Wow I was shocked that there weren't any posts in this section! This is actually my first post on the forums, so hello all! I just bought my first dslr, a Canon t2i with a cheap 50mm 1.8 lens. I have been learning how to use it, but I was wondering if anyone had suggestions about where to learn more about photography? I know that Lynda.com has tutorials but that's about it. I'm mostly interested in using it for filmmaking, but I feel like having a solid foundation in still photography could be very beneficial. By the way, Philip, I came across your dslr show on vimeo which led me to here. You seem like a very genuine person, so I'm glad I found your site! Hope it keeps growing!
Digital Rev TV has some good basics stuff, as well as more advanced tutorials. http://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom?feature=g-u-u
Depending on your experience, you may find this useful. http://camerasim.com/ It's a great tool for understanding the interplay between shutter, aperture, ISO and correct exposure.
What I did was searched locally for photography classes. Found a group that offered a half-day workshop. That was a huge help. One blog I subscribe to is the Digital Photography School. Google it. Their forum is packed with tips for beginners. A great resource.
Lynda.com do a few good ones, yes, and if you are a member then fill your boots. I'm a stills guy predominantly, that's my job, news photographer. I'd agree with poster above, find a night class at your local college. You'll also benefit from meeting like minded people and you'll learn more from the interaction with others.
Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson is a great book. It was recommended to me when I started 6 years back and it completely explained... well exposure. I can't recommend it enough. It's an easy, informative read that simply gets you to an understanding of what your camera is doing when taking a photo. Fantastic book. Available here in Canada at: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books...2-item.html?ikwid=bryan peterson&ikwsec=Books It's easy to find anywhere though. Another site, aside from those mentioned above does include Kelby Training. Some great lessons from a variety of pros in a variety of scenarios. I'll grab a month subscription every once in a while to learn something new. www.kelbytraining.com Cheers ____________ A.J. www.modrew.com www.welivesoccer.com
Man I have lots of research to do now! Just out of curiosity, what about that learn and master series? They have one on photography.
Personally, my route would be to go with the book Understanding Exposure to get you going. You can find a ton of free help on-line to fall back on while you go through the book. Then once your understanding of how your camera takes a photo is up to snuff, I would jump into a month of Kelby training (it's about $25) and watch and take notes on as many lessons as you can (while still shooting as much as you can to put the knowledge your gaining to work!). If you want to extend your subscription, you can... or you can cancel and just go with what you know. Either way, the biggest thing I think is just getting your basics covered and then trial and error. Take lots of photos and critique the hell out of your stuff. It totally sounds like I'm working for the book and Kelby. I just know that I have a good foundation now and those are what helped me... along with taking tons of crap photos while figuring out how to make the camera do what I wanted it to. I can't speak to the "learn and masters" series, as i had never heard of them. I did check it out though... and it's not something i'd be into. But that's just my opinion. _____________ A.J. www.modrew.com www.welivesoccer.com
AdoramaTV has a nice selection of videos covering a large number of subjects. Simple and informative. Great place to start out.
My recommendations: For great advice, articles, gear reviews, and tutorials: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/ http://www.pixiq.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom For photography on a budget: http://diyphotography.net/ (Be careful with this one...many of the builds offered on this site aren't as safe for your equipment as they seem.) My best advice is to spend some time browsing Flickr (www.flickr.com) and attempt to copy some of the great photos you'll see there. You'd be surprised how much you learn through imitation and adaptation.
My advice would be, like I did, to join a real life photography club in your area. Nothing can beat an informal chat with an experienced photographer, or holding that lens you can't afford right now, in your hand, rather than staring at pictures of it online. If you are lucky, they'll even let you borrow that lens! You can make lots of friends there too. Also, enter some informal photography competitions/challenges. This will keep you focused.
You can read as many books about the rule of thirds and composition rules etc ( there more like guidelines)... But the best way to learn composition is to look at really good photography all day long, go to the libery rent out books of animals or people what ever takes your fantasy.. Look at minimalism and take it in, even if you don't like the picture it can inspire you.. Done be affriad to do a rats eye view, and lie on the floor like a weirdo in the middle of a street, always have fun and don't put to much pressure on your self, But most of all listen to your gut instinct about a picture and enjoy it for what it is.. FUN As for books I loved the 52 projects one Thats got some fun stuff to do, don't restrict your self enjoy it for what it is..
My advice is to join your local club in real life photos, I would like to be. Reporting anything other than photos online than in your hand, you can not beat a photographer, experience now can not afford to have the lens or informal conversations. If you're lucky, you'll borrow the lens! You can make a lot of friends there. In addition, some unofficial Photo Contest / difficulty.
