Q&A: How to start Photography?
Question by Chris: How to start Photography?
Im just starting photography and I want either tips or how to start or what camera. Any of those tips so can you just tell me how to start? Thanks for thoughtful answers!
Best answer:
Answer by Olivia
You should go to a camera store and ask the workers which camras are good.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Related posts:
- Q&A: I wan’t to start photography. Where do I start & any tips???
- Any photographers in the house? I need some tips or advise on how to start my own business in photography.?
- I want to start Photography, any tips and suggestions for cameras?
- Q&A: Tips to start photography..?
- I want to start shooting fashion photography. Any tips about lighting?
Posted in Tips
6 Responses to “Q&A: How to start Photography?”
Start with a small digital camera and take pictures of anything, anything that catches your eye. Ask peoples opinion and see what is said. This will give you an insight into whether the world of photography is right for you. If it is, work up, get a better camera and build up your portfolio =].
Also, buy Adobe Photoshop.
maybe go to collage or uni and then find out on the internet who needs a photography or maybe get a job where you take pictures in school “picture day”
I started photography just under a year ago. I had a great flare for it so chose to splash in for a nikon d60 camera (which was about 300 pounds or so)
But honestly it is worth the great shots that you get from the camera. I take a variety of shots, from people jumping in the air without any smudging, to close ups of animals and plants. I taught myself how to use the camera, the lense and the focus. It is easy once you get used to it.
Now im in love with my camera! and once you take pictures, you can also edit on picnik.com
(the most amazing editing site ever!)
hope you take my advice, and good luck
1. Get a camera. (What kind? See below.)
2. Take pictures.
Easy, huh? Now comes the hard part, but potentially more rewarding and which separates real photographers from snap shooters.
3. Evaluate pictures with a self-critical eye.
4. Scratch your head wondering why they don’t look like you wanted them to look. Go to step 5.
5. Read books, take classes, join an on-line photo forum* where you can post shots for critique. There’s lots of free information on-line that will teach you the principles of photography.
6. Repeat from #2.
*Regarding the online photo forum, I do not mean Flickr, MySpace, Yahoo Answers, or any similar web site. You will not likely get much constructive criticism. You want one that is frequented by actual photographers. I use http://photography-on-the.net, which is for people who use Canon cameras, but there are others. Do a Google search on “[your camera brand] Forum”.
The next question you might ask is what camera should you get. The answer is any digital camera that you can afford. Some people might suggest a film camera. I advise against that because film and processing are ongoing costs and it’s getting more and more difficult to find businesses that will process it. I recommend that your first camera be a compact one. Go to http://www.dpreview.com for suggestions. Since you’re just starting out, you can skip the technical pages and go right to the Conclusion page in the camera reviews. Pick one that is highly recommended. Then go to the camera store and hold it in your hand and take some test shots. Pick the one that feels right.
Others will tell you that the first digital camera should be a dSLR. Yes, they are good, but (1) they cost more and (2) you do not know enough at this time to get maximum benefit from their features. This latter point is important: you can easily make a mistake in camera settings that will result in poor images. This will make you think either that you’re a bumbling idiot and should quit before you hurt someone, or that there’s something wrong with the camera. The simple truth is that a good photographer with a 3 megapixel point-and-shoot camera will deliver better images than a snap-shooter with a $5,000 dSLR. Learn to be a photographer first. You will know when it’s time to upgrade your equipment (hint: it’s when you look at a shot and say, “I don’t like the depth of field.” or “Dang! The highlights are blown out. Again.”). And don’t blame your camera when you don’t get the shots you want. See points 4 and 5 above.
I should add point #7. Enjoy the ride.
It’s usually best to start with a digital p&s camera for a few weeks or months to get the feel of it. Once you’re ready and have the money, get a DSLR. Starting out with a pro type of camera is like giving a bicycle to a two year old: you’ll have the good-quality instrument but not the skill to use it, and it will show in your pictures.
Every photographer should know about the rule of thirds, with is something to help with composition. It’s sort of hard to explain right now, so you’ll have to look it up. Also, avoid having your subject in the center of the picture, unless it’s a portrait.
First, get a digital camera. Some people will say to start out getting a compact camera, but i think you should just go right to the bigger, high tech ones. Trust me, it will be worth it. And don’t get a camera that uses film. They will end up costing you more in the long run because you have to get the photos developed, buy more film, and all that good stuff. I suggest just getting a digital one because all you have to do is plug it into your computer. They are also much easier to edit the photos this way. Next, study study study! A really good book that helped me a lot was called The Basic Book of Photography– The Classic Guide 5th Edition by Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm. Also, try looking at other people’s photos, like Ansel Adams. Next, start taking pictures. You can put them on Flickr ( http://www.flickr.com/ ) and then put a link up on here (Yahoo! Answers) and ask for critique on your photos. Then just improve your photos based on the critique you have received. Later on, if you are becoming more serious about it, you could maybe join a class of some sort, and you could learn all the really technical things. Good luck!