Fodao
9th of April 2008 (Wed), 14:46
I was hoping for some knowledgeable insight and I found this website, so I hope you guys can help.
I've fooled around with photography for the last 10 years and the last 3-5 years I have gotten semi-serious with it. A year ago I went from my film Canon Rebel to a Canon Digital XTi with the kit lens, a cheap 50mm 1.8, and a 70-200mm 4.0. I have a solid understanding of the basics (light, composition, etc.) and I know how exposure works (though sometimes I don't consider it enough with each and every shot.)
I've hit a rut in my learning. For quite a while now, I don't seem to be doing anything different or learning anything new. While most of my shots are generally pleasant, I don't feel I get enough that make me go "Oooh!" I think part of this is because I know zilch about post processing; I just recently learned the power of the crop and have salvaged some so-so shots into real zingers.
So after that long-winded intro my questions:
Can anyone recommend a good book or online resource that I can use to increase my *shooting* skill, considering my current aptitude? I'm talking about something that goes into detail about gear and light and exposure (with example photos) rather than saying "fill your frame" and "use the rule of thirds."
I don't know where to start down my road to post processing. I'm working with Picasa right now but I would like to have greater control over what I'm doing. Any recommendations for getting started: literature and (most importantly) software packages? I'd like software I can grow into but one that won't break the bank at $800. (I'd be willing to spend up to $200)
Any other tips and pushes in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!
I've fooled around with photography for the last 10 years and the last 3-5 years I have gotten semi-serious with it. A year ago I went from my film Canon Rebel to a Canon Digital XTi with the kit lens, a cheap 50mm 1.8, and a 70-200mm 4.0. I have a solid understanding of the basics (light, composition, etc.) and I know how exposure works (though sometimes I don't consider it enough with each and every shot.)
I've hit a rut in my learning. For quite a while now, I don't seem to be doing anything different or learning anything new. While most of my shots are generally pleasant, I don't feel I get enough that make me go "Oooh!" I think part of this is because I know zilch about post processing; I just recently learned the power of the crop and have salvaged some so-so shots into real zingers.
So after that long-winded intro my questions:
Can anyone recommend a good book or online resource that I can use to increase my *shooting* skill, considering my current aptitude? I'm talking about something that goes into detail about gear and light and exposure (with example photos) rather than saying "fill your frame" and "use the rule of thirds."
I don't know where to start down my road to post processing. I'm working with Picasa right now but I would like to have greater control over what I'm doing. Any recommendations for getting started: literature and (most importantly) software packages? I'd like software I can grow into but one that won't break the bank at $800. (I'd be willing to spend up to $200)
Any other tips and pushes in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!