New here and to SLR Digital! Advice?

[Blondephotog]

Hi Everyone!

I've always loved photography and always played around with film and point and shoot cameras and took a class or two in high school. I finally got an SLR canon last year and all I really know is how to shoot on auto (lol) big whoop! I was thinking about taking a photography program but it costs too much then I saw the NYIP online and it looked good but I figure I can learn most of that online/through books. SO...pretty much I need an easy to use guide on the features of my camera, where to find them, what to use them for and when to use them. I need clarification on what ISO, correct shutter speed, etc, etc. I know HOW I want my photos to look I just need to know HOW to do it! Which brings me to my main question. I know I can find A LOT of information on here but do you guys recommend any books for a complete SLR beginner such as myself? My long term goal is to start some freelance photography as I love it so much. Thanks a bunch!

[inkista]

Two books by Bryan Peterson:

• Understanding Exposure
• Learning to See Creatively

[Jim Bryant]

and if you think remotely about taking pictures for money get John Harrington's Best Business Practices for Photographers. And if your friends and family tell you that you take great photos and to go pro they are being nice, so.......dismiss the idea until you learn what the photography market it all about and what to charge for your services.

[Izzy]

National Geographic photography field guide: secrets to making great pictures [Book]

Best book you will buy. Business stuff means nothing if you don't understand the basics.

[NgaiHill]

Hi and welcome to DPS.
The best resource for learning the features on your camera is your instruction book. Take it one feature at a time I spent a lot of time with my camera on auto - still do sometimes. Learn one new thing on your camera at a time, try Tv, Av, ISO etc and see what effects they have when you change the values..
Try taking some photos and posting them to the Critique section, you can usually get lots of helpful advice there. Even reading other's critique posts helps your learning.

[Mocha]

Welcome to DPS. You will find a lot of people willing to share their knowledge here.

For learning about the features of your camera, the owner's manual should be your first read. Personally, I had a hard time getting any suggestions out of the manual. A photographer friend recommended a book by Charlotte K. Lowrie that was written specifically for my camera model, published by Wiley Publishing. It is great for telling me how to set my camera to get specific results. There is probably a similar book for the camera model you own. You might also want to look into Digital Photography 1, 2, and 3 by Scott Kelby. I don't own them, but have browsed through them. He is very specific on how to get particular results.

BTW, the books suggested by Inkista are on my "to be read" list. They look like they are full of inspiration for technique.

Final suggestion -- practice, experiment, and have fun!