Newbie ~ Where to Begin?

[LowSpark420]

I am not new to technology or digital camera's, just new to SLR's and to really understanding how to shoot better.

I purchased a Canon Rebel XSi yesterday, picked up a 4GB card and I am ready to go.

Now what? Haha!!

[LowSpark420]

I actually purchased the Digital SLR Photography for Dummies...haha

[gshappell]

Bought my xsi last week...think the best thing is to get a grasp on the technology(iso,fstops, speed, aperture, etc...) and then just get to taking as many pics as you can to see what works and what doesnt. Thats basically what I'm doing...i hope to be able to post some pics in a month for C&C.

[dpds68]

Start here .

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

[LowSpark420]

I will combine the reading I am doing out of this book with the above link.

I understand a lot of the stuff discussed about shutter speed, aperture, etc...I just don't know how to apply them correctly.

The first thing I really want to learn to be able to apply to photograph's of my son is simply to have indoor and outdoor shots where his image is in crisp focus with the background being slightly hazy. I LOVE that effect!

[Tee Why]

Congrats on the XSi.

[LowSpark420]

Thanks so much!! Anyone have any insight on the best way to start practicing what I want to learn first, which I posted above?

[bsaber]

Thanks so much!! Anyone have any insight on the best way to start practicing what I want to learn first, which I posted above?

Go out and keep shooting. Best way to practice :D Congrats on the camera and welcome to the forums!

[superstes]

I understand a lot of the stuff discussed about shutter speed, aperture, etc...I just don't know how to apply them correctly.

The first thing I really want to learn to be able to apply to photograph's of my son is simply to have indoor and outdoor shots where his image is in crisp focus with the background being slightly hazy. I LOVE that effect!

For a quick start get the Canon 50mm f/1.8, cheap as chips and a great lens for this effect.

For starters though set your lens to it highest aperture, ie, lowest number, position your Son in front of a nice uncluttered background making sure it's quite far away like a distant hedgerow, and remember, for good head shots get in close and focus on the eyes.

Good luck and looking forward to seeing your first shots.

[Pmolan]

I am also relatively new to the XSi.. The first thing I would recomend is to get off the green box and start shooting in "P" mode. This way you can learn to use any of the 9 focus points instead of the camera picking them for you. "P" mode also allows you to set the camera to rapid fire which the green box does not allow. Also pay attention to the settings the camera picks for you (on the bottom part of the screen looking through the viewfinder) and that will get you familiar with different settings for different situations.

[gshappell]

I dont necessarily want to start a new thread as this is hopefully a newbie type question...
I have been taking lots of shots as part of my 'learning', and when i download them to the computer to look at them, they tend to look ok at 50% preview but when I look at them at 100% they look awful...is this normal?

[Smudger79]

I dont necessarily want to start a new thread as this is hopefully a newbie type question...
I have been taking lots of shots as part of my 'learning', and when i download them to the computer to look at them, they tend to look ok at 50% preview but when I look at them at 100% they look awful...is this normal?


Yes, think of it in the same way as a billboard. It looks fine as you drive down the road but if you walk right up to it, the edges appear jagged and it will appear somewhat more pixelated.
It is entirely down to resolution of your screen and the size of the picture. When you look at a picture at 100% it like looking at a photograph a mm away from your eyes.
Don't worry about it because as long as the picture is in focus etc, then you won't notice this pixelation when the picture is printed out.

I'm sure others will be able to explain it better if that's no use to you.

[gshappell]

Ahhh...didnt really have that issue with my old P&S as the resolution was prob half of the xsi at most. Thanks for replying, was beginning to worry that my refurb'd purchase was a wrong decision.

[Lightworks Imaging]

RTFM. Get a book. Read that. Make lots of images. Ask the RIGHT questions. The ones you will discover AFTER shooting 5000 frames that suck. Learn to use your editing program. Read more. Shoot more. Get better. That's how it works for me.

[nwa2]

Thanks so much!! Anyone have any insight on the best way to start practicing what I want to learn first, which I posted above?

What are you interested in?

[thomasro3]

Trial, lots of Error and hopefully some learning.

[LowSpark420]

I love live music, but being 32, married with a one year old would limit me shooting much at shows.

