Taking the next step: Using it the way its meant to be used

[treeshugger]

Ive had my slr camera about a week and a half now, and since Ive gotten pretty proficient at taking sharp, well-exposed images. Ive fulfilled my original goal of taking suficiently better snapshots than before. For some reason I feel tempted to explore more artistic photography. What is it that makes a photography interesting to look at? Would I benefit most from experimenting with lighting, continuing what im doing, learning software editing, etc? It the latter, what would be a good software to work with? (I have no budget restrictions when it comes to software for certain reasons) What sort of things do photographers take pictures of? Are there any guidelines to composing a good image? Ive been racking up thousands (around 3) of "actuations" on the camera and I suddenly feel like I want to do something worthwhile with it while I have it. Thats leads to a few other questions. What sort of defects does a camera start exhibiting when the shutter is going bad? Can the camera be repaired? And also slightly related, is not using an ultra-violet filter seriously detrimental to the camera or the lens? Is putting the sun in the frame dangerous? Perhaps Im trying to extract creativity from nothing but I cant know until I have more experience with photography. Im prepared to spend a good bit more money, but I get the feeling that would only help so much . . .

Sorry if thats a mouthfull, or too much to ask with one post


David

[treeshugger]

It just occured to me that my last post was begging for a response, "Practice son, practice." Worry not father, Im doing this every day. Any more specific guidance?

[Mark_Cohran]

Ive had my slr camera about a week and a half now, and since Ive gotten pretty proficient at taking sharp, well-exposed images. Ive fulfilled my original goal of taking suficiently better snapshots than before. For some reason I feel tempted to explore more artistic photography. What is it that makes a photography interesting to look at? Would I benefit most from experimenting with lighting, continuing what im doing, learning software editing, etc? It the latter, what would be a good software to work with? (I have no budget restrictions when it comes to software for certain reasons) What sort of things do photographers take pictures of? Are there any guidelines to composing a good image? Ive been racking up thousands (around 3) of "actuations" on the camera and I suddenly feel like I want to do something worthwhile with it while I have it. Thats leads to a few other questions. What sort of defects does a camera start exhibiting when the shutter is going bad? Can the camera be repaired? And also slightly related, is not using an ultra-violet filter seriously detrimental to the camera or the lens? Is putting the sun in the frame dangerous? Perhaps Im trying to extract creativity from nothing but I cant know until I have more experience with photography. Im prepared to spend a good bit more money, but I get the feeling that would only help so much . . .

Sorry if thats a mouthfull, or too much to ask with one post


David

That's an awfully lot to ask, and perhaps better placed in the Talk About Photography forum rather than here in the equipment forum. You will get many different answers to your questions, but I'll try to give you my opinions (based on 30+ years of shooting):

What is it that makes a photography interesting to look at? A good photograph grabs the attention, soothes the soul, excites, calms, brings back memories, highlights the future, etc. Get the idea? There is no formula for making a good photograph. But what all good photographs have in common is that they evoke a response in the viewer. What the response will be varies greatly from photograph to photograph and from viewer to viewer. You can get a thousand different answers about this, I simply think it's ineffable.

Would I benefit most from experimenting with lighting, continuing what im doing, learning software editing, etc? You'll benefit from all of these things, but what you really need to understand are the basics of exposures and lighting. Get it right in the camera first and post-processing becomes so much easier.

It the latter, what would be a good software to work with? Adobe Photoshop is the world's standard. But Photoshop Elements is good for beginners. Others swear by GIMP, PaintShop Pro and other software, but graphics professionals use Photoshop.

What sort of things do photographers take pictures of? Everything and anything.

Are there any guidelines to composing a good image? Of course: the rule of thirds, the golden mean, framing, leading lines, negative and postive space. These are all guidelines you can use. Get yourself several good books on composition (or graphic design) and start reading.

What sort of defects does a camera start exhibiting when the shutter is going bad? Usually you'll see an arc of light on the image, or the image will be partial dark. In some cases, the camera will simply fail and you'll get an error.

Can the camera be repaired? Yes - shutter replacements are running about $200 USD currently.

And also slightly related, is not using an ultra-violet filter seriously detrimental to the camera or the lens? No.

Is putting the sun in the frame dangerous? It can be - for you. However, shooting sunsets and sunrises (when the sun is low in the sky) shouldn't be an issue. When the sun is high in the sky, prolonged exposure to the direct sun could serious damage your eyes.

Good luck!

Mark

[soileauj]

If you want to consider Photoshop Elements, this is a great site and people here are extremely helpful and knowledgeable just like this forum.

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com

Just click on forum when the window opens.

Good Luck

[Jon, The Elder]

MARK's comments are right on the button.
The fact that you are showing interest (real interest) in photography has you crossing the threshold into the truly wonderful world of capturing an instant in time that can never be exactly duplicated. SLOW DOWN and investigate each aspect you questioned. A methodical approach will get you further in the long run. Find a type of subject that has a natural appeal to you and work every aspect of camera,lighting, timing, etc. until you are comfortable. Then move on. It can be a lifetime of learning and satisfaction along the way.

[sapearl]

For inspiration and curiousity visit an art gallery and study the old masters. Pick up some art books too - a lot can be "visually learned" about lighting, shadow, compostion, etc. from many of the great artists of the last 500 years.

For example, the Photoshop function of SHARPENING is at least that old, with the technique having been borrowed from the great painters. - Stu

.......For some reason I feel tempted to explore more artistic photography. What is it that makes a photography interesting to look at? ....... .
David