Where do I start?

[Phayke]

I'm interested in developing some new hobbies, photography in particular stands out to me as something that is rewarding, an endless amount of possibilities, skills, experiences, and a fresh take on the ordinary.

I've taken a few pictures here and there but I haven't gotten much further than that. There are a few reasons:

Many forms of art offer you a large amount of tools and techniques, styles and ways to achieve what you are going for. Sometimes sheer depth can distract from the simple beauty behind something. There are rules, tricks, terminology and philosophies. Are there any resources that are a good introduction to photography in general, with a focus on digital photography? (Assuming I know nothing.)

Also, the only people I've known with cameras were either the big, intimidating professional type with a bajillion types of lenses, tripods and all those other camera parts, they haven't been very approachable, and make it out either overly simple or complicated. Then there are the ones that buy cameras and use them for a couple weeks before they get tired of them, or only bring them to events, I don't think that's so much art as picture taking or getting a new gadget, and I don't want to end up like that.

Is there a good book I can buy, or some other resources for pushing off to the point where I can teach myself to progress? Many friends I've talked to have shunned the use of digital cameras it seems, but I think it might be best for learning to develop a mindset at least, and not having to worry about replacing film, getting things developed and waiting to see if a shot came out good or bad, plus the ability to make tweaks and share things instantly is nice. Should I start with a film camera? The whole thing sounds alot to me like the manual vs. automatic car transmission deal.

I know I've sort of asked a lot, but I'm really interested in this, I just want to get started correctly so that it doesn't meet the same fate as all those dusty guitars and skateboards that are practically everywhere.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by Phayke

I'm interested in developing some new hobbies, photography in particular stands out to me as something that is rewarding, an endless amount of possibilities, skills, experiences, and a fresh take on the ordinary.

Welcome, you're off to a good start wanting to develop a hobby. The desire to do so is always a good place to get started

Originally Posted by Phayke

Are there any resources that are a good introduction to photography in general, with a focus on digital photography? (Assuming I know nothing.)

Yes! There are lots of great resources online. This forum has a lot of good reading, but it can be overwhelming if you're not sure where to look. Don't forget there's a search function if you have some idea of what you're looking for. However, let's assume you know nothing as you said. One place to start is at the beginner's section of the DPS blog. Once you get some of the basics from there, it will help you figure out some of the things to search for on google. There really is a wealth of info on the internet.

Originally Posted by Phayke

Is there a good book I can buy, or some other resources for pushing off to the point where I can teach myself to progress?

Yes, there are lots of good books out there. I'm sure that people who have read some will come along shortly, but there have also been a few threads on books and there are some book reviews on the DPS blog that I linked to before. Going to a book store and having a look will probably be useful since it will give you a good idea of the style of teaching you want to read.

Originally Posted by Phayke

Should I start with a film camera?

I can honestly say that starting with digital is probably a better option because you can take lots and lots of bad pictures without having to wait for the results and without having to pay for each set of less than ideal results. The immediate feedback of digital is also great for getting started with changing your own settings because you can see what you've done "wrong" or what you want to change. I have a film camera that hasn't seen nearly as much action as my digital, but getting my digital has brought me back to the idea that I want to try using some of the older cameras, like the medium format ones and things like that. Just something a little different.

Again, welcome to the forums! Hope to see you post more, and don't worry about asking questions, we're very friendly here!

[Panama]

I just got a couple GREAT books for my birthday and they have really helped me out a lot! The first one is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and The Digital Photography Book volume 1 and 2. I really think that the book Understanding Exposure has really helped me understand Aperture…Bryan Peterson writes this book in a way that even beginners can understand; which being a beginner like myself was really important. The Digital Photography books by Scott Kelby are also wonderful. Both of these books really explain how to get better pictures in various situations. What I like about both of these books, is when he is explaining how to get a specific shot, he doesn’t go into all the technical stuff…he just tells you how to take the picture…for example: when taking a picture in a church “set your ISO to 800, set your shutter speed to 1/60 of a second, and set your f-stop to 5.6.” He tells you exactly what to do…just like he was standing right there next to you. Hope this helps….

