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09/01/2009 04:03:28 PM · #1 |
So I have spent the last 2 days trying to read as much as I can on the internet about photography. And am getting a little overwhelmed.
Where do everyone start out? and how did they go about it? what about Photoshop classes?
I find that its not so much of how good you are at taking pictures as how great you are with photoshop. True/False?
are taking classes worth it? I am not looking to get in to photography as a career but as a hobby, and being able to take/make amazing photo's for friends and family would be enough payment as it is.
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09/01/2009 04:09:44 PM · #2 |
Whether classes are a good idea or not depends on your learning style.
As far as putting more weight on PS skills, I don't think that's true. One needs to capture the best image out of camera to be able to come up with the best final result. Depending on what you are shooting for and why, equal weight or more could be put on camera skills.
Look at your community college for basic courses. Check the content to see if it's what you're looking for before signing up.
Also, if there's a camera club in your area, join, take part in the outings and workshops offered by the club. This is by far the most cost effective way to gain an enormous amount of information. |
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09/01/2009 04:14:19 PM · #3 |
I think the best advice I can give is:
Shoot lots of pictures
Look at lots of pictures |
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09/01/2009 04:17:25 PM · #4 |
Hey practice makes perfect...I have been experimenting with settings on my camera etc. Another thing I will do is find a tutorial on how to shoot a certain type of pic...then just shoot away until u perfect it...
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09/01/2009 04:18:53 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Whether classes are a good idea or not depends on your learning style.
As far as putting more weight on PS skills, I don't think that's true. One needs to capture the best image out of camera to be able to come up with the best final result. Depending on what you are shooting for and why, equal weight or more could be put on camera skills.
Look at your community college for basic courses. Check the content to see if it's what you're looking for before signing up.
Also, if there's a camera club in your area, join, take part in the outings and workshops offered by the club. This is by far the most cost effective way to gain an enormous amount of information. |
I agree with what you have said, joining in with your own community adds a great deal to your learning. You also make new friends and as you progress you become better known for your photography and opportunities open up for you. Another plus is you get to know more about where you live, you see it through different eyes.
And as OP said, it is for enjoyment and satisfaction, rather than payment. A good frame of mind to start on this journey into photography. There is no pressure to earn, so you can learn at a pace that suits. Read less and take pictures, learn by your mistakes and have fun:)) |
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09/01/2009 04:24:16 PM · #6 |
| i agree with all previous commenters. i'll add that if this is for a hobby then there is no rush to be a great photographer. part of what makes a hobby enjoyable is the learning process. you don't reach a level of proficiency then stop. you'll never stop learning, it's an unending process. |
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09/01/2009 04:26:28 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by SteveJ:
And as OP said, it is for enjoyment and satisfaction, rather than payment. A good frame of mind to start on this journey into photography. There is no pressure to earn, so you can learn at a pace that suits. Read less and take pictures, learn by your mistakes and have fun:)) |
I agree...you have to approach it as a hobby and for fun...If you don't win oh-well try to learn from your mistakes...if you do win congrats you get bragging rights...
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09/01/2009 04:26:31 PM · #8 |
Just thought of another little tip.
You will have failures and disasters, we all do, regardless of experience!
Stick at it and ask questions, then this time next year, look back at your work and I promise you will hardly believe the progress you have made!! |
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09/01/2009 04:26:46 PM · #9 |
| For me it has been one little thing learned at a time, and they add up over the long haul. As others have said, take pictures, learn what works. Vote, comment. By making yourself explain in a comment why you do or do not like a particular photo, you will learn things that you can apply to your own photography. Some people may get a little irritated at a critique from a newbie, but most will appreciate the effort, even if it's not what they would prefer to hear. |
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09/01/2009 04:46:50 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by MJITB:
So I have spent the last 2 days trying to read as much as I can on the internet about photography. And am getting a little overwhelmed.
Where do everyone start out? and how did they go about it? what about Photoshop classes?
