Photography
Related: About this forumSuggestions for good instructional websites?
I really don't know what I'm doing with my camera. I've never taken a class or had a good tutorial on photography. So, can anyone suggest some places that will offer basic instructions? I've used the Google, but haven't been too satisfied with what I've found. I also have no software that I've really worked with, only iPhoto.
Thanks in advance and cheers.
ManiacJoe
(10,136 posts)What camera do you have?
What kind of instructions are you looking for? General photography vs camera specific?
a la izquierda
(11,802 posts)I should not post while ill.
I have a Nikon D3200. I need just basic photography instructions. Then I'll figure out the camera. I've never had much time to study photography, but I will be traveling next year and hope to document my journeys and possibly take still photos for my book.
ManiacJoe
(10,136 posts)The D3200 forum is free to all users. Some other parts require paid membership to post in, but all reading is free. Probably one of the best $25 per year you can spend.
Lots of good general articles in the "resources" section.
http://www.nikonians.org/reviews?alias=guides-how-to-tips-and-tricks
Nikon also has a quick tutorial on using the D3200:
http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d3200/index.html
a la izquierda
(11,802 posts)Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)I have a D5100 I could certainly use some instruction on (plus basic principles of photography)..
RC
(25,592 posts)Till then put in on Automatic and take pictures. Close shots, distance shots. Composition first. Use the auto focus.
Try to see the picture you want, them put that picture in the viewfinder and press the shutter.
The more you use the camera, the better you will be. Don't let other people's "Great" pictures intimidate you. Not all that supposedly are, are. Just because someone says it is, doesn't necessarily make it so. If you like it, it is a good picture.
BTY, What kind of camera do you have? Kinda hard to give advice without that info. A simple point and shoot or a DSLR, or something between?
My default picture software is Irfanview. Small, fast, simple to use and does all the basic stuff. Don't forget the plugins.
http://www.irfanview.com/
And for the heaver lifting, I use Photoscape. A bit more complex, but not real too bad. Much more powerful.
http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php
Both are free to download and use.
Check this out for what other people conciser good pictures.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10363057
I use a Nikon D3200. I can never remember F number values, iso numbers...
Thanks for the suggestions.
alfredo
(60,078 posts)RC
(25,592 posts)I set my camera for a maximum ISO number that doesn't show too much noise in the picture, about 6400 on my Canon t3i. The camera can automaticly use anything up to ISO 6400, then.
The rest, I let the camera worry about, even though I can use it on full manual, if I wish
Remember, you are smarter than your camera. Don't let it intimidate you.
rdking647
(5,113 posts)Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)check out Adorama's tutorials from time to time. There are a bunch of sites about and YouTube has some good stuff as well.
Stevenmarc
(4,483 posts)a la izquierda
(11,802 posts)You're all super helpful.
Thanks!
justiceischeap
(14,040 posts)"photography tutorials"
You'll find some decent instruction on there.
Also, if you are willing, look into Meetup.com for local photography meetups in your area. I belong to several groups in my area and shooting with better photographers has helped me improve my knowledge of how to photograph certain situations. It's also a good source of review from other photographers.
Sometimes you can also find photo walks with pro's that help you out with basic instruction. I've found the best way to learn about your camera, I shoot a D5100, is to shoot, shoot, shoot. The great thing about digital is once you make the initial outlay, your photography costs are pretty darn cheap, so shoot a lot.
DrDan
(20,411 posts)for example - "The 15 Features of Your DSLR That Every Photographer Should Know"
haven't watched that particular one - but the title seemed to fit your request. I have watched a few and really enjoyed them.