. :help:
 
Hi Welcome along:thumbs:

I think the best way to learn is lots of reading, both on here & of books magazines AND get out & play with your camera using all the settings to see what each does & to work out the advantages/disadvantages of each setting.

There are plenty of courses around run by pro photographers that are usually 1 or 2 day courses to help you along the way also.

Most of all have fun with it.:thumbs:
 
The best way is a combination of:

Reading
Practising what you have read
Posting images here for constructive criticism from the helpful membership.

A good read is "Understanding Exposure " by Bryan Peterson.
 
Agree with all said so far, my tip is usualy to read the manual of your camera and understanding exposure also.

But most, get out there and shoot a lot.
 
Thank you so much for the fast responses, I really appreciate it. :thumbs:

I've just had a look at the book by Bryan Peterson, looks great. I'm going to order that along with another book and go from there.

Thanks again.
 
Hi. Some Adult Eds run 'beginners photography' or 'getting to know your camera' which might be more suitable than an AS Photography course.
 
I'm far from an expert, probably still classed as a beginner :'(
But I shoot in manual most of the time now. I learned everything from plenty of reading, books and on this forum, and practicing what I had read.
Good luck
 
Photodiva said:
Hi. Some Adult Eds run 'beginners photography' or 'getting to know your camera' which might be more suitable than an AS Photography course.
Click to expand...

:plusone:
Most colleges run evening classes - aimed at beginners and then more advanced too. Well worth it since you also meet like minded individuals which is always good for learning.
 
-RV- said:
:plusone:
Most colleges run evening classes - aimed at beginners and then more advanced too. Well worth it since you also meet like minded individuals which is always good for learning.
Click to expand...

+1 for that, most run 10 week evening courses for beginners and a slightly more advanced one too, or they did in St Helens. They usually start about this time of year. just give your local college a call and see. I'm sure they'd let you attend even if you missed the enrolment day.
 
I'd save the £260 if I was you and perhaps find a more experienced tog local to you that can take you under his/her wing. Whereabouts in the country are you.
 
When i bought my 1st dslr in sept of last year i made myself only use it in manual mode.
i now have no idea how the other modes work but manual im good with :)

i would suggest doing the same. you will make loads of mistakes to begin with but you'll get it if you practice
 
Which DSLR did you buy ??

There are some good books around, specifically for different camera's.

This site as well, has some great links / info on.
 
Purple Scorpion said:
Hi, I'm new to this site and new to DSLR photography. I bought a DSLR camera a couple of years ago and couldn't get to grips with it so ended up selling it and getting a nice compact instead but I've always yearned to get the results that can only be achieved with DSLR photography so I've now bought another one and decided that I would learn to use it properly and finally take it off the Auto setting.

Well here's my problems, I contacted the college to ask if there was a course suitable for me and I've ended up enrolling on an AS photography course, the thing is after the first week I'm not sure if this is going to be the right course for me as I'm a complete beginner and I'm not sure I'm ready to compare and contrast the work of other photographers both historical and contemporary, all I really want is to learn to take great pics without using the Auto mode. The course is £260 for just the first year so obviously I don't want to spend the money if it's not the right course for me.

I've just been looking online for courses and also at books. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to start, is it possible to self-teach from a book or do I really need to get on a course?

Any advice gratefully received. :help:
Click to expand...

google is your friend

read your manual

buy basic photography by Langford

practice

learn how to use photoshop
 
Have a look at this day course. I've had SLRs for 20 years and am attending as I thought it was about time I understood the basics to get the best from my photography. :)
 
PaulF said:
+1 for that, most run 10 week evening courses for beginners and a slightly more advanced one too, or they did in St Helens. They usually start about this time of year. just give your local college a call and see. I'm sure they'd let you attend even if you missed the enrolment day.
Click to expand...

This is what i am starting this week. A 30 week course from beginner to level 3.
 
Hi, Thanks for all your replies, it really is appreciated.

The camera I have is a Nikon D3100. I decided not to return to the AS Photography course. The only other course available to me was the C&G which is around the same cost and is a more basic version of the AS course by the sounds of it. I'm in the Warwickshire area and there are other courses run locally to me but all quite expensive, the ones with Jessops like very good but again pricey for a 1 day workshop.

So I have taken on board a lot of the suggestions here, I've ordered some books to get me started and have plenty of magazines, I also have photoshop which I am learning to get to grips with and along with this forum I might just be ok. :D

Thanks again!:thumbs:
 
Buy Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

Devour the monthly how-to magazines.

YouTube.

And, actually, flickr is a good place to be. Where possible check the EXIF info of shots you like and also even if you've shot in AUTO see what settings the camera has chosen for your shots.
 
I too am a beginner and have found here and you tube very useful. Have to agree with others I doubt you will get much from an AS in photography will really help you move the camera off Auto.

Something I have been doing is taking a photo in auto and then taking the same scene in various other settings and comparing the results.
 
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