Photo Newbie determined for greatness

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

07/29/2004 12:34:58 PM · #1

Hi there all. There are some wonderful photographers on this site. I have just bought a canon PowerShot A75. I have seen amazing things done with the same and simular cameras. I try extreamly hard to take the best possible photos but I know absolutely nothing about photography. I have tried to learn from editorials and such on this and other sites and even have tried getting advice from my sis who has won a few ribbons on this site, but I can't seem to get my head around all the jargon. I have trouble from everything from lighting to focus. the only thing that I am not lacking on is ideas. If anyone has any ideas or exercises that would be useful to me would be excelent. Also keep in mind that I have no form of photoshop so it is all down to effects and settings in the camera...thanks any comments would be appreciated..

xx
anni

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/29/2004 12:41:03 PM · #2

Sweet and simple this is a very good place to start.

Jodie Coston's Free On-line Photography Course

07/29/2004 12:53:53 PM · #3

hey there awpollard thanks checking out your website and you pics now. Thanks for the advice, maybe I am trying to go to the deep in without taking swimming lessons, I just thought having a good camera would make me a good photographer hahaha how wrong I was.

toddnicholsphotography

Canon EOS-20D

07/29/2004 01:22:35 PM · #4

I would enroll in the NYI photography School! They will help you increase your skills! I am currently enrolled and learning lots! You can find them by doing a search on the web!

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

07/29/2004 01:28:41 PM · #5

thanks todd. I have found a great site that will do me for now. It is the link that is on awpollards post. will check that out as well.

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

07/29/2004 01:30:01 PM · #6

A year ago I too knew nothing about fotography & even less about the digital darkroom. This site has change much of that. For me the best way to learn was to go out & shoot like crazy!
Try different things & different modes on your cam.
The more you practice the better you are bound to be! Good shooting!

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/29/2004 02:19:31 PM · #7

Look for a local photo club in your area or see if anyone on here lives near you and go on group photo outings.
You'll learn what others like to take pictures of and they'll share knowledge with you.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

07/29/2004 02:30:49 PM · #8

these are all great suggestions guys thanks so much!

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/29/2004 02:51:40 PM · #9

If you're working out of camera, then the golden rules for me would be:
> get good, strong, directional light on your subject to prevent washed out, flat shots
> use a tripod or steady surface in low light conditions
> pre-focus the camera if a subject has to move into view
> experiment with exposures on the same scene to see what looks good
> look for an interesting focal point, or peripheral interest
> try using lead-in lines to guide the eye to your subject
> try different techniques like panning, high-key, low-key and macro
> have fun!
> and... move your browser window around a bit regularly or get a screen saver, as the DPC interface may burn out your monitor!
: )

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

07/29/2004 03:03:28 PM · #10

hey imagineer thanks so much. since I have posted this thread a few hours ago I have learned the rule of thirds, leading lines, triangles, and just general compostion rules. the thing that I am having the most problems with I would say would be lighting. I have tried using regular house lamps I would say 60 to 100 watts with and without the shades. I know nothing about light direction and bouncing light off of paper and reflective surfaces, so a few lighting tips for beginers would be great. I would use more natural light but I have a young son and I do a lot of my playing around at night so that leaves the sun out. so could you please shed some light on the situation..cheesy pun intended.

coolhar

07/29/2004 04:55:46 PM · #11

Welcome to dpc Anni. Here's a couple of free programs you can download:
IrfanView is a basic image viewer with a few rudementary editing features.
The Gimp for Windows is a full featured photo editor but not so user friendly.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

07/29/2004 04:58:31 PM · #12

thanks coolhar :)

faidoi

Pentax K10D

07/29/2004 05:59:22 PM · #13

Welcome. Get ye to the bookstore. John Hedgecoes' "The New Manual of Photography" is a good book to start with. Helps with terms,elements of photography,lighting,etc.

Flip through the photography magazines also. Some good info there.