[RexK_Cozumel]

I would definately read up on somethings on the DPS forum and blog there is a ton of knowledge on here. Also dont be afraid to ask questions if you dont understand something. I dont really have too many photography books tho so I can not really help much in that aspect.

As for the type of camera I would suggest that you go with digital over film because the learning curve will be much faster getting the instant feedback. As for the type of digital camera to get I would not go to overly fancy with it. Just start off with a high end point and shoot that has full manual controls or an entry level DSLR camera and the kit lens. The cost is pretty similar between the two. I would go with the DSLR just because of the fact that eventually if the hobby sticks you will want a DLSR camera anyways.

Dont go overboard with the lenses tho I would recommend a good kit lens to start off with so that it does not set you back a fortune. Also have only one lens to shoot with will teach you how to compose shots better and how to move your body around to get the shot instead of switching lenses all the time.

Hope it helps and just ask if you need suggestions on specific cameras or whatever else.

[laepelba]

For years I was a teacher at a middle school in a lower-socio economic neighborhood. A colleague and I did extra-curricular photography workshops every week with a group of interested students. The things that we concentrated on the most were (1) taking/practicing lots of photos and (2) looking at other people's photos and trying to figure out what you like (or don't) about them.

We would pick one compositional aspect ... like, say, "the rule of thirds", and would explain it and look at a bunch of photos that looked great because of it, or not-so-good because they put the subject too central to the composition. Then we'd go outside and take lots of photos (several of the kids had to borrow school cameras or one of my or my colleague's extra cameras) with the goal of practicing the "rule of thirds".

SOOOOOooooo, my suggestion to you would be to (1) take lots of pictures ... grab a digital camera (so you can delete as many shots as you want), and in the meantime (2) get online and LOOK at other people's photos. There are a LOT of great photo critique websites out there. DPS has a critique forum ... flickr has some good critiques ... you can google for other photo critique sites ... and then you can look at shots that you like or don't like, think about WHY, and read other photographers' comments about the image.

Get shooting!

[Phayke]

Thank you everyone for the welcome!

@Nicole
Lots of helpful stuff in the blog, I checked it earlier but overlooked some of the other stuff on there, like composition tips and things. Very nice! From what I've found, this seems like a great, maintained place to learn things- and thanks for reassuring me that digital is a legitimate medium to start with.

@Panama
I read the amazon reviews for those and I might have to pick them up, the two-volume one sounds especially helpful as a cheat-sheet type guide to have around with you. I was looking at the 'Complete Digital Photography' book, too, but I wasn't sure if that one was slanted towards people making the switch from film cameras- an introductory chapter on care, camera dissection, brief history would be nice, as well as a general breakdown of things. You know, something that touches on all elements. Do your books have that kind of stuff in them? I should probably go to a bookstore opposed to Amazon so I can find what's best for me.

@RexK
I'm thinking about a point and shoot, since for a while I'll need to get in the habit of always keeping it with me, and those seem pretty convenient for spontanious things. From what I know so far about DLSR cameras, they seem more professional, and suited good for when you KNOW what you're going to take a picture of. It would be nice to get a feel for photography and know what different things mean, and what I need before I spend money on a more professional camera. What kinds of price range would you consider good for starting out? I don't want to spend too much, since I'm just beginning something new, but I want to spend enough that I'm motivated to keep up with things. Do any of these look like they'd make a good first camera? http://www.amazon.com/b?node=330405011 My spending range is probably around $200-300. Or do you suggest I go a little higher? What kinds of things should I look for in a first camera particularly?

@laepelba
I think that's the most imporant point to any idea-based art. Quanity over quality. If you have enough ideas, the quality will improve on its own, or there's more of a chance of you getting a few that really stand out. What are some ways to get pictures flowing? I know once I've gotten started I'll want to take pictures of everything, but at the very beginning there's a lack of direction. 'Okay, I have this camera. Lets seeee, there's some papers on the desk, no. There's a tree outside...no, that's such a stupid tree.' What are some good (i guess they're called) subjects for when you're just developing your photographer's eye?

