Newbie needs help with G2

[Twelve Volt Man]

I am new to the world of photography. I wanted a digital camera and, after doing a lot of research, I settled on a Canon Powershot G2. I now realize that I may have bought more camera than I need... and certainly more than I know how to use. I've read through the manual, but it seems more geared for one with a more advanced knowledge of photography. I know absolutely nothing about most of the features that my camera offers. My question is this: Can anyone provide me with a website where I can learn more about getting into photography and how to use the features on my G2? Feel free to reply with any hints and tips you might have, as well. I apologize if this is an old and common question here, but I just found this site. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Andy_T]

Hi Twelve Volt,

sorry, don't have much time to provide you with links for beginner's pages, maybe the following will help you:

http://www.dcviews.com/tutors.htm

http://www.agfanet.com/en/cafe/photocourse/digicourse/lesson13/cont_chapter02.php3

http://betterphoto.com/home.asp

http://www.ephotozine.com/techniques/index.cfm?subject=13

Apart from that ... take your camera, put it into 'Auto' or 'P' mode, go out and start taking photographs!

Find out what works well and what doesn't...

At night, when it's too dark to take photographs, read through this forum (especially the G2 forum, but also photography tips on other forums). Learn from the questions others have already asked!

Hope that helps...

Regards,
Andy

[dicky109]

Also check out

http://www.shortcourses.com/

Many free tutorials and even have a printable pocket guide, so that you can take a concise version of the manual with you.

Have fun.

[Twelve Volt Man]

Great links. Thanks for the help.

[anoop_mn]

I believe you should learn some basics of "photography" and not worry about the equipment and the million settings on the G2. The best place I have come across is:

http://www.photo.net/learn/

Enjoy taking pictures.
Anoop

[aberdeen]

Wonderfully cool that you got into it!!!

I have found many different sources that have helped me greatly when I first bought my G2.

It's Great!!! It's Digital!!! Don't like it? Erase it!!!

Seriously, I would suggest the book "The Beginner's Guide to Digital Imaging" by Rob Sheppard. Like you, I knew how to push the shutter button, but I wanted to know why the picture turned out the way it did, and what I could do to change it if I wanted to.

Also, spend a lot of time shooting. A LOT OF TIME! When I first got my G2, I never left home without it and a tripod. I can always click it on and shoot something. Thousands of G2 images went through that camera because I always had it with me.

Experiment with the modes and remember what happened to the shot when you used those modes. Then return to the books and digital photography magazines (also a decent source of light reading material) and read about what modes you used. Or learn something in the book and go experiment with your camera right away. With some patience and perserverance, you will be taking some ace shots with it.

Good Luck!

[ajax]

I eased myself into the G2 by taking all my initital photos using the Automatic setting. When I had spare time, I photographed silly stuff while watching television or feeling lazy.....the tv remote, flowers on the coffee table, pencils, doorknobs...nothing was spared. I would critique them, then delete 'em. And start over.

One day I picked up the manual and read it--beginning to end. I certainly didn't absorb it all, but, at least I knew more about the capabilities and as the weeks went by I would remember bits "heyyy...I remember reading about...." and I would pull out the manual and read and fiddle with taking more nonsense shots.

I also read and reread many [all?] posts on this forum. It's a learning process, and in many ways, I am still a babe in the woods. But, it's sooo fun!

Good luck...don't give up!