Easy/Simple/"Must-Have" Shots for a beginner

Krydel

Krydel

Suspended / Banned
Messages
112
Name
Ollie Adams-Liggins
Edit My Images
Yes
So i got my first ever dSLR yesterday (well, first ever camera in fact, let alone a dSLR) and been having fun with it today.

Basically, i am wondering what shots do you recommend for a beginner to go and do, whether it be simple to look good, or learning exercises.

Also, constructive critizism and comments would be lovely on Flickr, as well as any other advice you can offer.

thanks a lot,

Ollie

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ollie_adams-liggins/
 
what areas of photography do you like? no point in suggesting landscapes for example if you hate the things!
 
I'm not a seasoned pro and have only recently got my first dslr, but one of the fundamental and creative aspects of photography is depth of field.
I guess taking multiple shots from the same view points with different aperture settings and learning how they effect depth of field is a good place to start??
 
Just had a quick look at your Flickr and it looks to me like you're well on your way already as you have some very nice shots...:thumbs:
 
Just the usual stuff - switch the camera to manual, then stand by a roadside and practice static shots of moving cars - that's you keeping the camera still and tripping the shutter as the car passes you...Then do the same thing with varying shutter speeds whilst panning the camera (following the subject then tripping the shutter whilst keeping the camera moving) to see the effect that has.
Once you're happy with shutter-speeds, go on to some depth-of field exercises to see the effect that altering the aperture has on subjects at close, medium and far distances...
Try shooting a subject from different viewpoints, low, medium and high to see the difference in emphasis that places on the image and the viewer...

And don't forget to change the aperture when altering shutter speeds and vice-versa to correct the exposure accordingly (I hear you all laughing, but the percentage of my students who still forget this is about 40%, even after reminding them in words of one syllable).

After that try varying the ISO settings to see the difference that has on image quality...
 
Not normally popular when I suggest it but think about Still Life.
You can arrange the objects to give good composition, choose the colours to create harmony or to clash. Move everything around so that the light is from a different direction, diffuse the light, reflect the light. Try different focal lengths at the same, and different distances. Underexpose, overexpose by different amounts to see the effect. Experiment with different apertures for DoF. Change the ISO to use small apertures at shutter speeds where you can hand hold the camera without shake, check the amount of noise when using high ISO etc.
While doing all that you do not have to worry that the subject is moving, or will disappear.
It really is worthwhile because once you have the subject set up you are no longer worried about getting a good/great picture, it is all about playing and learning.
 
Where you from Krydel? That looks like a Surrey Police or Met helicopter to me!

Oh and some very good shots in your Flickr !!
 
AndyWest said:
Where you from Krydel? That looks like a Surrey Police or Met helicopter to me!

Oh and some very good shots in your Flickr !!
Click to expand...

Worcestershire :)

and thanks!

Had a go at some panning with the dog today, unfortunately i was taking the photos in frame and everything, but out of focus. More practise needed.

Splog said:
Nice idea, but the shadows totally dominate the shot!... Just my opinion of course ;)
Click to expand...

Not sure how i would eliminate the shadows :/ It was just on a piece of paper with the sun shining down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top