Virgin Photographer

[BBK]

I am 52 years old and just took up photography, this descision was made because i won a Canon EOS 300D in a raffle draw. Having only had my camera 3 days i haven't got much beyond looking at all the buttons or working out what they do. However, having looked at the internet and magazines i am interested in attempting some still life photgraphy and would appreciate some tips on how to begin

Thanks in anticpation

[kawter2]

Buy a HUGE Memory Card and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT

You will find what you like and dont like. The advantage w/digital, you don't have to pay money every time you push the shutter.


After you develope a taste/style you can be prepared to ask more specific questions

[malum]

This is the wrong section to post in

I'm pretty sure you'd get a good response if someone moves it for you

[Mark_Cohran]

How to begin? If you haven't already done so, purchase some books on basic photography or use some online forums to learn the basics of exposure, composition and lighting. You need to know the effects of shutter speed, aperture, ISO and white balance on your photograph. These are simple concepts and their theory can be learned in a single weekend.

Once you understand these concepts, practice using them with your camera. You'll pretty quickly become proficient in adjusting these parameters to achieve the impact you desire and you can start concentrating on your composition and lighting.

So, learn the basic concepts and practice, practice, practice. That really all that the rest of us do.

[Michaelmjc]

Buy a HUGE Memory Card and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT

You will find what you like and dont like. The advantage w/digital, you don't have to pay money every time you push the shutter.


After you develope a taste/style you can be prepared to ask more specific questions

Agreed, I would get at least a 256 mb card (only like 40-50 bucks now) and just go out and shoot, once you find something you like taking picture so. Go in that direction.

Post some pictures, I'd love to see some.

[Paul_B]

Some reading for you, I found these very helpfull getting started. Keep reading and shooting.

Canon Digital Learning (http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/rick_sammon.html)

Canon EOS Beginners FAQ (http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/)

Page 87 of the Manual, turn on Histogram in options.

Understanding Histograms (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml)

This will keep you busy :)

[Andy_T]

BBK,

welcome to the forum :D

Just do what the others said ... go out and take some pictures.
Use the automatic modes at first and see what the camera does for your pictures.

You have a very capable camera ... with a bit of time, you'll get the hang of it.

Best regards,
Andy

[Marvinspu36]

There are many good books out there. Check out "A Short Course in Canon EOS Digital Rebel Photography." I bought the one for my 20D and have found it to be very useful. The author steps you through taking pictures using the automatic modes and using the Creative modes (partially manual or fully manual). He includes examples and camera settings. What's nice is that it is written specifically for your camera. He also includes information on how to use historgrams for determining correct exposure (an invaluable tool) and other more advanced features of the camera.

Click here (http://www.shortcourses.com/bookstore/canon/book_canonrebel.htm)to see the Short Course for the Digital Rebel/300D.

And like others have said, take lots of pictures, and have fun! It's addictive!

[forrest64]

Virgin Photographer

Having only had my camera 3 days i haven't got much beyond looking at all the buttons or working out what they do. However, having looked at the internet and magazines i am interested in attempting some still life photgraphy and would appreciate some tips on how to begin

Thanks in anticpation


Just close your eyes and think of England.

[cactusclay]

Put it in P mode and shoot away, then when things don't turn out the way you want, ask questions here to figure out what you want the camera to do. Good luck.

[RJSorensen]

You will love your Rebel. A great hobby to start . . .

[PhotosGuy]

Did you see these?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53846
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52418

[robertwgross]

Sign up for a basic photography class or else a digital photography class at a local community college or adult education center.

---Bob Gross---

[DocFrankenstein]

Just close your eyes and think of England.
:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Medic1]

Welcome to the forum........as said, either take a course or buy a photography book. I chose the book route, and will probably still take some courses. But the book was a great start, and I could sit down and read any time I had a little free time on my hands.

[BBK]

Many thanks to all of you who replied to my plea for assistance, having read all the replies i have now got some good ideas and will look forward to sharing my progress with you.

Thanks for your support

[Marshall]

Got quite excited when I first read the title of this thread, to fulfil a lifetime ambition- a virgin who is interested in photography.
Sorry BBK but as a hetro you were a dissapointment !!!

[Andy_T]

Got quite excited when I first read the title of this thread, to fulfil a lifetime ambition- a virgin who is interested in photography.

Hmm ... I don't really think that some zodiac signs are better at photography than others.

Best regards,
Andy