Getting started

[CharlieT305]

I am new at this but i love the work. I just wanted to know where should i start as far as which classes to take, what camera to start off with and all that good stuff please let me know

[Saralonde]

Wow, lots of questions! Let's narrow things down.
Camera - What is your budget? Do you have a camera right now? Do you know what you're interested in shooting (macro, people, landscapes, etc.)?
Classes - There are usually classes at local community colleges as well as ones offered on line. A lot of people never take a formal class. There is so much information of the web at sites like ours (where you can get feedback) and the DPS blog (full of info), that a formal class may not be necessary.

[Winyari]

Hi. I'm new too. I'm have been really enjoying following the lessons in the DPS Blog. There are a lot of really basic concepts that give the important building blocks to photography.

As far as classes, try as mentioned above and you also might try some of your local camera shops. A few of my local shops offer some really great classes for different levels of students and types of shots you like to take.

There is so much information on the internet and that can be found in the library. I'm actually trying to pry myself off of the forum this very minute and go to the library and get a book.

It seems to me that you just have to practice, practice, practice!!! Have fun.

[Mefistofeles]

The best way to start, IMO... any camera it's worth the shot.

At first you start with the basics, composition and all that stuff. You don't need a high end DSLR for that.

As for classes... all classes will work..ALL OF THEM. read read read... and then read some more. Look at other people photos and then try to replicate those, little by little, try to take your own artistics shots.

Then you might think of getting a Point and Shoot with manual controls, in order to learn about shutter speed, and all that technical (but basic) stuff.

.... then.. get a DSLR...

And Remember: It's not about the camera, its about the person behind the viewfinder.
(something i learned trough DPS :-p)

[zoliky]

Choose a camera and shoot in manual. First, learn how aperture and shutter speed affect your picture. The internet is full with information. Im not advanced in photography but I learn the most essential thing in 2-3 days.

[Ed.]

I can't believe how much i've learnt through reading then asking questions as and when they have come up. I have found more than anything there is nothing you totally grasp the first time - so re-reading up on a subject a month or so later when you have grasped the surrounding inter-related factors a little better is helpful to consiladate learning up to present. You can even get point and shoots with manual controls now to let you learn how things work before spending all the money. But actually i'd say start by learning how to take good photos before you look into the baffling science of photography - aka - framing, composing, interacting with subject etc...

[mar529]

i found the canon xti to be a good camera to learn on, just do some reading on the internet about exposure, composition, and the other essentials of photography and then just keep shooting and practicing

[edmDusty]

Originally Posted by zoliky

Choose a camera and shoot in manual. First, learn how aperture and shutter speed affect your picture. The internet is full with information. Im not advanced in photography but I learn the most essential thing in 2-3 days.

A lot matters on what kind of photography you like. For some people, experimenting with the technical aspects like aperture and shutter speed is really fun. For others, being outside and shooting in auto is fun. The point is; just have fun.

[ppchkn]

i began with a P&S.... well, sorta, it was a kodak easyshare... i don´t remember the number (175 US dlrs... that i can remember!)

Then, i upgraded to the bulky and color-awesome DSC F828, beautiful camera, really, but... i have to upgrade one more time.

Rebel XTi, love my beautiful black and serious camera.


But the camera does not do nothing... you have to read A LOT, and by that, i mean A LOOOOOOOOOOT.

Read, never stop reading... and bookmarks, those helps a lot! (DPS is the first that you have to had!)

so, great luck, best of the best, and never give up!

[ditch_azeroth]

when they say knowledge is power, they aren't kidding. modesty aside, i know quite a few tricks. still, i consider myself to be a student... and i always will be. there's a lot of good how-tos in this forum, and don't forget the blog.

in fact, start with the dps blog. start from the very first lesson/article and that should be a good direction for you. i think this is the first one, then work your way up: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/page/88/p