New member, and a question about photography schools.

[lyric05]

Hello all,

I've enjoyed taking pictures (always had a fascination with it) ever since I was a kid (I'm 24 now), but I'm interested in learning how to become a better photographer and take better quality pictures, rather than just pointing and snapping.

I would like to improve and be able to take nice pictures of our rural farm life (I love the pictures that just "speak" to you) in my area, meaningful and decent quality shots on vacations, at gatherings, etc. There are lots of people with kids in my church who have already told me that they will be happy to let me "practice" on them, and, the church also would like for me to become sort of the "church photographer" at church functions since we no longer have anyone who wants to do this sort of thing. I think this is kind of neat because I can get a lot of "practice" in with no pressure - small country church, full of great people.

I've been working off of the best point and shoot that I could afford, but am now saving up for my first DSLR. I've been doing a lot of research and it's looking like that to start with, the Nikon D3100 is the camera for me. Does anyone have any experience with this type of camera?

Also, I've been looking at online photography schools, are there any decent ones? My local community college offers two "photojournalism/photography" classes, but it's looking like the times won't work out due to my work schedule. I have no problems doing online or distance learning, so I'd like to know if anyone has an experience with any of these online photography schools or classes? Or is it better to get books and study? Or try to find a college class somewhere?

Does anyone have any experience with Photoshop Elements? I've heard it's a good program, and I'm looking for something that I can easily afford. I'm very, very new to the editing, Photoshopping side of things, and really am not sure where to start. Are there any other programs that are a little cheaper than Photoshop that are good?

Are there any book recommendations? I am willing to study and work hard to learn.

I'd greatly appreciate any information or advice!

[3bayjunkie]

The Nikon 3100 is a great starter camera, I would suggest the Nikon 5100 if you can afford it. Also if you are working and dont already have money saved to pay for college courses. You don't really need to go to school for photography, It would be better for you to save your money for gear and read books on how to shoot good photos and practice. everything they teach you in a class, you can get from a book, and just try it on your own.

[dlambert]

Photoshop Elements is good -- it does most of the stuff you'd ever need to do in Photoshop. Also look at Lightroom -- lots of people use one or the other of these, but they're a killer combo together. PS-E retails around $99, I believe, but if you watch for it, you should be able to find it on sale for quite a bit less. Same goes for LR -- I just picked it up for $99, which is a good bit better than the $299 retail price.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by lyric05

Does anyone have any experience with Photoshop Elements? I've heard it's a good program, and I'm looking for something that I can easily afford. I'm very, very new to the editing, Photoshopping side of things, and really am not sure where to start. Are there any other programs that are a little cheaper than Photoshop that are good?

Are there any book recommendations? I am willing to study and work hard to learn.

I'd greatly appreciate any information or advice!

GIMP is free and very powerful. Not easy to learn, though. I have PaintShopPro and it was only about $25-30. It does all I need and more.

I have seen a lot of recommendations for Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

[3bayjunkie]

The good thing about GIMP is that it has Layers in LAB color so you can do smart sharpening. You can't do that in Photoshop Elements. I use photoshop only because ive used it for over 12 years and don't feel like changing, but GIMP can give you the same effects in that respect.

[lyric05]

I have GIMP, but haven't had much success with it. I know next to nothing about photo editing. In the past I've always just cropped, rotated and done black and white, but nothing else.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by lyric05

I have GIMP, but haven't had much success with it. I know next to nothing about photo editing. In the past I've always just cropped, rotated and done black and white, but nothing else.

There are a lot of GIMP tutorials on YouTube.

[lyric05]

Didn't think to look there, thanks!

[3bayjunkie]

I thought i posted this here, but it must have been on someone elses post. Read "The Digital Photography Book Vol.1 Vol.2 Vol.3" by Scott Kelby you can find it at any major book store or get it for your kindle on Amazon. Amazon.com: the digital photography book

[JFSanders]

By joining here you have enrolled in a photography school. No you won't get a sheepskin but you will get what is important, knowledge and advice from people who do it seriously.

If you get the Nikon then I would suggest you look into getting some books. As said the scott kelby books are great and there are e-books offered by our gracious host here at DPS. Look on the main page. You need to read and understand exposure, lighting and composition. These are your foundation. Once you understand how to manipulate these aspects to achieve your ideas in photographs then you will know what your next step in acquiring knowledge will be.

Remember, Photography is manipulating light and shadow to convey a message or feeling to the viewer. So you use the tools (camera, lighting and lenses) to craft your photograph.

Good luck and post your work in critique (please read the forum sticky first) so that we can help you.

Jim