All things about photograpy

[justkim]

I am waiting for girl_dee to make an appearance... where of where can she be?

Thanks for stopping by Wil, glad you are getting better. I would love to hear what kind of books, websites, ect. you have used since you started shotting pictures.

[little man]

Originally Posted by justkim

Thanks for stopping by Wil, glad you are getting better. I would love to hear what kind of books, websites, ect. you have used since you started shotting pictures.

healing seems to be a slow process. i suppose not being a spring chicken plays into that...

what i know about photography has been mostly self-taught, through experimentation. i do have a friend who has helped me a lot with the post processing, though. mostly things like how to touch up and even out colors and tones in the background. other than that, i just try stuff and see how that works out. not helpful, i know, but it's the way i learn and retain best.

i don't really have any "how to" books. mostly, i treat myself to what i call picture books and look at those. i have an affinity for early 20th century, eastern european photographers. i like them because they see in ways very similar to the way i see. i do pick up books that are on topics i enjoy...old signage, rt 66, things like that. i buy these books as treats for myself, rather than as instructional tools. most of my ideas/inspiration comes from conversations i have with people. random things start a thought process, and it turns visual at some point.

i will say, though, that i am fascinated with light and its interplay with objects and shadow. i'm a big fan of high contrast. then again, i have some photos i've done that look almost like impressionist paintings.

mostly, i shoot what catches my eye or captures my imagination. lots of help, huh?

I sorta got lucky in that I ended up with a photographer who ended up doing a photography BA (she got a first) and then became a teacher and a professional photog. I learned a lot from her.

The most basic top tips that revolutionised my picture taking were:

• Actually look at what's in the viewfinder; sounds like a no brainer but it's amazing how moving objects out of the frame makes a huge difference.
  
  
• Look up the rule of thirds and the golden mean.
  
  
• Remember we read from left to right.
  
  
• Play in manual mode, it's a good way to learn the relationship between aperture and shutter speed.
  
  
• It's not about the camera, it's the glass that's important. Invest in good lenses. Most affordable lenses are 'slow', pay more for a wider aperture, it's worth the cash. If you can't afford more than the camera for a lens then invest in a half decent tripod and use it.
  
  
• A good photographer takes good pictures no matter what camera they're using. A better camera just means you got more money than the person using their phone camera, not that you're a better photographer.

[Bard]

you guys are making me want to take the plunge and do something I have always wanted to photography always interested me and I have looked at classes so many times but was just plain scared but i really want to

[justkim]

Bard, go and look at your local community college, that is what I intend to do when I have two free seconds.

Thank you Wil. I just love to shoot, it really is that simple.

Originally Posted by Bard

you guys are making me want to take the plunge and do something I have always wanted to photography always interested me and I have looked at classes so many times but was just plain scared but i really want to

[NitroChrys_Butch]

Originally Posted by Bard

you guys are making me want to take the plunge and do something I have always wanted to photography always interested me and I have looked at classes so many times but was just plain scared but i really want to

DO IT. Sign up for classes if there is a camera shop near you that teaches classes...or a community college. There is nothing to be afraid of ...and you will learn & grow. You can do it.

[bright_arrow]

Originally Posted by Bard

you guys are making me want to take the plunge and do something I have always wanted to photography always interested me and I have looked at classes so many times but was just plain scared but i really want to

You only live once baby, follow your dreams

[Kätzchen]

I bought a Canon AE-1 camera at an estate sale recently and it came with some accessories, too. It even has the original case and booklet on how to use this camera. Can’t wait to take pictures of beautiful places and spaces, especially sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe even take some pics if I make it to the southwest area of Arizona and New Mexico.