Need some help with Photography

Hello all. I am new to this forum and would like to say that I went through almost all posts in the G3 section. I have my G3 for about 2 weeks now and this place gave me alot of information. Some of you guys take AMAZING pictures. I wish one day I can figure out how to make my settings correct to take such great shots. I have a few questions about some things I read on some posts which I would like to have clarified.

1. What does Vignetting mean and if anyone has an example to show me?

2. I ordered the Lensmate 52mm adaptor and the Hoya UV filter (still waiting for it to come). I would also like to buy a wide angle and a tele lens. Which brand do you prefer for the 52mm adaptor?

3. I am also looking for a tripod but dont want to buy a big one. Is there a tripod that has one leg which gets connected to the camera and a pedal on the floor which you can step on to hold the camera steady? If not, maybe a small tripod which collapses all the way down which I can put in my camera bag.

4. I ordered the shourtcourse manual for the G3 (still waiting to come) Does anyone have any experience with this book? Also, is it a good book for a novice such as myself trying to learn not only the functions of the camera but also how to adjust settings for different scenic situations?

5. Does anyone have any good websites which explains all the different settings and how they affect your picture such as aperture, shutter speed, exposure, white balance, etc....?

Your helop on any or all of these questions would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully one day I can be as good as some of you guys and post some of my work. For now I will look at your stuff and be amazed on what the G3 can produce with the correct settings.

Vignetting typically happens when a lens hood can be seen at the corners of a picture. It is usually noticeable as a darkening of the corners.

You are probably thinking of a monopod, they fold down relatively small and are not too bulky but may not be useful for very lowlight situations. It mostly depends on what situations you need a tripod for. If you are only taking pictures around the house get a small tabletop tripod. You may also think about a clamp tripod which can be attached to poles or trees which may be convenient. The Ultrapod is a good portable choice

You may want to buy a basic photography guide at the local bookstore. They come in small sizes that can be thrown into the camera bag for when you aren't too sure...

This cover almost every aspect of film photography but the basics still the same.

National Geographic Photograhy field guide: secrets to making great pictures

Peter Burian and Robert Caputo

ISBN 0-7922-7498-9

Ermelindo

I have a picture shows some vignetting:
http://community.websh​ots.com/photo/69274829​/69279211WDEEBe

getg3

First of all I would like to thank the people that are replying. Getg3, I now understand what vignetting means. That really messes up the picture. I assume you see the corner shadows when you look through the viewfinder or the LCD? If not, then that is a real letdown. Thanks again for the replies. They are very helpful.

Yes, you will see it through the LCD, but sometimes it is hard to see under bright sun.

Hi lasercomp - with respect to your question 5, I don't know if this is what you had in mind

http://www.photocourse​.com/

Best regards,
Peter

Pappy, ordered the book for the G3 a few days ago. I hope it will not only explain the features of my G3 but also how changing certain settings will affect the photo I am trying to capture. Thanks for your input.

Did you get that book yet? I'm thinking of getting it too, but I don't want an extra manual... I'd hope that it gives more insight as to when and why certain features can be used.

I got the book on Monday and it is very informative for the novice photgrapher. Not only does it explain every single feature the camera has to offer, but also tells you different scenarios of when and why to use the features. The book is in 8 1/2 X 11 format and it is set in a binder and also B/W. I also bought the cd which has the manual in full color. I am thinking of finding a buyer for the cd since I dont think I really need it since I have the book. It cost me like 15 bucks I think and willing to sell it for like 10. Overall, I think the book is very good. Hope this info helps you make a choice.

Thanks. If you were in Houston, TX I'd buy it from you. I'll probably just go ahead and order it. I appreciate the feedback.