Major newbie needing direction

[Greg In Ohio]

For a little background, I have been interested in photography for quite some time. Up until last week, I had a small HP M417, 5.2mp camera that I learned to like- for awhile. Wanting to expand my horizons, I bought a Canon Rebel that I thought I could grow with...one that I wouldn't "outgrow" any time soon.

I have been doing alot of reading on here, and I am still wondering what I should be doing first. I don't believe in cutting corners- I would rather start at ground zero, and work my way up, as I believe a solid foundation from which to build is the way to go.

I am familiar with the basic settings; portrait, landscape, sports, etc., and would like to experiment with some other more advanced settings, but I am not sure where to start. I know that many options (shutter speed, ISO, etc.) go hand in hand, so it would be hard to just focus on pictures adjusting just shutter speed for example...but everything, such as ISO, DoF, aperature, etc., can be pretty intimidating to the newbies.

What would be most beneficial? Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Another thing I am unsure about is adjusting a bunch of perimeters, and not being able to get the camera settings back to normal. It just seems like an inevitable screw-up. My "old" camera, by default would return to the normal settings once the camera was shut off...I havent seen anything that says that in the Rebels user guide.

Thanks again!

[gonzogolf]

Well you always have the green box if you need to go back to basics. But you are on the right track in wanting to experiment with different settings. I think you should start with either the Av mode, where you select the aperture and the camera selects the matching shutter speed. Then try the TV mode which does just the opposite you select the shutter speed and the camera the aperture. Keep in mind that if you are handholding you need to keep the shutter speed around 1/60 with the kit lens so you wont get camera shake. YOu really cant do any harm as if you adjust these settings the P and other settings are unaffected

[advaitin]

Yes, whatever you "dial" in on the controls will stay there, even with the camera turned off. Unless you let the batteries die.

All the pictograph settings are explained in the manual, other wise, it wouldn't hurt to go to your local library and see if you can find the Time-Life series on photography, in particular the volume called "The Camera." Real nice illustrations showing you how lens aperture and camera shutter work together to control light. Although published in the age of film, the basic info still applies to digital.

[AmandaMarie]

Check this site out. It has some very helpful information if you don't mind reading lots.

http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-tips-for-beginners

[rral22]

As a "major newbie" you are in for some "major reading".

Have a look at this for a start.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

[PhotosGuy]

Some things should be done right at the start. If your monitor is calibrated & your browser is color managed, then you have a baseline to work with & aren't "correcting" an image that doesn't need it.
Color problems? [work in progress?] (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=296149)

2nd, I suggest that you get comfortable with RAW. You'll make mistakes at first & RAW gives you the ability to go back later & save some shots that are beyond saving with .jpgs.
Why I love RAW - '53 Ford Sunliner (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43761)

When to begin shooting in RAW? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=343960)

3rd, re: "but everything, such as ISO, DoF, aperature, etc., can be pretty intimidating to the newbies.", try manual. For a good starting point, first set the f-stop OR shutter speed you need for the effect you want. Then the other parameter: shutter speed or f-stop. Then adjust the ISO.
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)
Why?
Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)

[tdodd]

Not sure if this will be too basic - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088. It's a sticky at the top of this sub-forum. Apologies if it's beneath your skills.

[Greg In Ohio]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have been doing quite a bit of reading, and even taking notes. In fact, tdodd, I just read Bens newbie guide yesterday, which is what really got me thinking. I just didnt know if there was something that was a little easier for me to try and really get a grasp on, before attemting something a little more intricate, or what.

I will check the links out as soon as I can; I have a bunch of friends who are supposed to be here in 4o minutes or so, and I have a few things to do to get ready.

Thanks again, and everyone have a great and safe New Year!

[20droger]

One of the best resources I can recommend is Jodie Coston's on-line photography course. It's free, it's comprehensive, and it's fantastic!

http://www.morguefile.com/docs/Classroom

Jodie Coston is a professional free-lance photographer. Google her if you want to see her work. Muy bueno!

[ckramos]

since you want to start from zero...
stay away from 'internet photography'
Ansel Adams had 3 good books. Camera, Negative, Print. Develop your photography in that order. How the lens and camera work together. How Canon decided to capture your image. How to use photoshop and match the printer.

[SOK]

since you want to start from zero...
stay away from 'internet photography'


Interesting advice to share with an online photography forum...?

Greg, I found A Tedious Explanation Of The F/ Stop (http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm) a great resource for explaining the fundamentals. It's a little bit more technical than other online guides but ties in well with Ben's newbie guide.

Remember to keep experimenting as you go...there is much to be learned from taking hundreds of bad photos and test shots!