rules of photography

i have never been to a photography class, and cant afford to have courses, so where can i learn the general rules of photography? people are always talking about rules of 3rds......no clue what that is! i feel stupid when somebody asks me why i cropped a photo like i did (like there was no rules followed) and all i can say is, "cuz i thought it would look good that way". is there a site or software (thats not too spendy) where i can learn the things you'd learn in a class?

[PowerPix]

DPS is a good place to start......!!!!!!

[amberskies]

yeah this website has a ton of good info! I've learned SO much already (and there is so much more to learn).

Check the library for books... or a bookstore. There are millions of books on photography.

lol, i knew someone would say that, i almost put.."other than dps". well, ive mostly learned how to use photoshop from dps, but not about taking the photo itself...i want to learn more of that!

Originally Posted by amberskies

yeah this website has a ton of good info! I've learned SO much already (and there is so much more to learn).

Check the library for books... or a bookstore. There are millions of books on photography.

good tips, but im more of a visual/ hands on learner...so im kinda looking for web sites or software...i saw some software that dps reccommends, but i think it was like $200!

[PowerPix]

Lol, I too am a hands on learner. I think I saw some posts on "rules" and things like that, but I do understand where you are coming from.....

[dcclark]

Hey ntinlizi -- this is a great site to surf around if you want to learn rules! I highly suggest looking through the "Photography Tips & Tutorials" section at the DPS blog. In particular, here are a few collections of good articles I found: composition tips for beginners, and the all-important tips for beginners. Good luck!

[amberskies]

Originally Posted by ntinlizi

good tips, but im more of a visual/ hands on learner...so im kinda looking for web sites or software...i saw some software that dps reccommends, but i think it was like $200!

Books are no less "hands-on" than websites, and much more portable. If you want the "rules" and general technique, etc, they will be better organized than the hodge-podge of info you'll find on the web.

Originally Posted by dcclark

Hey ntinlizi -- this is a great site to surf around if you want to learn rules! I highly suggest looking through the "Photography Tips & Tutorials" section at the DPS blog. In particular, here are a few collections of good articles I found: composition tips for beginners, and the all-important tips for beginners. Good luck!

awsome, thanks, i'll take a look!....still learning to navigate this site lol!

[JerBear]

Look on ebay for used books in the area of your interest, amazon as well.

While the gear changes, the foundation of photography does not

Good luck

JM