I love hiking and want to get back into that more...I obviously realize that is good for pictures.

I also play guitar (another one of my hobbies), no rocker, but I am ok.

[SOK]

Tinner18, it must be hard for such an expert to mix with us mere mortals;

RTFM

...but is this kind of nonsense really necessary?

Get a book. Read that.

How helpful. I wonder how the OP will every repay you for your generous contribution? :rolleyes:

Ask the RIGHT questions.

Does this actually make sense to anyone?

Get better. That's how it works for me.

Are you for real? Is there a place on this planet where people actually talk like that?

Make lots of images.

These are the only 4 words in your post of any discernible value.


OP;

This link was posted in the 1st response, but please take the time to read (and maybe re-read!) this thread; http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088

This one also offers some good advice...and some more links to follow; http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=604004

This thread is an excellent collection of links to a huge variety of topics. A genuine gold mine of info; http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=458053

As far as printed material goes, "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is probably the most popular book for beginners. Jump on to Amazon and check out prices and availability....or visit your local library!

Last but not least; spend time using your camera. Keep it in your hands as you research (either on the net or when reading a book) so you can experiment as you go. There is no 'easy' way to learn everything there is to know...so you may as well get reading!

[wayneferrell479]

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) by Bryan Peterson $16.61. Was just there looking for some other stuff so thought it couldn't hurt posting it here. http://www.hostimagehere.info/imgs/L/j.gif

[joedlh]

1. Turn on camera.
2. Set mode to green box.
3. Aim at something.
4. Press shutter.
5. Pick best shot and scratch head over what's wrong with it. Try to figure out what creative zone/lens/flash/etc. will allow you to fix it next time.
6. Put on body armor. Post (only) the best shot on this forum. Take advice.
7. Repeat (except for the green box step).

[Pixel Pete]

Here are my suggestions on "Getting Started in Digital Photography (http://peterphun.com/blog/2008/10/17/getting-started-in-digital-photography-tips-to-consider/)"

I have other tips on my blog as well. Let me know via comments if you have questions so that others may share in your adventure of learning.

[LowSpark420]

Do ya'll do a lot with lens filters? I was reading about those last night in my book and I see where they seem to serve two purposes:

1) Protects the camera lens itself
2) Provide various effects (which are not AS needed with dSLR's as they use to be with standard cameras)

Thoughts on if a newbie should invest in any of these to play around with?

[MDavey]

Welcome! I'm new here as well. Good buy on the XSi. That was the first SLR I used and it really amazed me

[WaltA]

Do ya'll do a lot with lens filters? I was reading about those last night in my book and I see where they seem to serve two purposes:

1) Protects the camera lens itself
2) Provide various effects (which are not AS needed with dSLR's as they use to be with standard cameras)

Thoughts on if a newbie should invest in any of these to play around with?


Unless theres a specific reason to install a filter (like a Polarizing filter) any glass you add between the glass in your lens and the subject will probably detract from the quality of your image.

Especially if you buy cheap UV or other filter that the sales people try to sell you with your lens as a "lens protector".

If you want to protect your lens more than it already is buy a lens hood.

[LowSpark420]

What is a lens hood?

[bsaber]

What is a lens hood?

It's the "shade" that goes on the lens.

[LowSpark420]

Do most of ya'll use those?

[bsaber]

It depends from photog to photog. It's pretty evenly split between those who use filters and those that don't. I for one always use filters and the lens hood. The best and I guess cheapest way to protect your lens' front element is the lens hood. However, I've once had a little kid touch the lens element with his VERY greasy fingers and all I had to do was remove the filter and keep shooting. I'm sure others will have different opinions but that's my two pennies. If you do get filters though, make sure they're good quality ones. Otherwise, image quality will suffer.

[superstes]

What is a lens hood?

If you go to a lot of events with other photographers you'll need to use one, else you could be responsible for a lot niftys popping up all over the place.

A hood is an essential piece of kit with many advantages, helps prevent lens flairs, protects front element, imagine turning around in an confined space with your camera over your shoulder and your lens scrapes a wall, you'll be glad of the hood then, also great for standing your lens upright when changing to a different lens, more pro's than con's on this one.

