Suggestions for a Beginner

[SlayNYC]

So I'm totally new to photography. I just bought a Canon D50 that came with a 75-300mm lens. Wanted to know is there anything else I should look into purchasing to learn with.

Thanks

[gkarris]

I think you mean a 50D?

AFA Learning - 3 things:

1. Take pictures.
2. Take pictures.
3. Take pictures.

Enjoy...

[SlayNYC]

I think you mean a 50D?

AFA Learning - 3 things:

1. Take pictures.
2. Take pictures.
3. Take pictures.

Enjoy...

DOH!!! Yeah 50D typo sorry. :)

Thanks. Any videos or books that anyone can recommend?

[CafeRacer808]

If you're 100% new to photography, then the stickies at the top of the forum are a great place to start. Vis-a-vis books, I'd definitely start with Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

PS - Welcome to the forum!

[gonzogolf]

The understanding exposure book is essential. Do a quick search on the rule of thirds (its more of a guideline than a rule, but good to know). Start looking at photos and taking them apart. If you like a shot, try to figure out why you like it, then figure out what techniques were used.

[Veemac]

...Vis-a-vis books, I'd definitely start with Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson...
Seconded. This will give you the understanding you need of aperture, shutter speed and ISO - how they relate to one another, and which one should be your priority depending upon what you're shooting.

[gonzogolf]

Also, learn how to read your histogram. Then use it, in combination with your exposure compensation controls. Once you figure out how to do that, everything else gets a lot easier.

[Razeus]

I'll catch flack for this but:

1) Read your owner's manual
2) Go out and take pictures on Auto mode (gets you used to holding the camera and less frustration getting some good shots)
3) Read your owner's manual
4) Read a book about Exposure
5) Read a book about Composition
6) Go out and take pictures on Auto mode (focus on composition/framing shots)
7) Repeat 1, 3, 4, & 5
8.) Go out and take pictures in Av mode keeping in mind the setting on what styles its used for
9) Go out and take pictures in Tv mode keeping in mind the setting on what styles its used for
10) Repeat 1, 3, 4, & 5
11) Go out and take pictures in M mode.
12) Learn how to use LR and/or Photoshop

[DreDaze]

get understanding exposure...get your manual...go out and have fun experimenting/learning the camera

on a side note...i'd try and exchange that lens for the 55-250mmIS

[JRMott]

Agree with the others, practice makes perfect. Also - I'd get a more everyday lens, check for a standard zoom. The new 15-85mm looks nice.

[neilwood32]

Agree with the others, practice makes perfect. Also - I'd get a more everyday lens, check for a standard zoom. The new 15-85mm looks nice.

Practise doesnt always make perfect. It does when you analyse what you are doing when you are shooting.

I would second the thought to get a standard zoom to cover the shorter range. Realistically any lens in the 18-50 range will be a good selection to start with.

[440roadrunner]

RTFM, or R ead T he F................actory M anual

I haven't checked for some time, but there is or was some good articles right on Canon's site

Learn how to Google, and just as important, learn how to separate the "stuff" from the BS, so to speak

[SOK]

Read your camera manual in conjunction with Ben's Newbie Guide (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088) (if you haven't already).

[Fahad79]

get a wider lens! seriously... at least a 18-55mm IS... the lens you have is too long for a lot of stuff.

as for photography stuff, check these out:
Guidelines for Better Photographic Composition (http://photoinf.com/General/KODAK/guidelines_for_better_photographic_composition.htm l)
Digital Photography Composition Tips (http://digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips)
10 Top Photography Composition Rules (http://www.amateursnapper.com/photography/10-top-photography-composition-rules)
Photographic Composition (http://www.azuswebworks.com/photography/composition.html)
5 Elements of Composition in Photography (http://digital-photography-school.com/5-elements-of-composition-in-photography)

it's not too much reading, but very useful.

cheers.




edit: i think composition is very important

[shmoogy]

get a wider lens! seriously... at least a 18-55mm IS... the lens you have is too long for a lot of stuff.

This is huge, not only is the 75-300 a mediocre quality lens (If you understand it's weaknesses, you can take decent pictures with it, but it has a lot of faults that are made more apparent when used by a new photographer)

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, the 18-55 IS (kit lens) can be purchased relatively cheap used on this forum, but it's probably better to spend the 350-400 on the Tamron 17-50 2.8 lens because it can allow you to take pictures in lower light, and will allow you to go longer without upgrading.