Im New to Photography! Where should i start?

What interests you ? There must've been a reason you've bought the camera ?
 
First and foremost, learn how to use the camera, so that it becomes an extension of yourself and you feel comfortable using the camera.
Then, learn about photography, start with the basics, such as Shutter Speeds, Apertures and ISO's and how all three work in conjunction to give you the correct exposure.
Finally, learn about composition, rule of thirds, stuff like that.
If you need more help, just ask.
 
The above is so true. I've had my camera for almost 2 years and I'm still learning. Most of all, enjoy taking pictures and learn what you've done wrong when they don't come out as you'd expect.

If you're into landscapes, you'll need some filters
 
1. Sit down with the manual and the camera, go through the manual trying out the various options on the camera.

2. Sit down with the camera and the book 'Understanding Exposure'. Try some of the excercises, read a bit more, experiment a bit more, take the camera outside and experiment some more.

3. Try photographing different subjects, decide what you like shooting best, practise some more.
 
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google online photography courses and tutorials - i did a load of them when i started using my first DSLR and it helped no end
 
When you have done the above, take photographs. Heaps of 'em. When you look at them, analyse why each one worked or didn't work. If you can't decide why it didn't work, post them on here and ask for critique. When you have shots that have worked, post them on here for critique.

Most of all, enjoy your new hobby.
 
hollis_f said:
1. Sit down with the manual and the camera, go through the manual trying out the various options on the camera.

2. Sit down with the camera and the book 'Understanding Exposure'. Try some of the excercises, read a bit more, experiment a bit more, take the camera outside and experiment some more.

3. Try photographing different subjects, decide what you like shooting best, practise come some.
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What I'll add about the manual is that you need to ignore all the preset modes; sports landscape etc.

Stick to P, M, A, S. or whatever they're called on Nikon.
 
I'm still relatively new and very much learning. Been doing it for about 18 months now. My advice is to read, watch, read, watch as much stuff on photography as you can, but never forget to just take your camera out and enjoy it!! Sometimes at the beginning you try and absorb a lot of information which can make your head spin. I did and felt I wanted to give up on it all, then I realised it was something to enjoy; the purpose of the end product (the photograph!) is to give you and any viewer pleasure! So don't make it too hard that you don't have fun.

It may be worth getting booked on a one off 2-3 hour course in your area. I got a voucher off groupon for £25, for an evening walk around Liverpool. Best thing I could have done tbh. Got a great understanding about aperture, shutter speed and iso and a set of shots I was made up with.

Good luck!
 
If you learn how to use your camera first, what it does and why, then you can recreate a shot, if you don't understand your camera, you will have good shots but not how how you got them :)

Experiment, analyse, learn, develop, it's easy to let the camera do the work for you but better if you direct it yourself ;)

Phil.
 
excellent :) read the manual
grab a magazine that captures your interest
I like the basic scott kirby books too (he's a nutter but a few useful tips)
if you like landscapes, get a tripod
and look around for camera clubs and make your hobby a social event if that's your style of things
 
So after watching several videos on the web and looking through peoples websites, i finally went out to shoot and got a couple of good shots:

http://thewonkylens.blogspot.co.uk

I dont know how to upload them but they are on my blog!

Feedback would be appreciated :)

Thanks
 
Get as much info as you can from professional sources online or in a few really good books. Good advice above, to which I'd add -- practice, practice, practice!

Had a look at your pics. Well exposed. I like the water droplets on the leaves. Just take time to think about all that's in the frame and where, and where you've focused the lens. That kind of thing. Your camera's capable of great shots with your good technique and vision.

Don't be disheartened when it doesn't quite come together. Give it time -- and did I say lots of practice?!
 
I'd agree with practice
I made a early decision to shoot manual, and I'm very glad I did. I learned every time I took a shot, now happy plodding away in aperture priority, but understanding why. and if I want a specific shot, happy to shoot manual again. I'd say its a great learning experience, especially if you take the time to shoot the same shot with different settings to see results
I'd add, get into editing. I started with picassa, but now using Lightroom 3, and I enjoy mucking about with that almost as much as shooting. I've got elements too, but cant quite get to grips with all the layers etc (but Ive been avoiding it, and just too busy to immerse myself, bring on winter and tucked up bored night and day)
Shoot what you enjoy, enjoy what you shoot, then share it for feedback
 
TheWonkyLens1 said:
I have just bought a Nikon D3200 with the kit Lens 18 - 55mm ! Where should i start? i.e. what photos to take/how to start properley?

Thanks in advance :)
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STOP!

Don't be in such a rush.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=440126

Have a read through that in conjunction with your camera's manual. Learn what your camera is doing, and how you can take control of it.


What photos to take? That's up to you :) What do you WANT to shoot? Go shoot it... once you know how to operate the camera properly.
 
Can't agree more with reading the manual. The amount of people who don't read it then need to ask questions where all the answers are in the manual. It should be the first thing you do.

Next you should go out and take photos. And lots of them learn what all the setting do and play around with them, see how adjusting different things has a difference effect on the pictures you take.
 
As others have said, don't rush it, take your time, get to know your camera inside out. I certainly found N-Photo, the dedicated Nikon Mag good for tips, advice etc. Also agree with previous poster regarding YouTube videos and tutorials, I've learnt loads watching tutorials from the like of That Nikon Guy on YouTube. Get out and about with your camera as often as you can. I've had mine for over 2 years now, and finally feel that I'm now getting somewhere with my photography and enjoying it more. Maybe try the 52 project on this forum, I'm sure there will be a new one starting up in January. Finally, of course, gain as much knowledge, information, help and advice from as many people on here as possible
 
I agree with the above bud,I got mine about a year ago and was lost by every thing because of how much there is to grasp.
Like everyone says get to know how to use the camera as I am trying to do and bit by bit things start to make a little more sense.
I have put a few pics on my page if you want to have a look,nothing like some of the shots on here but they are a lot better than I took twelve months ago.
 
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