Where can I find a very basic intro to photography?

[FelixFeles]

Hello all,

I have recently acquired an S3 IS camera, and this is, for me, a massive "upgrade," if you will. The only cameras I have previously used are extremely basic "point and shoot" styles, 35mm and an old digital, with no controls whatsoever except flash on or flash off. I don't know the first thing about the principles of photography, except for what can be guessed from common sense. I haven't the faintest idea what 99% of the terminology on this forum means, if that gives you any idea where I'm coming from... However, I would like to learn to take good photographs, and to use the functions which make this camera so powerful. Can anyone suggest any websites, guides, or whatever to serve as an introduction to "manual" photography in general, that isn't geared too much towards a specific camera?

Thanks!

Edit: I'm sorry if this thread seems a bit redundant, since there's another one in play now that looks similar at first glance, but most of the other threads/resources mentioned seem to presuppose a bit of prior knowledge about "higher" photography.

[casaaviocar]

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a good book for learning the basics of photography.

[FelixFeles]

Thanks, I'll get it. I've seen it recommended before very highly on here, but didn't know if it'd be as basic as I'm in need of.

[cmcleod69]

2nd the recommendation...and, have your camera near you while you read. Try things as you read about them, and see results for yourself. It will accelerate your understanding of the basic principles involved.

[spur]

Hello all,

I have recently acquired an S3 IS camera, and this is, for me, a massive "upgrade," if you will. The only cameras I have previously used are extremely basic "point and shoot" styles, 35mm and an old digital, with no controls whatsoever except flash on or flash off. I don't know the first thing about the principles of photography, except for what can be guessed from common sense. I haven't the faintest idea what 99% of the terminology on this forum means, if that gives you any idea where I'm coming from... However, I would like to learn to take good photographs, and to use the functions which make this camera so powerful. Can anyone suggest any websites, guides, or whatever to serve as an introduction to "manual" photography in general, that isn't geared too much towards a specific camera?

Thanks!



Here are 2 very good FREE courses to get you started; then get Peterson's "Understanding Exposure".

The short course is exactly what you want it's very basic and easy to understand.

The second one is a little more in depth but still very easy to follow step by step.

Good luck.

http://www.shortcourses.com/using/index.htm

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php

[Cindi]

These might help as well

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/pss3is/index-e.html

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/p_2_001.html