Beginner - Few Questions on my A70

[nathank]

Hello everyone, I have been enjoying reading the forums today after I found the link this morning. Very nice, I especially enjoy everyone's work on display in the pictures area.

I purchased an A70 a while back, I really haven't used it much aside from a couple of vacations. I would really like to get into doing more than just snapping pictures but I don't understand most (if not all) of the terminology everyone is using. All the numbers and specs everyone is using reads like japanese to me.

I guess what it all boils down to is, would I benefit from buying some add-ons for the A70 such as wideangle and such? I am really interested in learning about all this, but I really don't know where to start.

All help is greatly appreciated!

[cool_dude07]

A good start would be to take an introductory course to digital photography. Read your manual thoroughly and become familiar with your camera.

After you have a good handle on composition and photo techniques, then it would be a good idea to get add-ons, filters, hoods, etc.

You don't become a better photographer by adding things to your camera...become educated and practice.

Just an opinion

[RossW]

nathank -- welcome to the forum, and have fun with your camera. I'll second what cool dude said, but have a slightly different take on your question. If you find you are always saying something like, "Wow, I wish I could get about 10 feet further back from the subject," or "Wow, if only I were able to get much closer to the subject," then getting a wide angle or teleconverter would really encourage you to take photos you enjoy. Ditto for something like a tripod if your pictures are a bit shakey. That said, however, CD is right... you don't become a better photographer by adding things...

BTW, I always recommend checking your local library for some useful books on photography techniques.

[nathank]

Thank you both for the ideas, I have been looking into classes here locally. I am hoping there is something I can get into next semester.