General advice on improving photography skills.

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01steven

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Hi
I recently bought a Canon EOS 400D.
I've taken a few shots over the past couple of weeks- you can see them in my Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/01steven

So I was just wondering where to go with my photography really. This may seem a somewhat vague and directionless post, but would appreciate advice/suggestions as to developing skills/improving output.

I don't have much time to get out and about taking photos at the moment, and I know this really would be the best thing to do- to keep practicing. But I do have time available on the PC, so was thinking perhaps I should concentrate on learning certain post-production processes like black/white conversion, or HDR or framing my images? (or any other thoughts?)

I'd quite like to develop my own 'style', but not sure I've worked out what that is yet.
Perhaps I should look at focusing on one type of photograph for a while, or one subject matter?

In an ideal world I'd join a course to improve but like I said I don't really have much time. Is there anything good (and free!) online? Perhaps a Flickr group along these lines (not just comments on individual shots but a focused program).

Not expecting any life-changing advice from here, but all opinion welcome!

Regards
Steven
 
Go out,use it, make mistakes, learn from them, go back out ,try different settings, make mistakes, learn from them etc etc

And ask questions on here, its a very helpful site, don`t be scared of asking and people will help you.....:thumbs:
 
01steven said:
Hi
But I do have time available on the PC, so was thinking perhaps I should concentrate on learning certain post-production processes like black/white conversion, or HDR or framing my images? (or any other thoughts?)

Regards
Steven
Click to expand...

Steven, if you've got time to edit your images you've got time to take them, it doesn't matter what you shoot, the important thing is to take the damn photos! :D It's the best way to learn about exposure, composition and how your camera works, even if you just use the pop up flash and take photos of object around the house.
 
Hacker said:
Steven, if you've got time to edit your images you've got time to take them, it doesn't matter what you shoot, the important thing is to take the damn photos! :D It's the best way to learn about exposure, composition and how your camera works, even if you just use the pop up flash and take photos of object around the house.
Click to expand...
Couldn't agree more - you simply must get out and take pictures. Don't worry about style yet. Treat every mistake as a victory - because you will learn from it. Think about getting it right in the camera first.
If you want free info - try my blog. It's a free resource and building fast. It's there for you to use. It majors on technique in the real world - not the computer.
Above all else - enjoy yourself.
Philip
www.philipdunn@blogspot.com
www.photoactive.co.uk
 
I was given a subscription to a magazine for xmas which is very good indeed. Each month you get loads of tips and video tutorials on a CD which take you through processing techniques which so far have all been very good and easy to follow. They also provide insipration which might help you to develop a style/direction
 
I'll echo the comments about getting out and shooting, try a bit of everything and see what grabs you. I had a quick look through your flickr gallery and you've got a really good eye for seeing a shot and picking out details. I think applying that to some people shots could make for interesting captures of the quirks in personality and character.

Put away the mouse and get some willing victims in front of the camera :thumbs:
 
Steven - as they all seem to say - take some pictures, look at them, and try to work out what went wrong, or what went right !
mobilevirgin - I am still re-reading that thread, and still trying to work it out..
 
Many thanks for all the advice in these replies.

It's nice to be a part of a warm and supportive 'community'.
And it's been particularly nice to receive compliments on my photos too!

I've decided the best approach is simply to keep taking photos, and to try and master the 'basics' before moving on to post-processing.
I've just ordered 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson and have been checking out links from this and other threads.

Once again, thanks and I'll keep trying to improve!
 
Some great shots there Steven. Composition seems to come naturally to you. Just make sure you direct any technical reading to Digital Photography if this is your medium. Exposure for film has a different emphasis to exposure for Digital and one does not transfer to the other very well.
 
Since I got my 400D a month or so ago I took the decision to only use the 2 prime lenses I have- 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/2.0.

I have other lenses - the 18-55mm kit lens that came with the camera and 28-80mm and 80-200mm lenses from my old analogue EOS days.

My reasoning was that I'd get much better optical quality this way, and also without the convenience of a zoom I'd be forced to think much harder about how to compose images.

I must admit it's certainly more challenging working this way and I do miss being able to pull out to a wider angle or zoom in closer on subjects, but I'm prepared to stick with it in the pursuit of better photos.

But do you agree? Maybe at this stage I'd be better off having the flexibility of the telephoto to help me with composition and sacrifice some image quality?

Should I sell the 3 lenses I'm not using and buy something else? I don't think the lenses would be worth much second-hand- I might scrape £100 if I'm lucky. But I hear there are Sigma/Tamron fast zooms around.
 
Plugus Maximus said:
I was given a subscription to a magazine for xmas which is very good indeed. Each month you get loads of tips and video tutorials on a CD which take you through processing techniques which so far have all been very good and easy to follow. They also provide insipration which might help you to develop a style/direction
Click to expand...


What's the magazine's name? Thanks.
 
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