Starting Out

[Domo Kun]

Hello, I recently started a photography course, which led to the purchase of a Canon 350d and a 55mm-200mm lens to go with it.

Im 3 months into the course and the teacher is uninspiring, to say the least so I thought I would come here.
Firstly, what sort of pictures do you think would be ther most useful for extensive manipulation? (by hand and photoshop)
Secondly, what gear do I need ontop of what I already have? (Bag spare batteries, UV filters.)

Thanks guys :)

[ryant35]

I find portraits to be good for manipulation, but depending on what you would like to do, landscapes are good too. It's up to what you can do in Photoshop and what you are looking to achieve.

Of course you'll need a bag, I suggest going to a local camera store and looking around and finding something that will hold what you have and what you may expect to get. Find something that is right for you. I have a Lowepro Computreker Pro backpack because I usually travel with large lens, a second body, a bunch of accessories and a laptop. I also have a smaller shoulder bag that will fit 1 camera body & a couple of lens if I don't want to haul around a large backpack. I bought small bag first, then a slightly larger one of the same brand and gave my mom the smaller one for her new camera. Don't be afraid to upgrade, you can always sell the stuff you don't need or like me find someone who needs it more.

Spare batteries are always nice to have around, but unless you are looking to shoot more than a few thousand shots between charges it may not be needed.

A UV filter would be useful to protect your lens from physical damage.

You may want to look into a wider lens, like the 18-55mm EF/S to go with your 55-200. Also you can never go wrong with more memory, look for ads at your local electronic stores for good deals but I would stay away from off-brand names. Stick with SanDisk, or Lexar ect..

[neilwood32]

Only things i would say to add in the near future are (similar to ryant):

1) tripod - will make shooting possible in conditions you cant at the moment (long exposures, etc)
2) Memory - its so cheap just now its a shame not to (and you never know when you might need some more - first motor racing event i went to i shot 3 full 2GB cards and didnt have any more available!)
3) Bag - go for a decent brand (preferably one with a waterproof cover - you never know when you might need it) and get it bigger than you currently need - you will fill it!
4) Shorter lens - 55-250 is quite a long lens esp if you want to try landscapes or buildings.

I wouldnt worry about the UV filter - just make sure you use the lens hood and cap. The filter glass can sometimes cause worse damage if it breaks.

Oh and welcome to POTN! :)

[Mike-DT6]

Welcome to the forum Domo Kun. :-)

As others have said, you will probably find the need for a shorter lens quite soon, so have a look at what is available for wide angle and ultra-wide angle use (look in the POTN lens forum section ;-) ).

Regarding your second question, I wouldn't necessarily approach photography that way. If you are lacking inspiration, I would have a good think about what type of photography appeals to you, then pursue that first and foremost. Try to find inspiration in the subject rather than what you might be able to do with it by manipulation afterwards.

Mike

:-)

[PhotosGuy]

I would have a good think about what type of photography appeals to you, then pursue that first and foremost. I agree that this is a good place to start. Later, shoot something that doesn't interest you & try to make it interesting, & you'll learn even more. Bag That's a very personal choice. Look at some & see what appeals to you with a bit of room for expansion. spare batteries, Keep in mind that all batteries aren't created equal. The one I got from Canon is 1390 mAh. One I bought is 1800 mAh & I've seen even higher rated ones. Last weekend I shot an all day v-ball tournament with the 1800 mAh battery & didn't need the back-up battery. (This was with the LCD display turned off.) UV filters.) I seldom use one unless things are flying through the air & rely on the hood to protect the glass. 4) Shorter lens Despite what some people say, the 18-55mm Kit Lens is pretty good at f/8-f/11 & at about $60, it's a great deal.
Post your best shots from the "kit lens"-EF-S 18-55 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522)

meanwhile, thing about some faster glass in the future.