Better Shots...

[sconnell]

Anyone have any advice on some tutorial, books, anything that I can read to help me get a basic knowledge for photography? I really know nothing. I have lucked up on some great photos, but I want more of them to turn out great.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
you've bought a new camera... now what?

A lot of people highly recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. I agree. It's a great book. The only problem is that you've just spent a bundle on your shiny new camera. Oh and I almost forgot... you don't know how to use your camera down to its core yet.

what to do?... what to do?

Well, first: do RTFM. Read The "Flowery" Manual (you can always change the word "Flowery" with something more colourful such as "Frilly", "Fastidious", "Forceful" or ....)

second, visit Canon's "Enjoy dSLR" info site. Even if you don't own a dSLR, this is a great start. Even better this thing is free!!! Free is good thing.

Here's the link: http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

click here for other tips and tricks

click here for Rules of Thumb I compiled from the DIS

 

[sconnell]

lol. Thanks for the advice on the manual. I think I'm really looking for some things like the rule of thirds, that's a great thread. I'm really looking for some tips for a busy mom with a 4 year old and a 20 month old who really wants to preserve memories and not have crappy pics. Especially of our Disney Vacations! This may be a big faux pas, but a good p&s is really all I need (read have room/time/money for).
I just found this article for p&s cameras. http://www.photo.net/learn/point-and-shoot-tips It's good.
Hey, let me know if I need to take this question to another thread. I know this thread is a bit over my head. ok?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Here's the link to Rule of Third

 

[Kelly Grannell]

PS: you're in the right place to ask these questions. It's just sometimes the answers I give out are too convoluted.

 

[Sonno]

How to Take Good Pictures by Kodak. Great fun short book that really helped me out a lot when I first started out.

 

[handicap18]

PS: you're in the right place to ask these questions. It's just sometimes the answers I give out are too convoluted.

First step in recovery,,,,, admitting you have a problem.

 

[pisco]

I would also recommend the National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures. It covers pretty much everything a beginning photographer needs to know. Gear, exposure, composition, subject selection, etc.

Understanding Exposure is also a great book and I definitely recommend it. But the National Geographic book covers more ground so is a better first read I think.