[mattdm]

If you're serious about making this a hobby, get an entry-level dSLR body instead of a point & shoot, no question. If you go for last year's models or look around used, you should be able to at least approach your $300 price point (at least, you'll be able to see that point over your shoulder from the point you end up at).

As you say, there's so much complexity that the beauty of photography -- the basic three factors of exposure, and then a single click to capture an instant out of the universe -- is easily lost. It is a shame there's not a digital equivalent of a bare-bones all manual Pentax K1000 film camera in digital. But, I'll make a somewhat unorthodox suggestion that may appeal to you given what you've said:

Get that entry level digital SLR I mention above (I like Pentax, but you can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon, except you may want to rule out the Nikon D40 because of what I'm going to say next).

Then, get the best normal-range prime lens you can afford. That means somewhere between 30 and 50mm, with no zoom. The Nikon D40 can't autofocus with the basic versions of these lenses, so that's why I suggest staying away from it (it's otherwise a great little camera).

Put the camera in M mode, and make yourself leave it there until you feel comfortable with what it's doing. Then, after a little bit if you want you can move to Av mode (aperture priority) to let the camera worry about shutter speed and exposure while you worry about composition.

If you feel ambitious, switch the camera to manual focus, although this tends to be hard on the less-than-stellar viewfinders of entry-level dSLRs.

Then, take your camera out and take lots of pictures. Get to know the field of view of your lens and what it can do. Get to know how to get exposure right. And then work up from there.

[Phayke]

Originally Posted by mattdm

Get that entry level digital SLR I mention above (I like Pentax, but you can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon, except you may want to rule out the Nikon D40 because of what I'm going to say next).

So an entry level SLR camera will be better for beginning than a point and shoot? What benefits will spending the extra on one have? I know if I get further into things I would be interested in upgrading to a mid-range DSLR camera down the road, would this change my decision? I've also read that certain lenses are only compatible with certain brands of cameras, so I think if I were to buy a DSLR camera as my first camera, it would effect the nicer camera I may upgrade to, if I plan on reusing any lenses. I'm guessing it would be best to stick with a major brand so that my choices aren't limited down the road?

Then, get the best normal-range prime lens you can afford. That means somewhere between 30 and 50mm, with no zoom. The Nikon D40 can't autofocus with the basic versions of these lenses, so that's why I suggest staying away from it (it's otherwise a great little camera).

I'm not sure what a normal-range prime lens is. I'm guessing normal range is the most common distance from a subject? Opposed to very close up or far away? What is a prime lens? What is the significance of the mm numbers, and lack of zoom? All lenses have a basic version? What does that mean? (forgive me, I don't know anything about cameras) Also, do I get a lens seperate from the camera, and just buy the body? Aren't lenses expensive? Maybe you can link me to some setups that are financially feasable? (I've only really started thinking about this since the beginning of this month!)

The rest of your post, I'm still lost on a lot of it, but I might understand more once I get a camera.

[RexK_Cozumel]

If you are just starting out I would recommend you stay away from the prime lenses as you will probabbly want a little bit of zoom and also prime lenses are expensive (other than the 50mm) You can get a D40 with a kit lens (18-55) for around $400 new. The point and shoot pocket cameras you linked to have their uses but if you are wanting to persue photography as a hobby and art then I would not go with the pocket cameras since it really limits you on how much control you have over the camera. The higher end point and shoots like the cannon s5 will give you more control over things like aperture and shutter speed but they are not as portable as a pocket camera so it is a greater hassel to carry it around with you. For full control and maximum room for growth get a DSLR. I would recommend the DSLR because it is only slightly more than a good point and shoot camera and when you get more into it you can just get better lenses instead of having to get a new body. Of course eventually you will upgrade camera bodies as well but the D40 body will last you a while. And if you stick with the same brand then you can use the lenses that you bought for the entry level DSLR on your future SLR's.

[Phayke]

So this is the combo you're suggesting? It's still a bit more than I was originally hoping, but I could always nab it with my tax refund. How about the issue mattdm had brought up regarding auto-focus? Is that only for certain older types of lenses, or for these er..prime lenses?

Also, it seems like Canon is a very popular brand, I wouldn't be limiting myself by going the Nikon route would I? It does seem like they're the two primary options.