I don't know much about photography, as of yet. However, I was wondering if the "Photography for Dummies", or similiar readings, were a good way to become introduced? What type of camera would recommend for a beginner? What type of photo editing software is do you prefer, ie the different verisions of photoshop, CS4 etc... If you were starting from the beginning again how would you go about getting started. Im just looking at doing this as a hobby for my personal benifit.
I appreciate all of the feedback.
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Ok...I will go ahead and pick up that reading for now.
As far as camera goes to fit my budget. Right now my budget is a little tight as I am only working part time. Here in the next couple of months i should be getting a full-time position which will open up my budget dramatically. I'd say in the ballpark of about 750-1000(that'd be camera, photo editing software, etc...). Or i could spend all of that for camera related expenses just so i can familirize myself with the intricacies of camera operation. Once I am comfortable with how to use the camera I can purchase photo editing software.
Ok...I will go ahead and pick up that reading for now.
As far as camera goes to fit my budget. Right now my budget is a little tight as I am only working part time. Here in the next couple of months i should be getting a full-time position which will open up my budget dramatically. I'd say in the ballpark of about 750-1000(that'd be camera, photo editing software, etc...). Or i could spend all of that for camera related expenses just so i can familirize myself with the intricacies of camera operation. Once I am comfortable with how to use the camera I can purchase photo editing software.
That money will all pretty much need to go towards the camera/lens.
From the Nikon line up I would suggest the D90 since you seem to be pretty interested in this.. Though it and the kit lens is about $1300.
I might also suggest picking up a cheap used camera like the D40... Learn the basics on it.. Then sell it to someone as you upgrade to something like the D90.
I don't know Canon as well as I do Nikon.. But you could probably go with something like the T1i or the XS or XSi.
Really though.. something it boils down to is to go and feel the camera's for yourself.. find what you feel suits you best.. How the controls are laid out.. how you hold it in your hands.. viewfinder.. menus.. things of that nature. I absolutely HATE the Canon menu's, but that doesn't mean you wont.
Or... You could go with Sony aswell.. I know even less about them than I do Canon.
For photo editing software, you could pick up a used copy of Photoshop Elements for less then $70. That with a couple cheap plug ins like topaz's Adjust 3, and you'll be set.
For photo editing software, you could pick up a used copy of Photoshop Elements for less then $70. That with a couple cheap plug ins like topaz's Adjust 3, and you'll be set.
Be sure you get the right version though.. Some wont handle RAW files.
Last edited by Parkerman : 09-01-2009 at 05:22 AM.
Elements 6 and up does. If it isnt supported when you purchase it, all you have to do is download the new plug in and swap it out with the old one and it works just fine.
x2 on the Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure...
That is one of the first books I read, and it is very VERY helpful. I picked up an old copy(not the new revised digital edition) at a used book store for like $2, and even though it isn't geared twords digital photography, it is still a GREAT help.
as for editing software, I am using photoshop elements 6. I have no complaints with it...and I am sure I have barley scratched the surface of what it can do.
EDIT: as for Camera, I picked up a D40 with an 18-55mm, and a 55-200mm VR lenses for about $700(back in July). I opted to go cheaper on the camera, mainly because I wanted the second lense...to practice a more wide variety of shots...and my budget is also very limited at this time. I am also just trying to learn this whole photography thing right now.
I would suggest picking up barely used equip off craigslist. plenty of peeps buy cams then rarely use them or get upgraditis. Or like parker suggests - join forums and visit the 'for sale' section. most camera people take great care of their equip and you can save tons of money since you're only working part-time and not really sure if this is gonna be a novel hobby for you or not.
Thank for the input! I am picking up the book tonight.
What forums are reputable, or what other forums are you apart of? Also, other than forums, what books would you suggest?
When the time comes to purchase a camera and lenses, I'm going to buy it used and hopefully save a little money.
This is something I'm not trying to rush into, I want to learn as much as I can about the different elements of photography. Once I learn the basics I'll start to worry about how to edit them. Doing it in a building block manner so to speak. This way I have a firm understanding of what I am doing and why I'm doing it.
Finished Understanding Exposure, a very interesting and informative read, last week and have joined several forums. Have been reading as much information as I can. Wish I had a camera to practice with.
One more question, what len(s) and filters would you recommend? I will be mostly shooting cars, golf swings, or similiar exposures, every now and again probably lanscapes.
Having the 200mmm zoom lense is nice, but I use my 18-55mm lense more when shooting car/scenery stuff. But, the next thing I will probably get is going to be a 18-200 lense...'cause it never fails, when I am using the one lense, I always find a picture that I want to take that requires usning the other d@mn lense.
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wanting to start getting into photography
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