New to photrography HELP

[dbiggs]

I just bought a digital rebal and need to know just about everything I don't want to bother you guys but can you please give me a sugestion of whare to go read so a newbie like me can read and undrstand what I am reading. IE I don't even know what the numbers on my lens mean and nothing about lighting and what lens to use.

[Mohawk]

Go here: http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html

Click on the Digital Rebel link at the bottom left corner.

Mike

[Zeke]

This forum is a great place to start.

Browse through the different forums, pick a topic that appeals and start reading!

[JMAS]

Don't be afraid to post photos, with the settings you used or rather the ones the camera chose.

The only way I know to learn is by trial and error.
Everyone's been there.

People here will be happy to assist you.

In the mid time you can learn something from the site already indicated above.

[Wren]

Here are some tips I personally found helpful. Read your manual and familiarize yourself with your camera until the controls becomes almost second nature to you. Read more books on Photography. I have one book in mind: "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is recommeded. Keep shooting at all angles and analyze EVERYTHING. This means parameters used, white balance, aperture, shutter speed and time of day those images were taken. When you have developed a skill in your photographic style, then you can move on to photoshop or post-processing. Remember: Be a photographer/artist first. The post-processing part is just icing on the cake:-) Good luck with your endeavors!

[PhotosGuy]

Try these to start:
Exposure explained: Three gateways for light.
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/p_2_005.html
Exposure - Low Tech Tips
http://www.photonhead.com/exposure/
SimCam
http://www.photonhead.com/exposure/simcam.php
Virtual Camera
Cameras Interactive aims to help novice photographers grasp the main concepts of SLR photography.
http://www.camerasinteractive.com/index.php#

[Mitcon]

All the above information is a great place to start, also Camera mags and most books on photography (old or new) from the library will give you some understanding of the basic's. But the best way I found is to put the Camera in the "P" mode as a starting point and take some photos. This is the beauty of Digital as you can see you photos straight away and see if your taking ok pictures.

Then as you get better play with different settings to see how they affect the photo. Once you have played with them a bit it really becomes quite simple. Just don't let too much techno babble confuse you or put you off. I like to read to learn but I find there is nothing easier or better (for myself at least) than the actual experience. If I can see right away how something affects the image I can say, cool that made it better or maybe it made it worse.

The best thing is just don't worry, it's digital and the exposures cost you nothing. Experience is the best teacher I know of, besides that just don't try too hard. Have fun, enjoy what your doing and it will be that much easier.:D

[lostdoggy]

All of above are great suggestions and here is one more see if you can find a coarse in introduction to photography and particilarly in DSLR.

And welcome to the forum, before long you can BS just like us!!!