Tips For Aspiring Photographer

Well, Harry, people who are obsessed love to share their obsessions! :-)

Glad you found my info useful.

Wow thankyou for the tips i didn't think that this conversation would generate such good responses

Here, off the top of my head, and in no particular order, are a few of my key tips for new photographers.

1. Always shoot RAW.
2. Back up anything you want to keep in at least two separate locations.
3. Don't worry about getting the best camera and other gear when starting out. Work on technique.
4. Learn your camera's ins and outs.
5. Practice shooting anything and everything.
6. Experiment. Try things you wouldn't normally shoot. Look for new angles and options. When you're about to shoot something, turn around and look in the other direction too.
7. Take into account what others think of your work, but only to a limited degree.
8. Don't obssess over sharpness. One of my favorite catchlines: "Artists don't pixel-peep".
9. Know all the rules of composition -- and break them regularly.
10. Take advantage of the golden light at sunrise and sunset, but don't let yourself get locked into shooting at only these times.
11. Use a tripod when it is necessary. Don't use it when there's enough light to make it unnecessary, if it will slow you down or impede your creativity.
12. Resist the temptation to overprocess your image with gaudy oversaturation or cheesy effects. These will appeal to you when you're new, and you'll cringe at them later on. Trust me.
13. Don't be afraid to bump up the ISO if necessary. Modern cameras make very clean images even at 4-digit ISOs.
14. When you're ready to spend money on equipment, spend it on good glass first, not bodies. Glass retains its value; bodies depreciate almost as quickly as computers.
15. Get a decent photo editing package and learn how to use it. You don't need full Photoshop to start.
16. Learn how to read and understand histograms. They are THE key tool to checking if you've nailed exposure.

That's all I got right now. :)

Remember the rule of thirds. If your not familiar with it research. It's a basic rule in photography and a lot of photographers don't even know what it is. I really liked the close up of the door. From looking at what you have already posted it looks like you are on the right road to begin with. You gotta a good eye.

Hi Harry,
Welcome to FAA. Here's a link you might find helpful. Also, check out the other links at the bottom of the page.
Dale

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/2861/7-tips-for-getting-razor-sharp-photos-every-time/

Make sure you're always having fun while you're shooting and learning.

While learning your camera pick one feature or mode and work with it until it becomes second nature, then go on to another. The same thing goes for different photographic techniques.

youtube is an awesome resource for learning your camera, learning about photography, and photo editing. It's free too!

Shoot lots and then shoot some more.

Try to see the image before you lift the camera to your eye. Pick out the details you want to show, think of the story you want to tell and most of all - as everyone here has said - practice without discouragement! Good luck - we look forward to seeing more of your work!

Thanks for the tip Dean.

Learn not to take photographs, but make photographs. Dont be discouraged if sales dont immediately follow but focus on learning your craft and art. Most importantly though: have fun :)

Wow thankyou everyone for all the input and I appreciate all of the learning tips especialay from Wendy, again thankyou.

I am new to all of this also, thanks everyone for all of your input! Very eager to learn more and see if anyone else besides me likes my photos.

Look at the Photo 101 contest series. A new "assignment each contest, and it's purpose is to give you a broad scope in your vision as you search for photographic subjects.

Look at the Photo 101 contest series. A new "assignment each contest, and it's purpose is to give you a broad scope in your vision as you search for photographic subjects.

Back to say, I visited your images, Harry.

This is lovely -



At first glance, I immediately wondered how it might look in portrait orientation (vertical). So, I'll add a tip to my already over-long list -- try shooting a great subject in both landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) orientation. You might be surprised at what develops! :-)

Hi, Harry -- welcome! There are a MILLION tips; more than we could ever force feed you!

Read you manual, even if just a few pages a day, and try things as you go. You'll be glad you did!

Study the basics: light, composition, exposure, focus, etc. The Internet can provide the equivalent of an advanced degree -- for free! Remember, Google is your friend. :-)

Look at photographs that Wow! you (you'll probably find many in the galleries of FAA) -- then read books, tutorials, take classes -- anything that will teach you how to Wow! with your own photos.

Get closer to your subject.

Get down (or up) to the level with your subject.

Keep your horizon straight, unless you're going for a special effect.

Think outside the box, and translate that to your pictures.

Don't get complacent, 'better' is always just ahead. ;-)

Some (hopefully) helpful links:

http://www.geofflawrence.com/index.html
http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/beginners-photography-basics.html
http://www.dptips-central.com/digital-photography-basics.html
http://digital-photography-school.com/
http://rising.blackstar.com/category/art-of-photography
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

Examine your photographs onscreen and printed out -- that's very different from checking them in-camera.

Have fun.

Shoot, shoot, shoot!

EDIT TO ADD -- Check out some of the awesome tutorial videos on YouTube. If you can think up a question, YT probably has a video to help.

Thankyou Pamela and Paul and that is a good technique that i think i will try.

I like that advice Paul, great exercise, think I will try that.

Welcome to faa Harry.

You should find that your camera creates a new way of seeing the world. If it does, then develop that vision. If it doesn't, make things a bit harder for yourself - get a fixed length lens instead of a zoom and force yourself to compose within the limits of the lens. It's surprisingly educational.

Thankyou Christina, will do

Welcome Harry! Best advice I can give is to read your manual, and follow your heart!

Thankyou all for the tips and tony i checked into that website and it seems like something that i would be interesred in joining so thanks again

The best part about shooting digital...you'll save tons on film, processing and printing!

Shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot. Lots of resources on the web that will save $$ on books etc.
Join a local photography club if there is one....

As soon as you get a sense of what subject matter interests you, focus your attention on that.
For me, I originally was interested in b&w portraiture, now it includes nature and wildlife as well.

Most importantly....have fun! :)

Cheers!

Shoot what you like and keep at it until it becomes second nature. Like Mike said, practice, practice, practice. Welcome aboard and best of luck to you!

there are no real tips, just practice lots.


---Mike Savad

Welcome. This is a good resource as well: http://www.viewbug.com/