If you were learning photography again, what would you want to know first?

[Badllarma]

Hi all this is the only photography forum I frequent so this is a little off topic but if you were starting from scratch learning what would you have wished to have known first?

Don't worry it not to help me out on creating a new training DVD or anything I'm about to do some 121 training for some one new to it all and just wondering every one's opinions.

[Geoff F]

When I switched to digital around 8 years ago, I was totally confused by digital editing and printing. Software has considerably improved recently and there are a lot of photo help forums about now. But I would still say 'Read the software Help information' and preferably print it out so you have some reference material to consult while working.

When I think back to my film days; I would say that most of my spoilt photos were due to insufficient shutter speed for the lens size (minimum speed should equal the lens length, or faster) or too slow for a moving subject.

So I would say, firstly learn about shutter speed and aperture size (for depth of field) then exposure compensation.

And if you really want to learn, forget the auto settings. Digital failures don't cost anything so experimentation and learning is cheap now.

After that it is subject composition, and thinking about this before shooting.

[madukan]

The COST

[Meta menardi]

At moderate asa speeds, 100 @ f11 is right 90% of the time. Work out things from that. And always have aprance at a photo you would like to work but you think won't.

[big bill]

Learn to take control of the photo taking yourself instead of relying on the auto modes,this way you leearn how the different exposure settings work with different shutter speeds and keep notes of what works then you will have something to fall back on when it dont come right.

[Badllarma]

Thanks people for your input I can definitely say we will not be using auto setting at all. I've never used them on any camera so not about to start teaching someone them before they actually know what they (the setting) are doing.

My original rough list is
1) Seeing the shot (light and composition).
2) Cameras/Exposure (which includes shutter speed, aperture and ISO).
3) Formats jpeg RAW and about post processing).
3) Lenses and other kit).
5) Basic processing of images
6) Basic Photoshop.

I think that's not a bad starting list though

[Geoff F]

Yes that about covers the essentials.

The only other advice I would consider is 'Sometimes you have to lay in the mud to get the best angle'!

[Lancashire Lad]

For an out an out beginner to digital photography, I'd also point them in the direction of the book "Digital Photography for Dummies".

Anyone who has ever read one of the Dummies series of books will tell you that they are excellent at getting across all the necessary techniques & principles for the subject in question.

I just wish they had chosen a slightly different name for the series, as there must have been many prospective buyers who couldn't bring themselves to buy a book apparently intended for a Dummy - (Although anyone who has, will appreciate them as great learning aids).

Regards,
Mike.

[Badllarma]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Yes that about covers the essentials.

The only other advice I would consider is 'Sometimes you have to lay in the mud to get the best angle'!

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