Following in my Father's footsteps....

RikkiGTR

RikkiGTR

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Rikki
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Hello,
I've always had a keen interest in photography, but that was more as a spectator than actually doing it myself. My Dad has been a hobby photographer as long as I can remember and I've always wanted to get into it but never really took the plunge. He's won countless awards down the years in various clubs and competitions. You can see some of his stuff here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dundrodkeith/sets/72157627084297919/

Recently the best camera I've owned was a Panasonic Lumix, but I never went to any great lengths to take 'good' pictures with it. It was the just the usual snap-shots and random nonsense at birthday parties and family gatherings and so on.

Anyway, yesterday I bought a Sony A500 plus 18 - 55mm lens off a friend, plus a 360AFD flash, tripod, bags, straps etc (the whole kit). Got that little lot in mint condition for £485.
But now I don't know where to start. Where should I go? Does it matter? Is there a particular subject a beginner like me should photograph to 'make my bones' (for want of a better phrase)?

I could ask my Dad, but he's only one man whereas here I'm asking countless photographers for a more varied response. And I'd like to get off and running and then go back to him with some results....

Thanks for reading what was probably a long first post, and apologies if my questions are stupid. :D

Rikki.
 
Hi Rikki & welcome to the forums. Your Dad has some great shots on his flickr.
Before you worry about where to go why not try taking a few shots,say, for example in the garden or indoors with your flash and see how they turn out. If you want any advice on how to improve your shots then post them on the forums but for now why not just get used to using your new camera and it's settings and taking it one step at a time. Just my 2p worth.
 
PetethePrimate said:
Hi Rikki & welcome to the forums. Your Dad has some great shots on his flickr.
Before you worry about where to go why not try taking a few shots,say, for example in the garden or indoors with your flash and see how they turn out. If you want any advice on how to improve your shots then post them on the forums but for now why not just get used to using your new camera and it's settings and taking it one step at a time. Just my 2p worth.
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Hi Pete, thanks for the reply.
Yes my Dad has been at it for years. He just seems to have an eye for a photo. He comes to birthday parties and the like and takes what would be snap-shots, but they end up looking brilliant. It's irritating (in a good way) :D

As for using my new camera... I had a browse through the forum when I joined; I looked at loads of photos taken by "newbies" and they looked great. I'm worried about mine looking awful in comparison.
Having said that, I've also read the forum rules and etiquette today and it was reassuring. I have to start somewhere, and a constructive critique can only help me learn :)
 
I did what you suggested. Took a few shots in my garden (although I've only moved in so there's not much subject matter there yet!), then drove a mile or so down the road and took another few shots while the sun was setting.
It was interesting using such a big camera for the first time. Although my shots are probably horrific and contain every mistake a newcomer makes.
 
Personally I'd suggest taking photos of something that you have an interest in.

Obviously somethings you will struggle to get access to take pictures of or won't have the gear for but if you have an interest in it to start with its combining two hobbies...twice the fun then... which is important as you'll be more willing to experiment and learn if you're having fun doing it.

Just my 2p anyway

One thing I would recommend is reading up on suggestions on how to photograph whatever it is you chose to photograph first (or even just general beginners guides). I was looking through some photos I took at the rugby just over a season ago and they are shocking compared to now after lots of practice and reading up.

Unfortunately I've still got a long way to go to reach the standards of some but I'm heading in the right direction I think.

Good luck!
 
neil_1980 said:
Personally I'd suggest taking photos of something that you have an interest in.
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That's something I actually have been trying. with not much success!
I am really interested in fish keeping, and have a huge tank in my Living room, housing 5 Red Bellied Piranha (plus a few other fish), but I cannot for the life of me get a picture of them. As soon as I get close (especially with something that must look completely alien to them) they scatter.
Is there even a way to photograph moving fish and make it look good? I would certainly love to get a few good shots of my boys. They are fantastic, and would no doubt be a fairly rare subject matter on these forums (unless I'm mistaken?).
 
For the Aquarium, set the camera up on the tripod, leave the camera there for a day or so, for them to get used to it. Hopefully you've got a cable release - connect this, pre-focus the lens manually on a particular spot within the tank, wait for them to swim through, and press the remote shutter release. Keep repeating until the memory card is full, transfer onto your computer, and winnow out the rubbish, keep the good ones :)
 
TheBigYin said:
For the Aquarium, set the camera up on the tripod, leave the camera there for a day or so, for them to get used to it. Hopefully you've got a cable release - connect this, pre-focus the lens manually on a particular spot within the tank, wait for them to swim through, and press the remote shutter release. Keep repeating until the memory card is full, transfer onto your computer, and winnow out the rubbish, keep the good ones :)
Click to expand...

Tripod; check. Cable release; nope. That's next on my shopping list. Thanks for the tip :)
 
main thing is leaving the camera there for a good while, to de-sensitise them about it... you may get away with sitting behind it and pressing the shutter release, who knows - it's always worth a try :)
 
Wouldn't your dad be a good person to get advice off aswell as from here?
 
neil_1980 said:
Personally I'd suggest taking photos of something that you have an interest in.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. Photograph whatever you're inspired by. It's like music. You're not going to put soul into a Country and Western band if you don't like Country and Western.

Don't feel like you should be taking shots because others are taking them. Take shots because you want to take them. That's where your best ones will come from, and the ones you'll most enjoy doing.
 
cam1986 said:
Wouldn't your dad be a good person to get advice off aswell as from here?
Click to expand...

Absolutey; he would be a great resource, and I will go to him for advice. It's just that I felt this would be a good first thread on here.
And as I said in the OP:

I could ask my Dad, but he's only one man whereas here I'm asking countless photographers for a more varied response. And I'd like to get off and running and then go back to him with some results....
Click to expand...
 
For the aquarium, one method is to use another piece of glass inside the tank to stop the fish swimming to far from the front side of the tank.
 
PsiFox said:
For the aquarium, one method is to use another piece of glass inside the tank to stop the fish swimming to far from the front side of the tank.
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Not really possible. The tank is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft (length, height, width), but there are glass braces/supports crossing over the top for strength. I don't think it would be possible to get/fit something that big in there properly without some serious maneuvering. Add to that the fact it's 5 rather big Piranha I'd be stressing out whilst having my hands in the water fiddling around.
I wouldn't really take that risk :D
 
welcome to the forum fellow SONY user :wave:- look forward to seeing some
of your images in due course


Les :D
 
Hi Welcome

Get to know your camera inside out read the manual at least 4 times, then get out there the more you shoot the better you will get.

All the best:)
 
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