Need advice on a good photography book

[luvgoing2disney]

In the past I have always used a point and shoot camera. I enjoy taking pictures but never had a "real" camera, so my wife got me a Nikon D5200 for Christmas and now I am needing to learn all the bells and whistles. There are some tutorials on youTube that I have watched, many on this camera model itself, but I would like to have a book to read and that goes into more detail.

Can any of you offer suggestions that start at the LOWEST level of comprehension for cameras? Something along the lines of Photography for Dummies? Would that be a good start?

 

[Kenny1113]

In the past I have always used a point and shoot camera. I enjoy taking pictures but never had a "real" camera, so my wife got me a Nikon D5200 for Christmas and now I am needing to learn all the bells and whistles. There are some tutorials on youTube that I have watched, many on this camera model itself, but I would like to have a book to read and that goes into more detail.

Can any of you offer suggestions that start at the LOWEST level of comprehension for cameras? Something along the lines of Photography for Dummies? Would that be a good start?

Not a book but living social had a deal for $30 for an online course.

 

[mom2rtk]

You want "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

Then you might want to add something like a (no offense) Dummy's Guide to your camera model. They really do make them.

 

[havoc315]

Yes, Photography for Dummies and any other. Understanding Exposure is excellent for understanding the exposure triangle, but the book is getting a bit dated.

 

[dmaxphil]

Lynda.com is a good one.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Thanks so much for these suggestions. I'll look at these and probably go with a book initially and then opt for the online course.

 

[xlxo]

That's a great starter camera. For myself, I found a local night school course worked best for me. When the instructor puts the images on the screen and has fellow students critique it.

 

[PaHunter]

Get a lightroom program, and get a book on how to use lightroom. Shoot in raw or raw/jpeg. Shooting in raw allows you to salvage pictures sometimes if you blow the camera setting. Lightroom allows you to process the raw (it is like a negative used to be). Once you understand the basics, go shoot pictures, a lot of pictures, best way to learn. Been shooting photos all my life, from 110 film all the way thru digital, and still learning. I look at what others have shot here and on flickr, check settings, get ideas, but always comes back to getting outside.

 

[sharona]

When I had my 5100 I got the "From Snapshots to Great Shots" book for that specific camera and found it very helpful. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nikon-d5100-rob-sylvan/1100405101

 

[TheBigE]

I really enjoyed Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. For me his casual approach and excellent writing style were very helpful. If you are so inclined you can take his online course as well. For Me it was some of the best money I spent. Good luck.

 

[Stitch_Is_King]

Another vote here for Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Well written and easy to follow.

 

[Geoff_M]

Here's a great and cheap resource: National Geographic: The Ultimate Field Guide to Photography They often have these in the bargain sections of B&N stores, but you can get it on-line for the same $9.99 price. I purchased a copy for my high-school aged son who wanted to get serious with photography and he loved it and it helped teach him a lot of key concepts.

Here's another great learning tool from Nat Geo: National Geographic: Complete Photography

 

[sharona]

Yes, Understanding Exposure is one of the best books available but, the OP was asking for info on learning about his specific camera.

 

[mcraige]

Understanding Exposure is excellent for understanding the exposure triangle, but the book is getting a bit dated.

Amazon has an updated version of "Understanding Exposure", with an availability date of March 15, 2016.

 

[manning]

This will be a leap in improvement (just one of many). It's called the rule of thirds. Rarely is the main subject put right smack in the middle of the picture. You want to place it in the spot where the lines cross. Also have the subject look into the center of the picture

Here are some examples

These should get you started.