Oh, and it makes your lens look longer :p

Steve

[kandyredcoi]

everybody has their own learning method
read
shoot
read some more
shoot some more
interact with other photog, other than the internet LOL
be creative

u can also check out photos that you like, to study how its composed, how the lighting is done, and sometimes they will even tell you the settings and the equipments they use

congrats and good luck

[thomasro3]

1. Turn on camera.
2. Set mode to green box.
3. Aim at something.
4. Press shutter.
5. Pick best shot and scratch head over what's wrong with it. Try to figure out what creative zone/lens/flash/etc. will allow you to fix it next time.
6. Put on body armor. Post (only) the best shot on this forum. Take advice.
7. Repeat (except for the green box step).

did you plagiarize this from the Canon manual? ;)

[joedlh]

did you plagiarize this from the Canon manual? ;)

No! It's from my autobiography.

[joedlh]

What is a lens hood?

It's the place where the lens gangs hang out. Don't go there unless you are (1) a lens, and (2) are wearing the correct colors. ;)

[LowSpark420]

I am thinking about signing up for a class in June to go spend a few hours with other noob's and learn from an expert.

Back to the lens hood. Any recommendations on brand or places to buy that will fit my Canon XSi?

Thanks in advance!

[kandyredcoi]

I am thinking about signing up for a class in June to go spend a few hours with other noob's and learn from an expert.

Back to the lens hood. Any recommendations on brand or places to buy that will fit my Canon XSi?

Thanks in advance!

the hood should match the lens you are using and not the camera body

most good lenses come with the hood already, if not buy the hood that matches the brand and model of lens you are using

[bsaber]

I am thinking about signing up for a class in June to go spend a few hours with other noob's and learn from an expert.

Back to the lens hood. Any recommendations on brand or places to buy that will fit my Canon XSi?

Thanks in advance!

Go to bhphotovideo.com and search for the lens that you have. Under the recommended accessories you should see all the lens hoods that will fit.

[LowSpark420]

Thanks! I will check out that site and see what I can dig up.

[LowSpark420]

Help please...

I went to the above recommended site: bhphotovideo.com to look for a lens hood for my camera. I have a Canon EOS Rebel XSi w/ a EF-S 18-55mm lens.

I didn't see a specific lens hood for that 18-55mm lens. Am I missing it somewhere?

[LowSpark420]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/70568-REG/Canon_2639A002_EW_60C_Lens_Hood.html#accessories

Is this the right one?

[kandyredcoi]

^looks like u found a winner

[Mosca]

Thanks so much!! Anyone have any insight on the best way to start practicing what I want to learn first, which I posted above?

Man, the best $100 I spent was for the basic course at Proud Photography. I went from "not knowing what to do first" to being capable of having a plan. It doesn't mean that you'll become a great photographer in a few weeks, but it points you in the right direction and gets your first few steps moving.

[LowSpark420]

Well I am thinking about taking a course here in Atlanta for intermediate folks. Beginner is for folks wanting to learn basic point and click cameras and intermediate is for folks that have just bought or are planning to by a dSLR, which is my bracket. It's like a $65 class that is about a 4 or 5 hour session I think.

[kandyredcoi]

better yet watch these vids: http://digitaldaysphoto.com/photo_tips.html

[Mosca]

Well I am thinking about taking a course here in Atlanta for intermediate folks. Beginner is for folks wanting to learn basic point and click cameras and intermediate is for folks that have just bought or are planning to by a dSLR, which is my bracket. It's like a $65 class that is about a 4 or 5 hour session I think.

The course I took doesn't distinguish. It is 13 weeks and covers the principles of photography: exposure, composition, portraits, low light, b&w, landscape, etc. I call it basic, but in your description it would definitely be intermediate.

Regardless, a 4-5 hour hands-on class would be great, because ideas can flow much faster. The general advice I'm giving is take a class, not necessarily the same one I did. It will save you all that reinventing of the wheel.

[LowSpark420]

I agree. I don't have the time to be able to do a 13 week deal at the moment. I would just like to get out of the house one day and go talk about photography with others interested in learning. I just think it would be fun.