I feel like such an idiot.

[DigUpHerBones07]

I'm new to this whole photography game, and I'm trying to soak up a lot of information. I bought Understanding Exposure because I have read great reviews on it and most people seem to recommend it. But my problem is that I'm so confused. It all seems to be going over my head. I really want to get better, but I'm a little baffled right now. I know that I need to shoot just about everything in sight, but all of my photos come out like the crappy snapshots they are. I'm bummed. Does anyone have any advice for me? I'd be eternally grateful!

I don't know if I should also say that my camera is a P&S and I also have access to an "advanced" P&S (the ones that look a bit like dslr's but don't have removable lenses, right?)

[beth0b]

Just take it one concept at a time. Pick something you want to try to understand first. Get really specific too.. like aperture. Read up about what the numbers mean.. f/1.8, f/16, etc, and how they correspond to depth of field. Does your camera allow you to have control over the aperture and shutter speed and stuff? If so, study about the aperture, then change the settings in your own camera and see how it changes. Once you get a grasp on that, move on to shutter speed. What do those numbers mean and how does it affect the picture? Then, if you can, play around with the shutter speed in your own camera... etc

That's just an example of course, but start with the basics and take it one concept at a time. Trying to take it all in at once will become confusing and overwhelming, as you have found!

And remember to practice what you read. Once you have your camera in hand and apply what you are trying to learn, you will learn/understand much better and faster. I have that same book, and he will say "go grab your camera and set it to f/5 then take a picture..." stuff like that.

But again, break it down and don't feel like an idiot! There is a lot of information out there and it can be a lot to work through. Check out the blog on this website, this should help too: Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials Ask questions too.. we are all here to help each other!

[DigUpHerBones07]

That's a great idea, and honestly I hadn't thought of it. Everyone talks about all 3 points of the "triangle" working together, so I thought I had to learn them together. I'll definitely be breaking it down and seeing if that helps, Thank you!!!

[Alexandra]

If you say that your photos end up looking like snapshots you might want t have a think about composition as well. Break down the triangle (i agree that it helps a lot), but try and keep composition in mind... At least that was what i did when i was trying to learn the exposure and i try to think about composition in most of my photos (except the ones that i have of my kids just for the sake of it in which case as long as i expose correctly im not to bothered by composition)... Personally i find that even if i expose as good as i can (and i think i did get that part rightish by now), my photos will look exactly like snapshots if i dont try to compose the image...

Thats my opinion and the way i learn. Hope that helps. (And no, im not a pro... Im trying to learn about using lights in such a way to create shadows or have none....)

[audrey-g]

hi and welcome to the photography world. photography is like an addiction and once you try it you always want more. the first symptom is confusion!!! so you are on the right track! take a photography course (an online one would also do if you can't do a better one) so that you will have structures material to read and research one concept at a time. then practice and practice and practice...... the first few (or many) shots are crap but they will get better with time. try to look at other people's work and get ideas. then be creative and you will get going, you'll see.
i too have an advanced (and old) P&S but i cannot afford a DSLR right now so i do what i can then use post production with photoshop.
i hope i was of some help
good luck
audrey

[Lee10]

When I am particularly interested in a shot and how it was made I try to find the Exif (tech info) Once I know the settings, i.e. exposure, aperture, ISO etc, I will try to find a similar subject and copy the settings. It may not always work but the beauty of digital cameras is you can see what you have shot instantly and can tweek the settings to suit or until you reach your goal.
I know that with a point and shoot it is not so simple as settings are generally un-tweekable(is there such a word?) Composition then becomes the most important thing, watch the light and where shadows fall, get that right and you should be getting some very nice shots.
Lee

[sk66]

Personally, I think you should focus on learning composition......learn to see like a photographer. That is the hardest thing to do consistently, but it makes the most difference. I saw a book the other day, I think it was "the photographers eye", that had a lot of really good information.

The camera itself will do a good job 75% of the time without any help from you. But for the other 25%, and to really step up your images, you'll need to change settings usually aperture. In a P&S often you are very limited in what adjustments you can make.

[DigUpHerBones07]

Thanks everybody! Some extremely helpful information. The Photographers Eye is at the top of my "To Buy" list. I guess I was just generally going about this the wrong way. I will definitely try to focus on composition first, and maybe mess with settings next, or something like that. You have all been really helpful! Thanks again!

[Digify]

I don't know if i'm qualified to reply as i'm pretty much in the same boat, but i'm proud of some of the shots i have. My advice would be to get out there with someone that knows what they're doing, this was the turning point for me. From just half an hour with a friend of mine that knew what she was doing, i got turned on to all different kinds of angles / lighting that i would have never though about myself.

[DigUpHerBones07]

That's a really great idea, only I don't have any friends close by that are into photography. But maybe I could find someone and make a new friend in the process.