Can anybody help me?

[PassionForMusic15]

Hi, I'm a complete beginner at Photography, and looking at some of the threads on this forum it looks like most people on here know their stuff.
I was just wondering if anybody could help me with a very easy tips to Photography such as which camera is the best.. and things like that would be much appreciated (bearing in mind that i'm only 15)
Thanks for your help,
Hannah;)

[blackshadow]

Welcome to POTN!

Searching the forums would probably help.

And more important asking the right questions... what do you want to photograph, how much do you have to spend etc

[dave kadolph]

Hannah

Welcome to the forum.

Do a little looking here:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

As mentioned--budget and expectations are an important factor.

This is an area that can get expensive quickly. :)

[LW Dail]

Hannah,

Welcome and congratulations for being able to ask for help!

I'd suggest reading. A lot! Search for recommended reading within the forums. Look for basic photography books, technique, and composition.

Your library will have these, to help with cost.

There are also classes available at most shops, community colleges, or parks/recreation.

Start shooting some pictures using what you are learning, then post the pics here for comments.

And good luck!

[Furf]

Here are two books that everyone has recommended to me to read. Understanding exposures (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201362043&sr=8-1) And Perfect Exposure: Jim Zuckerman's Secrets to Great Photographs

And like others have stated What do you really want out of photography and what do you want to shoot. I started this hobby about 3 weeks ago and it can be expensive. But that is up to you and your budget. I would say do what I did pick up a used camera to see if you really are interested in photog. just my 2 Cents.

[Perry Ge]

Welcome to POTN! You'll find that the camera is not actually that important, learning the techniques of photography: exposure, composition, storytelling, post-processing, will do a lot more for your photos than any piece of gear will.

Happy shooting!

[PhotosGuy]

what do you want to photograph, how much do you have to spend etc Good question.
Cameras are important, but not as important as good glass to work with them. Answers are important too. ;)

[Mark_Cohran]

Another welcome. If you spend some time on here just reading the threads that catch your interest, checking out the sticky threads at the top of the equipment forums, and asking specific questions as they arise, you'll find that you'll learn quickly.

[stoolpidgeon]

Also, be aware that this a canon-related site, so you SHOULD only get recommendations from the Canon range. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but you know...

Anyway, that should make it easier. Each manufacturer has a large range of cameras and features, and will be somewhat comparable to each other anyway. Your aims/goals and expense limits will probably end up determining it for you.

And one other thing: If you're going be into photography fairly seriously etc, and have a REALLY REALLY good friend who is also getting into photography as well, you might want to get a similar camera to theirs. My brother is a serious photographer, and we started together; it was good when we first started off that we could borrow each other's equipment. That way, we could save up for only 1 special lens each, and yet have access to 2.

One last tip: Don't buy below your limitations. Cameras with more of the 'pro' features may be harder to use initially, but once you start learning how to use them, the simpler, more 'automatic' models can really annoy you with their lack of control they [don't] give you.

------
Edit (PS)

When you say you're new to photography, how new do you mean? Starting off, once you have your camera, it would be good to learn about shot composition as well as some of the other technical features of cameras and what they do. You can know all the technical features of a camera back to front, but learning how to make or to recognise a good shot is almost more important. Let us know how new you are, and we can at least give you some decent search terms to help with your understanding. Also, go to your local library and get some books on digital photography - they help.

[RavenLeFey]

Hi Folks, thank you for answering & welcoming Hannah.....she is my daughter ;)

I've joined to try & learn things alongside her so I can (hopefully!) help her out :)

[Furf]

Lol well there goes the neighborhood.

Nah just kidding with you.

I welcome you here to POTN. I am a new member here too. I have already learned a lot and these folks here are awesome. They have a great wealth of knowledge. So again welcome to POTN.

[RavenLeFey]

Thank you Furf, what HAVE you got on your head...........or is it best not to ask.... LOL

[Furf]

The long and short of that is that it is a No SEW hat. for sugar gliders. If you are really interested check these guys out sugarglider.net. You will see me all over there.

[RavenLeFey]

aww, they are cute little critters.........I just had a peek. We have 2 dogs & 4 chinchillas

[Mark_Cohran]

Hi Folks, thank you for answering & welcoming Hannah.....she is my daughter ;)

I've joined to try & learn things alongside her so I can (hopefully!) help her out :)

It's great to see an engaged parent. I'm sure Hannah will appreciate it (if not now, certainly later in life). :)

[PassionForMusic15]

haha yeah thanks mum :D

Thank you so much everyone for your advice i really appreciate it
I'll have to look through other threads more thoroughly when i have more time you know because of coursework n stuff :(

Stoolpidgion, my friend is also looking into doing Photography so maybe we can do the same as what you and your brother did - buying one each and having access to two.#

By the way, I'm very new to photography. I don't have a proper camera of my own but my Dad as a couple that he would let me borrow


I think i might go to my local libary soon to check out what they have about Photography
As for how much am i willing to spend - I'm thinking for now to use my Dad's cameras but maybe once i've got the hang of it and learnt a little more, i can save up and buy my own (maybe second hand?)

Thanks again everyone :D

[Furf]

..... i can save up and buy my own (maybe second hand?):D

This I would Say YES to. that is what I did. And I am very happy with what I have.