| uncle ben |
| I just bought a new camera and i realize that i have no idea how to use all of it's settings and features. Seeing as you guys seem to take decent pictures I thought i'd ask if you know of any good starter books on photography, that can get me started and help me take better pictures. Thanks |
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| oldraven |
| Well, start with the manual. ;) They usually try to make a little sense of what each function does. |
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| uncle ben |
| yeah i kind of thought that one was a given. Any other suggestions? |
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| EK9Hatch |
I guess I'm just old fashion, but I still like having physical books to read.
2 books that I own, that have ALL the info you would ever need is;
The Digital Photography Manual by Phillip Andrews
and
The Joy of Digital Photography by Jeff Wignall
Both are good and have techniques from point and shoot's all the way up to a more elaborate professional D-SLR.
I do agree with Matt though, the internet does have plenty of info too.
Some sites I like are
www.photo.net
http://photography-on-the.net/forum
Jamie |
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| uncle ben |
| thank you guys, I apreciate the help. |
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| EK9Hatch |
Just out of curiosity, what camera did you get?
Jamie |
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| dtjohnst |
Crime Scene Photography for Law Enforcement. Little maroon book, fits in a shirt pocket, explains everything from aperture to zoom. And I mean everything: how to frame a shot, how to select the best f-stop, how to compose an image....I have no idea why they figure cops need all that detail just to snap a few pictures and make sure you have a known size reference, but they do...in a handy pocket reference.
So if you know anyone who's a cop, I'd highly recommend seeing if they can snag you a copy/ |
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| ChromeDragon |
quote:
Originally posted by dtjohnst
Crime Scene Photography for Law Enforcement. Little maroon book, fits in a shirt pocket, explains everything from aperture to zoom. And I mean everything: how to frame a shot, how to select the best f-stop, how to compose an image....I have no idea why they figure cops need all that detail just to snap a few pictures and make sure you have a known size reference, but they do...in a handy pocket reference.
So if you know anyone who's a cop, I'd highly recommend seeing if they can snag you a copy/
Probably because those photos are often used as evidence and having them correctly framed and exposed is pretty important.:thumbup: |
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| dtjohnst |
quote:
Originally posted by ChromeDragon
Probably because those photos are often used as evidence and having them correctly framed and exposed is pretty important.:thumbup:
I took a few photos on the job in my day and I don't think I ever used anything but the "auto" feature. I saw no need to adjust the f-stop or apeture. You'll get perfectly clear photos without them.
Outside of work however, it can be pretty handy. |
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| ChromeDragon |
| Well chances are that book is pretty old, back when a lot of cameras didn't have automatic settings. |
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| EK9Hatch |
quote:
Originally posted by ChromeDragon
Well chances are that book is pretty old, back when a lot of cameras didn't have automatic settings.
Exactly. Back in the day they were using Pentax K-1000's just like every other hobby photographer. All the controls were manual.
Technology has come a long way, but even so, knowing who to operate and understand basic camera functions always comes in handy.
Jamie |
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| dtjohnst |
So.........how does it discuss digital SLR photography if it's old?
Trust me: it's not old, nor is there a requirement for it to be so in depth. |
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| uncle ben |
quote:
Originally posted by EK9Hatch
Just out of curiosity, what camera did you get?
Jamie
I went to future shop and bought a cannon rebel xti. I'm almost done reading the manual and it's not too helpful. |
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| ChromeDragon |
quote:
Originally posted by uncle ben
I went to future shop and bought a cannon rebel xti. I'm almost done reading the manual and it's not too helpful.
Honestly, just read those tutorials above and play around with the settings. The great thing about digital is you get instant feedback and it doesn't cost you anything to fire off a bunch of extra test shots.:thumbup: |
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| EK9Hatch |
quote:
Originally posted by uncle ben
I went to future shop and bought a cannon rebel xti. I'm almost done reading the manual and it's not too helpful.
Great starter camera for sure! Good luck and just do some reading and lots of shooting! :)
Jamie |
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| dtjohnst |
| The last 2 guys are hinting that experience is key. I agree. Take stills and pictures of moving objects. Experience with the settings and take the same (or a similar) shot again and see how it changes things. Knowing what everything means and does means very little. Knowing how settings change your pictures is priceless. |
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