Where to start?

aidman · 23 Dec 2006 at 10:54

Hello,

As much as I am a computer geek... I have a love of photography - I can't draw, I can't paint or create amazing digital images in photoshop so I have to fall back on what is really there!

I've managed to pick up a Canon 350D on ebay for a pretty good price with a couple of lenses, one being the standard one which comes with the camera and the other being a sigma fisheye lense... and although these may not be the best lenses for me, at least I have something to start with!

What I'm really interested in is knowing where to start - Photography will never be the be all and end all in my life, I'll never be the best... I simply want to take some good pictures which I can be proud of and get printed up to help me add some life to the bare walls of my flat!

TIA - Aidman :cool:

^^Gord^^ · 23 Dec 2006 at 11:42

Is the 350D your first camera? If it is you are best in learning how to use the camera and understanding the basics such as the effect aperture and shutter speed has on your photos.

If you feel you know enough to work the camera then I would next look at what subjects interest you... planes, cars, bikes, landscapes, people?

What you want to take pictures of will affect what lenses you need.

With the lenses you have I were you I'd try start off with some urban shots. Take a look at some of threads in here for some inspiration.

Joe T · 23 Dec 2006 at 12:02

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen might be a good place to start.

As is this forum.

Jotun · 23 Dec 2006 at 13:24

Welcome to the forums.

There is a lot of good info in the sticky.

When I first started, I found this to be the best guide. Explains the basics of composition, aperture and shutter speed, amongst other things.

As joe said, this forum is a great help, if you get stuck, no doubt someone can help

One of the best ways to improve is to post images asking for critique and ways you might be able to improve the shot, or just feedback in general

aidman · 23 Dec 2006 at 17:06

Thanks for all the replies, to answer a couple of questions:

Is the 350D your first camera?

Nope, I've had quite a number of cameras over the years... however most were pretty much point and shoot. My last digital camera was a sony 717 which although had some advanced features was basically a glorified point and shoot camera (imho!). Anyway once that died I decided to go with a camera which wasn't limited to the feature set sony give you and decided to buy myself a 350D.

you are best in learning how to use the camera and understanding the basics such as the effect aperture and shutter speed has on your photos.

I couldn't agree more - I really know very little about this camera - I've read the manual and I've played with the features to see what kind of pictures they produce, but I can't say I have an understanding of whats what.

What you want to take pictures of will affect what lenses you need.

I predominantly take shots of landscapes and architecture, however I don't limit myself purely to these two genre. There have been times in the past where I wished I had my camera on me to capture the here and now, wildlife, transport, people...

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Petersen might be a good place to start.

I'll keep an eye out for it - the famous rainforest book store says there is a 4-6 week lead on the title :rolleyes:

Welcome to the forums.

Thankyou - I've always been around, simply didn't find the time to sign up - Always seamed a friendly place to be!!

When I first started, I found this to be the best guide.

Bookmarked - I'll definetly be taking a look at this between mouthfulls of turkey!

One of the best ways to improve is to post images asking for critique and ways you might be able to improve the shot, or just feedback in general

I'll post a few of my favorite shots which I took with the sony 717 shortly.

Thanks for the replies,

Aidman :cool:

aidman · 23 Dec 2006 at 17:16

Here are a couple of photos, ones I have to hand on my lappy.

Let me know what you think.

Aidman

emetic · 23 Dec 2006 at 17:37

is that from lock stock ?

aidman · 23 Dec 2006 at 17:48

BeaumonT said:
is that from lock stock ?

It is indeed - its just behind borough market in london. I think the same scene has been used in quite a few films.

Aidman.

^^Gord^^ · 23 Dec 2006 at 18:01

I use to have an F717 a couple of years ago. It isn't a bad camera, the optics were pretty good, but as you say point and shoot.

The pics you posted up aren't bad but could do with some tweaking in something like Photoshop. The first shot would look better in black and white I think. The second made me chuckle.