TIPS FOR A NEWBIE - SHOOTING TECHNIQUES

[PhotoJourno]

I am embarking on the great journey of photography. My goal is to be able to practice and improve my composition techniques, as well as my ability to capture candid and social moments (A somewhat variation of Journalistic photography, just a training form to learn to catch unique street moments in the lens). However, I am unsure as to which approach is the most effective.

How do you pros go about your daily photography work? Do you carry your camera with you at all times?... Do you spend most of your time looking at a social or sport event through the viewfinder?...

At this time I am trying to improve my composition, and exposure issues. So I have made a list of places and people I can photograph. Downtown in my local city, the local library, the park, the stadium where high-schools play saturday soccer and football leagues, etc.

Is this the best way to go?... Sometimes I just feel like walking the streets with camera in hand, just looking for people and opportunites worth photographing.

Anyhow, if you could share your experience, how you go about these things, and maybe even throw in some tips for me and all other newbies trying to pick up on journalistic / street photography, I would so extremely appreciate.

[Tee Why]

Read a general book on photography, preferably digital slr book.
A good one that covers composition is Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to digital photography. Then go out there and shoot. Look for interesting subjects, previsualize how you want the shot to look, set the parameters to best accomplish that, shoot, look at the LCD to get feedback, correct and reshoot if necessary.
Once in awhile look at your shots and settings and critique your shots.
The best way to learn is by doing while actively critiquing yourself.
good luck