What Would Be Helpful

[wkrider]

A true amateur, I have at least learned some things from the very talented and generous posters here that have allowed me to venture off the automatic settings of my Rebel XT from time to time.

However, I will not allow myself to upgrade to the 40d until I learn, really, how to use my camera more fully.

Due to lack of time (mine) and, truthfully, lack of availability locally, I haven't been able to take a photography class. I have tried to read books, but I really need someone to SHOW me and say something like: "Today we are studying white balance. Here is what it is. Here are some sample photos. Here is how you set your camera. Now go out and practice and show me what you take and I'll tell you what went right/wrong"

So, maybe a tutorial in the form of one thread per topic (sub topic, as needed), really broken down to basics in newbie-speak. Where we could learn, ask questions, go out on assignment and check back in.

Topics include, white balance, exposure, flash use basics, aperture, shutter speed. how to read that histogrammy thing and why.

Mark, thanks to you and all who have posted GREAT tutorials/text here in the past!

All of the above and RAW talk. I am slowly teaching myself but I would love to hear how everyone else is doing. Thanks for this thread and thanks to all who have assisted use "newbies" with all the questions we have.

 

[Groucho]

I think the RAW idea might be a neat idea - my thinking would be, however, to post a "failed" raw photo as see how well it can be improved. Ie, a shot that's too bright, too dark, bad colors, etc. A few of us could take a crack and see how much we can improve it and perhaps a few tips on what we did.

Of course, I say this while I already have a few hundred raw photos completely untouched in Lightroom waiting for me.

There's also the issue of where to store the raw file. I have no problem since I have my own web host, but that could be difficult for those who don't have a proper web space available.

 

[jann1033]

i like the assignment idea, maybe each month start week one with a thread on whatever topic( ie flash exposure, not that i use that one but just an eg) followed by a couple weeks to work on taking photos relating to that topic then a week or two to post those and how we did what we did and make constructive comments about what others did. basically like handicap's monthly assignment, but rather than subject use a technique with info about that technique so everyone is able to know what to do.


just a side thought, i like the "post your pic" type threads fine, they're fun, but they don't really teach all that much....i think i benefit more when there is a little more in depth technique talk, we've gotten away from that i think some .and since we have the equipment sticky we could probably use that more and have more instuctional stuff??????

 

[JR6ooo4]

I would like to see sort of a collective shoot as well- A tutorial- or a few links to existing ones out there- and an assingnment over maybe a 2 week period of some specific aspect of photography such as long exposure- or off camera flash- etc. Then people could post either general discussion on the topic and/or their examples taken during the assignment period for critique and feedback. Posting a before/after processing shot and a narrative on their process with the examples would also be a benefit. I would definately enjoy participating in something like that.

I would appreciate the oportunity to participate in something like this as well.
I would just like to add that two weeks per category would be nice.

Mikeeee

 

[bear_mom]

So, maybe a tutorial in the form of one thread per topic (sub topic, as needed), really broken down to basics in newbie-speak. Where we could learn, ask questions, go out on assignment and check back in.

I've been lurking here since Christmas - dh got me a dRebel for Christmas and I have been trying to learn how to use it, but have been having trouble getting from the book to real life applications. This would be great!

 

[10dedfish]

I would like to see these as well. Ive posted some of my pics, but most of the things Ive done have been based on some digital photography books that I have read. Unfortunately, I have less time than talent right now. I am usually lucky if I can get out once or twice a month to try and take "good" photos, so anything that can help me improve would be great.

matt

 

[DueyDooDah]

Well, Mark. Why haven't we started yet?

 

[iluvdisnee]

How useful would it be to have a series in which a person posts a RAW file and people post process it, posting the steps they took and why the did them?

I would LOVE to have a series like this! I am so hesitant to get into raw even though once I take the leap I'm going to LOVE it!

 

[DebºoºS]

I would like to see sort of a collective shoot as well- A tutorial- or a few links to existing ones out there- and an assingnment over maybe a 2 week period of some specific aspect of photography such as long exposure- or off camera flash- etc. Then people could post either general discussion on the topic and/or their examples taken during the assignment period for critique and feedback. Posting a before/after processing shot and a narrative on their process with the examples would also be a benefit.

This sort of thing would be very helpful for me. Long exposures particularly. I'd even drag the tripod out of the closet for it.
I just want to say that I've been inspired and learned so much from everyone on this board. TU

 

[senecabeach]

Originally Posted by PoohJen

Due to lack of time (mine) and, truthfully, lack of availability locally, I haven't been able to take a photography class. I have tried to read books, but I really need someone to SHOW me and say something like: "Today we are studying white balance. Here is what it is. Here are some sample photos. Here is how you set your camera. Now go out and practice and show me what you take and I'll tell you what went right/wrong"

So, maybe a tutorial in the form of one thread per topic (sub topic, as needed), really broken down to basics in newbie-speak. Where we could learn, ask questions, go out on assignment and check back in.

Topics include, white balance, exposure, flash use basics, aperture, shutter speed. how to read that histogrammy thing and why.

Mark, thanks to you and all who have posted GREAT tutorials/text here in the past!

This sounds awesome to me too!!!

Triple Ditto this Mark and "Many Thanks" for asking !!