Picking up photography - pointers?

just shoot as much as you can, pay attention to details, shoot pictures that you think are interesting for different reasons, learn about the principles of art and design, rule of thirds, etc... take a photography class at a local community college if you want, but most importantly get out and shoot

a great photographer can take amazing pictures with the shittiest of cameras
 
OMG RULE OF THIRDZZZ!!!

no but seriously, just take a lot of pictures and maybe try to take a photo course, those are always worthwhile
 
Well one thing is... the internet is a wealth of information especially for photography and media. I suggest finding pictures you really like and figuring out why they appeal to you, once you do that it will open up your mind to new things you haven't seen before. One person to check out is Peter Lik, http://www.peterlik.com/ , he is one of the most amazing photographers I've seen. Another thing would be to explore new types of subjects even if you have no idea how to shoot it, just have fun with it. Knowing your equipment is key. If you don't have money for flashes, a good alternative would be reflectors which is good for fill if you shoot portraits. Hope this is helpful for you!
 
ok so youve got some good stuff going so far, your using rule of thrids and leading lines whats a good start, i think you black and white stuff is bad, not bad photos but you just need to look into changing photos into b&w with out lossing contrast.

something that i done when i was younger, and still do now is get a load of great photos that i find into a word dowcument and just write about them, break the photo down, why is it good, tech details, composisiton, whats it meant to mean, why has the photog done this, I tend to write half to a whole page about a photo, it just helps you see what a great photo is then you can take things from this photo and that photo and put it into your own work. give it ago
 
I'm going to bump to continue the advice since I need some too...

How do you start? I can press the button on this camera all day long, but I have difficulty linking styles others use to actual camera settings and such. My knowledge of the technical stuff is limited, and Google is a frustrating way to learn every tiny thing. I don't know if I can take a class or not, I hope to find one that actually meets at a time I can go. I love flipping through other people's stuff, and I just want to learn the basics so I can run free and start teaching myself.
 
The biggest help is just understanding aperture and shutter speed, and how they relate. And really just practice. I know everyone says just taking pictures is the best way to take good pictures but its true. You just sort of learn through experience. Oh that looks awful? Well here, lets try this. Sooner or later, youll have it figured out.

We have it so much easier learning with digital these days, because you can see your shot right there and reshoot it, you dont have to wait till you shoot a whole roll, and get it developed.
 
Would you maybe have some good literature to recommend then? Internet or print? I agree that I have learned a good amount (coming from 0 recently) by just playing, but I am really looking for any outside help that might accelerate my learning for the better.
 
Agreed. What I did was put an apple on my counter, and touched every button and took a picture, then looked at the picture. I would then find out which buttons did what and when I should use certain things. Helped out a lot.
 
hmm.

i lurk around on thephotoforum a bit. its got the occasional nugget of helpfulness, but also a lot of people who are looking for critiques of photos of their pet.

i also read the skateperception photo forums, but thats more advanced, and also mostly only relevant to skateboarding, though some of it does carry over to other action sports.

idk i basically just google when i have a question, and read around. i dont have a specific method.
 
Start by shooting film!

Cheaper in the short run, more expensive in the long run...

Shoot whatever you think is cool, try and get the shot the first time, and never stop taking pictures.

Also, learn up on the photography laws in your country.
 
I'll check that forum out then, any other tips are welcome. I'm gonna just fill this memory card today and see what happens.
 
Wow reading some of the advice in here is facepalm worthy. You don't need expensive, high end equipment to take good photos. Learn the basic controls, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Make sure you understand how to properly expose your pictures. If you're shooting digital, learn about white balance and the temperature settings if your camera has the options. Next learn about basic composition guidelines such as rule of thirds, mergers, angles, leading lines, colors, etc. You don't have to follow all the guidelines but they do help in taking photos. It wouldn't hurt to take a lot of photos but also remember to not just press the shutter every second. Take time to look what's in your viewfinder and make sure it looks the way you want. You may need to get closer/further, get a different angle, etc. Just have fun with it but also take the time to learn because there is so much to learn and that's what's awesome about photography. Look up the masters of photography and other photographers and see what their style is. Incorporate what you like about certain pieces of work into your own style. Don't just copy them but take what you like about different photographers plus your own creativity and develop your own style.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top