So finally opted for the D40, picked it up on Friday & been having a play over the weekend. I am looking to get a book but just wondering where to start, should I learn about the camera first or general photopgraphy? The books I am looking at are the Thom Hogan guide to the D40 & The Ansel Adams Guide: Basics Techinques of Photography.
Best way to start learning?
- Thread starter paul8811
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Soldato
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'Understanding exposure' is one that gets suggested quite a lot. Persoanlly ive learnt from taking the picture out and taking loads of shots. Go out every day for a while and you'll soon figure out how the camera works and what looks good and what doesn't. Also have a look around the internet for tutorials and guides on various topics.
I usually link to the tutorials at the bottom of this site (because, hey, they're free!) but a website's not so convenient to read on the tube!
On the other hand the printable 40 page PDF here is also free but only deals with exposure. Since that's probably the trickiest technical aspect to overcome it's definitely worth reading. Also free
Enjoy the new camera and as mk said, you'll nail it far quicker if you can get out shooting regularly.
On the other hand the printable 40 page PDF here is also free but only deals with exposure. Since that's probably the trickiest technical aspect to overcome it's definitely worth reading. Also free
Enjoy the new camera and as mk said, you'll nail it far quicker if you can get out shooting regularly.
Soldato
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Hi there
I am pretty new to photography my self, but only after a few weeks i have started to pick up a lot of knowledge and ideas.
It wasn't long since i was asking the same questions as you, and it will not be long until you are looking back at your question wondering how you thought it could ever be so complicated.
The best step i took was to just start taking my camera everywhere... i bought a lowepro trekker 2 bag which means where ever i go, my camera goes, even if i need to pack other stuff in my bag. You pretty soon get used to your camera.
first you will get used to the menus and where all the buttons are, you may not understand what it all means but you will know where it is for future. then you will start seeing the results on screen. At the end of every day, on the bus journey home i will sit and flick through every image looking at it and learning.
Magazines play a big part too. the reviews can be seen as bias but just by reading them you will start to pick bits and bobs up... whats a 'fast glass' and ND grad? all will become clear
its amazing how it all just 'clicks' into place too.
Is there anyone in your area that you can go out with ? i learned a lot just going out with people i met on another forum and just having general camera banter. sharing ideas and knowledge.
Try the daft 'projects' in the magazines too. they may seem a little blue peter but they will help you to understand your camera and its settings!
have fun,
Rick
I am pretty new to photography my self, but only after a few weeks i have started to pick up a lot of knowledge and ideas.
It wasn't long since i was asking the same questions as you, and it will not be long until you are looking back at your question wondering how you thought it could ever be so complicated.
The best step i took was to just start taking my camera everywhere... i bought a lowepro trekker 2 bag which means where ever i go, my camera goes, even if i need to pack other stuff in my bag. You pretty soon get used to your camera.
first you will get used to the menus and where all the buttons are, you may not understand what it all means but you will know where it is for future. then you will start seeing the results on screen. At the end of every day, on the bus journey home i will sit and flick through every image looking at it and learning.
Magazines play a big part too. the reviews can be seen as bias but just by reading them you will start to pick bits and bobs up... whats a 'fast glass' and ND grad? all will become clear
its amazing how it all just 'clicks' into place too.
Is there anyone in your area that you can go out with ? i learned a lot just going out with people i met on another forum and just having general camera banter. sharing ideas and knowledge.
Try the daft 'projects' in the magazines too. they may seem a little blue peter but they will help you to understand your camera and its settings!
have fun,
Rick