How do I get involved in photography? And what camera should I get??

[Ashlorraine]

Hi! Hopefully I posted this in the right thread.

For a long time now I have wanted to get involved in photography. However I REALLY need some experienced help to guide me in the right direction!

First off, what type of camera should I get? I am willing to get a used camera and to spend up to 300-500 (but of course cheaper is preferred). Is this a reasonable price? Do I need to pay more? This is my first camera, so can I afford to go cheaper or should I invest in something of better quality? I know good cameras probably cost much more than this but I don't exactly have much to spend...

Second off, where exactly do I start?...I have always wanted to take classes (I am entering 2nd year of college) but they are impossible to get into because they reserve the spots for art majors (I am a science major). I don't really have the time or means to travel to other places or schools to take classes. Can I just start building a portfolio or how exactly does it work? I want something legitimate to recognize any experience I have acquired. Do you have to take classes for this sort of recognition?

I want to do photography because I have always felt drawn to it and felt a void when I can't photograph something. I am thinking about incorporating it into a science career in the future (my ideal job would be doing something recording wildlife). Please any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!! I (clearly) know absolutely NOTHING! haha! I am brand new to this but super excited to finally learn. Thanks! (:

[vsa]

I suggest a simple point and shoot camera to start with. The cheaper ones still have some controls you can play with but aren't too complicated. They're compact so you don't have to haul shitload of gear with you everywhere. And if you then decide you don't like photography that much you still have that p&s to snap pics of random stuff whenever.

You most likely won't go very wrong with the big brands.

What comes to courses.... you don't necessarily need them. There's multitude of tutorials and stuff to read about photography in the internet for free. Also if any of your friends are into photography talk, hang out and photograph with them. If none of them like photography then find some new ones who do (obviously not forgetting the old ones).

[dcclark]

vsa has some good advice. Right now, it sounds like you're just starting out, and are unclear on what sorts of photography you're interested in. So, a decent point & shoot will be perfect for you: not too expensive, fairly flexible, small and easy to carry.

Next, read some of the basic tutorials around the web (there are some good ones right here on DPS). Work on finding interesting things to photograph, and focus on your composition, using light, finding shapes and colors to work with.

Eventually, you'll start to find that certain types of photography appeal to you more -- landscapes, people, sports, who knows what. Then you can start to look at more advanced and specialized gear. Until then, work on getting your basics down, and have a lot of fun!

[nowonder]

Originally Posted by Ashlorraine

Second off, where exactly do I start?...I have always wanted to take classes (I am entering 2nd year of college) but they are impossible to get into because they reserve the spots for art majors (I am a science major). I don't really have the time or means to travel to other places or schools to take classes. Can I just start building a portfolio or how exactly does it work? I want something legitimate to recognize any experience I have acquired. Do you have to take classes for this sort of recognition?

Have you tried talking to the teacher, or the head of the art department about the photography class? Meet the professor face to face, show some genuine interest, and I would be surprised if they don't find a way to get you into their class. Start off asking about what subjects are covered, what kind of equipment they recommend, etc.

You certainly do NOT need a formal education in photography to start working on a portfolio, but it will help you think in critical terms.

If you are interested in learning the technical aspects of photography, I'm going to go against the general consensus and recommend you look for a used DSLR. Except for some higher end point & shoots, they aren't going to have the aperture, shutter and ISO controls, and certainly won't have the manual focus options of even the most basic SLR.

--nw

[PnwGuy]

Well, since you aspire to have a career in science, photography should suit you well. It takes a lot of time and research and trial and error and even then success can be elusive and intermittent.

You have to be willing to dedicate the time to not only read and learn but to go out and practice.

Google can be your best friend in this endeavor. Use it to learn and to research potential equipment purchases. You ask ten people a question and you're likely to get six different responses. Pick and choose what works for you as you go.

It can be a very expensive hobby. Like others suggested, start small and progress from there. Assuming you will be shooting digital you almost have to be part computer tech as well as you will need to learn photo management, editing, software programs, and most importantly how to back it all up in case of technical problems.

I can tell you firsthand that expensive camera equipment does not equate to great pictures.

On the other side of all that, nothing like uploading your shots after a shoot and beaming with pride as you realize you got "the shot". Good luck!

[AndCity]

I am relatively new to digital photography after dabbling in developing my own black and white many years ago. I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 which although is a bridge camera and not a full blown DSLR takes great pictures and allows you to have a lot of control over the settings.

I have noticed recently that the price of a new one is coming down, possibly because they are now bringing out newer models. I obtained mine second-hand from a friend for a very good price and consider it a great starting point to revive my old hobby.

I hope this helps you and good luck!

[douglas]

I would suggest a P&S camera. Go to a good photo store, talk to them about the various models, and your aspirations. Handle them and find one YOU like. Good pictures, are not equivelant to expensive cameras, just look at the postings here. I think you should look at share your shots, and the critique section, you can learn a lot there.MOST of all...have fun with your camera!