First attempt ever

Photography has recently sparked my interest. I picked up a crappy digital camera I have, a Canon Powershot A75 and some halogen work lights I have to attempt to light and get a good picture. I couldn't really get rid of the shadows though; all I had was two lights and I played around a bit to try to light it unobtrusively, but it didn't turn out how I wanted it. What do you all recommend for me to get my feet wet in photography?

Well, here are my attempts.

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Upon browsing a bit longer, I found some stickys about basics, so I'm sorry for asking the most obvious question. However, if any of you have preferred sources or your own personal advice about beginning photography, let me know! Thanks

-Jon

Someone respond!

-Jon

ok... these are ummmm.... for lack of a better word, boring. the curtains to the right don't thrill me, the shadow isn't great, there isn't much of any kind of composition to begin with... I've never shot instruments, I would take it at a creative angle, use a backdrop or something to put some texture, and play up the beauty of the wood and the angles of the instrument...

have fun... keep posting and welcome to POTN.

sari.

I agree with Sari. Get yourself a Digital SLR and a good close-up lens and do a few shots that show the grain and pattern of the wood etc.

well meaty that's not exactly fair... we shouldn't tell somebody to buy a dslr.. it's more than possible to get good shots with a g-series or even a P&S... Although a close up lens would be a great idea for these kinds of shots. I think the emphasis needs to be with working with what you have. And learning how to use it before upgrading.

I like the 2 shadows in the first pic which rather reminds me of a musical trio.

I suggest you take more pics with the camera and use 1 light to start with

you have a lot to learn which this site can help with

You have picked an excellent subject- you just need to exploit better. Get some different views. Try some up-close shots. Fill the frame with the bass. You'll get the hang of it.

Thank you all. I have a lot to learn, that is true, so I better get off the computer and start learning.

Naaahhh! Get a DSLR...start at the top

Meaty0 wrote:
Naaahhh! Get a DSLR...start at the top

:p .. Lets give him a chance... there's no point in putting down the cash for a dslr before you know how to take a picture.... don't ya think??

Greetings,
I always ask my myself 3 questions before I take a photo.
Content: What are you trying to tell your viewers with the photo.
Composition: How to package your story of the photo in an attractive way. Most of the time, less is more. Straight into your story line.
Color: How to use color to convey the mood of your story.
Just remember, if the photo you take can't hold your attention for more than 1 second, it will be worse for other viewers. But whatever it is, you must enjoy this beautiful hobby. Enjoy...

saravrose wrote:
:p .. Lets give him a chance... there's no point in putting down the cash for a dslr before you know how to take a picture.... don't ya think??

Gotta disagree with you on this one Sari. I don't give this advice lightly. Isaac sounds like he wants to get serious about photography and as such shouldn't be wasting his money on P&S. They're a compromise and most serious photographers (including you Sari) don't use them. After 25 years of film photography I decided to change over to digital and I wasted several hundred dollars on two P&S cameras only to find they couldn't produce what I needed (good macros for example). In hindsight, I wished I had put that money towards even a "basic" DSLR and kit lenses.

Isaac. Don't make the same mistake. If you're serious...get a DSLR. EDIT: AND a good tripod or monopod. Not something you think of, but they're indispensable!

yeah. good point. In hindsight I do wish that I hadn't spent the money on my p&s and pro 1... the two together would have paid for my xt body... So, you are absolutely right. But, I also think that we should help folks work with what they have...

forget the computer...just shoot! i don't know if i'd worry about "lighting" an image at this stage of the game just yet. work on composition, color and control. find your style and run with it. remember that photography is an art...some people will love what you show them and others will despise it; so all you can do is stay true to yourself and you'll be just fine! i like, "Photography" by Barbara London and John Upton. it's a great book that takes you through the basics and them some. i still reference it when i get stuck on something.
as for getting a dslr? well, that would depend on how serious you are about getting into photography and how much disposable income you want to invest into it. if you can afford it and if you're even remotely serious about taking this up as a hobby, then a dslr will be invaluable to your growth. good luck and welcome to the forum! now get off the computer and start shooting!

oh! one more thing: as for your instrument, take it outside in the shade where the lighting is even (so you can just focus on the subject) and photograph that thing in as many different ways as you can come up with. shoot near, shoot far, shoot low, shoot high, shoot at an angle, shoot just the knob thingys...you get the idea. you'll be enlightened at what you can come up with.