I find that its not so much of how good you are at taking pictures as how great you are with photoshop. True/False?
are taking classes worth it? I am not looking to get in to photography as a career but as a hobby, and being able to take/make amazing photo's for friends and family would be enough payment as it is. |
Classes can give you a great foundation to build upon. Even if you get an expert in photoshop, it doesn't help you with composition (unless ther is a "rule of third" filter in photoshop. Classes will allow you to meet other photographers and exchange ideas and see what others do. And you MUST know how your camera works if you want to really take control of your work.
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09/01/2009 08:26:41 PM · #11 |
In these days of technology laden cameras and mega-featured image post processing software, beginners tend to overlook photography fundamentals. They should not.
Understanding photography basics is vastly more useful than all the high tech wizardry and super duper software in the world combined.
Learn the basics how a camera works, what it does and how it does it. At their heart, still image cameras are very simplistic devices. Understand the fundamentals of lens optics and what image depth-of-field is and how it is affected is by lens focal length and things like that. Learn what lens "speed" is and what aperture means. Learn how camera shutter speeds and lens apertures are combined for proper exposures and how you can adjust one over the other to produce desired effects like motion blur or stop action.
But most important of all study, learn and understand perspective and composition. In photography lighting is your canvas, but composition paints the masterpiece.
Technical gadgetry only helps make things easier. |
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09/01/2009 08:38:02 PM · #12 |
Looks like a class will be my best option as I have trouble reading stuff on the internet and absorbing the information, I learn better hands on.
Thanks for everyone's input and hopefully I can soon become a active member of this site. |
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09/01/2009 10:09:52 PM · #13 |
Just shoot.
Look at pictures, both yours and others, and figure out what you like.
Then shoot to capture those aspects. |
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09/01/2009 10:55:57 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by MJITB:
I learn better hands on. |
You are in the right place for that!
Here are some free "field guides" courtesy of Photoanswers magazine that may help you with some of the fundamentals. |
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09/01/2009 10:58:44 PM · #15 |
I started here. SHoot what you can, what you like, learn as much as you can, search out at much info as you can and you WILL improve.
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09/01/2009 11:32:35 PM · #16 |
| While you're doing all this reading & stressing, you're missing a golden opportunity to do photography without any preconceived ideas or expectations, like a child, something you will no doubt be working hard to re-capture someday. |
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09/01/2009 11:34:59 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by MJITB:
So I have spent the last 2 days trying to read as much as I can on the internet about photography. And am getting a little overwhelmed.
Where do everyone start out? and how did they go about it? what about Photoshop classes?
I find that its not so much of how good you are at taking pictures as how great you are with photoshop. True/False?
are taking classes worth it? I am not looking to get in to photography as a career but as a hobby, and being able to take/make amazing photo's for friends and family would be enough payment as it is. |
1. Started with a Sony FD-71 digital camera. Just keep taking pictures and trying to learn from others.
2. False. Processing skills are important. A good photograph to start with, is even more important. There is only so much PS can do.
3. Classes can help. I haven't taken any, perhaps it shows. Read the tutorials here that interest you. They will save you money on some of the classes.
If you can score 5.0 here, you will amaze your friends. Or perhaps I have easily amazed friends. If your friends are not amazed, I can loan you mine.
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09/02/2009 01:15:37 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by MJITB:
I learn better hands on. |
You are in the right place for that!
Here are some free "field guides" courtesy of Photoanswers magazine that may help you with some of the fundamentals. |
In just the little time I have spent reading this field guides, I can already tell that they are gonna be very helpful.
Thank you! |
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09/02/2009 07:33:01 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by pixelpig:
While you're doing all this reading & stressing, you're missing a golden opportunity to do photography without any preconceived ideas or expectations, like a child, something you will no doubt be working hard to re-capture someday. |
I definitely agree here.....
I've never taken classes, and I also am kinda vague about photography "rules".
That said, I have picked up a whole lot here from people who know what they're doing more by studying what they do and asking questions.
One of the best ways to get your feet wet is to enter one of the myriad of side challenges that are running at any particular time. Introduce yourself, and explain that you're a newb who's trying to learn and specifically ask for specific comments designed to help you achieve the objective.
You'll no doubt find a handful of people who will be delighted to do so and you'll learn a lot in a short period of time.
And shoot.....a lot....
Message edited by author 2009-09-02 07:33:25. |
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