Hello to everyone< please read my post and offer any advice you have for me!!!

[DGN1984]

Hi everyone,

I'm Danny and a new member to this site. I am completely new to photography and would desperately like some advice from anyone willing to take the time to reply.

I am 25 years old and having recently lost my job have decided that if I want to do something new and interesting with my life I better get started soon. I would like to try and build a career in photography and would really like some advice on how to get started. I am doing lots of research at the moment although I would welcome any thoughts or opinions that members of this site may have.

I am a complete beginner and would like to know your thoughts on the following:

1) Should I start by taking a course? - I am not sure if I should take a full time college course (A level/Btec national diploma), pay for a short course (days/weeks) or just begin experimenting with my camera and researching - reading books, browsing the web, speaking to photographers etc

2) I need to buy a camera but am unsure as to what to buy. I am interested in focusing on photographing music bands and artists. I have numerous friends involved in music and would like to photograph at live gigs, when they are in the studio, portrait, press shots for promotional material etc. What type of camera and equiptment should I be looking to buy? (also should I begin working with digital or film?)

3) Should I also be looking at courses in photo processing, photoshop, lighting etc or will this be running before I can walk?

I apologise if some of my questions seem naive however, please take into consideration I am a complete beginner starting from square one and I would really like as much advice as possible.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

Cheers

Danny

 

[Nicci]

Hi Danny,

Have a look around at cameras, hold them and **** ever feels comfortable to you buy it. I've only just got a nikon d40, before that I only had a kodak c182 and still got good shots (well for me I did lol).

If you can take good pictures with a compact you can take good pictures with any camera,

Have fun on tp and with taking pictures, ask for adviceon the other forums too, don't be afraid to ask any question.

Software is also handy to have, you can download picassa3 and photoshops a good one to have also have a look for ULead (think you can download that too).

Like I say though have fun while doing photography

Nicci

 

[feek]

Hi Danny, Your first post was in May of last year, where you stated the same as above, How come you still haven't bought a camera, and are still asking the same questions? Rob

 

[DGN1984]

Hi Rob,

After first deciding to get into photography last year, due to personal reasons it is only now that I am in a position to seriously start. As mentioned in my post I am looking for as much advice as possible.

Thanks

Danny

 

[feek]

Fair point and good luck to you As, has been stated in your other thread, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. I would buy an entry level DSLR with kit lens and go out and start taking photos of anything that catches your eye. Find out what subjects interest you, architecture, people, nature, landscapes etc. I would also think about subjects that you already have an interest in. I say this, because if you look at photographers who love the subject they photograph, the love shows through in their photos and the knowledge they have. The reason I say to go for an entry level camera is that you will find out how to reach the limits of that particular camera, and also learn about what lenses you will need, i.e. telephoto, macro, primes etc for the subjects you're interested in. Courses have their obvious uses, but you need to find out if photography is for you to begin with:shrug: I wish you all the best in your venture and feel that if anybody has answers it's people on this forum Rob

 

[PsiFox]

Have a look at the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson

Get a camera and start using it

 

[PatrickO]

Hi Danny
If you really are interested in making a living from photography you should be aware that it is a VERY competitive profession. I know of one intelligent and talented photographer who has tried to make a living and failed. He found it was not too hard to make some pocket money and cover his expenses but very hard to make a decent living.

I agree with feek and Psifox - get any cheap DSLR (or a compact with manual controls) and start taking pictures. You need to be obsessed with it - take pictures all day every day. Get a couple of photography books from the library. Read all the forums and advice here - there are some brilliant photographers here (not me!). Perhaps book yourself on to a photography evening class.

I would say it is unrealistic to think you will be able to make any sort of living out of photography until you have built up a high level of experience and expertise.

Good luck.