Digital photography for beginners book

[Blue]

Hi

I've recently bought an FZ50. As I'm new to photography I'm struggling quite a bit. Wondered if anyone could reccomend a book for total beginners that is informative, but easy to understand.

Cheers
Blue

[Wild-Woman]

I have the FZ50 and have found that the best thing to do is keep practising. It also depends on what your interests are subject wise.
You'll probably find that about 99% of your first attempts will need ditching. I'm down to about 90% and still struggle with certain aspects.My main subjects are insects/invertebrates so macro shots are what I enjoy.

As for books, you can read loads but it will always boil down to practise. Don't give up and learn from your mistakes. Once you get the feel of your camera they'll be no stopping you and it gets VERY addictive.

Good luck.

Jules

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Blue

Hi

I've recently bought an FZ50. As I'm new to photography I'm struggling quite a bit. Wondered if anyone could reccomend a book for total beginners that is informative, but easy to understand.

Cheers
Blue

In what way do you feel youre struggling? Is it image quality or understanding the basic principles,or maybe both?
There are many beginners books available but many are either geared towards taking basic snapshots with point and shoot type cameras, or digital SLRs. As the FZ50 is pretty much in-between both camera types you may find such books either lacking in info relative to your camera,or too advanced for your needs.
There are quite a few Panasonic FZ users on the forums here who`ll be able to help with any questions you have,and will be able to offer advice more specific to your camera, than a generalised guide book.You`ll probably benefit more by posting any questions you have on here...

Mark H

[big bill]

Originally Posted by Blue

Hi

I've recently bought an FZ50. As I'm new to photography I'm struggling quite a bit. Wondered if anyone could reccomend a book for total beginners that is informative, but easy to understand.

Cheers
Blue

Hello Blue it does`nt matter how many books you read the only way to improve your photography is to read your manual for the camera until you understand the camera inside out then practice and practice more taking all sorts of photos take notes of what you did or if the camera and software can display the exif data as to shutter speed , lens aperture and length of the lens look at this data and examine it when you see photos that you like check the details to how you got it and the ones you dont or made mistakes in again examine what the details where and correct it until you get it right.
You can buy 2,3 or even 10 books and each will give you a different way to achieve the final result.
Nothing can beat practice and to learn from your mistakes everyone has been there those who say got it right from day one well least said.
Enjoy yourself and take photographs good luck

[Reptilian]

Originally Posted by Blue

Hi

I've recently bought an FZ50. As I'm new to photography I'm struggling quite a bit. Wondered if anyone could reccomend a book for total beginners that is informative, but easy to understand.

Cheers
Blue

I'm just learning how to use an fz7. I read a fair amount but it wasn't until i asked in here and actually got out to try out new things that my pictures actually resembled anything.

How far along are you? I was stuck in simple mode for ages until the guys and girls here encouraged to try manual mode and explained how to achieve different results. My pictures are still far from perfect but in the space of a few days they're much better because of the advice i got.

[redwing210]

I have to agree with all the replies above, however if you are just starting out a good basic book can help, and also inspire you to take better photos.

I read the 'Digital handbook' which is a complete novice guide and it pointed me in the right direction to start using the manual mode. I also enroled in a begginers course which I also found really useful for inspiration if nothing else!

redwing.

[ron1863]

Hi, why don't you try the internet for hints and tips, it's got loads of information for beginners and doesn't cost anything.

[peterjclarke]

A couple of good books are 'The Art of Nature Photography' by Niall Bevie and John Shaw's 'Nature Photography Field Guide'. I think reading the books and getting out and putting into practice the things you've learned is a good way to approach improving your photography. Most books cover the same things like exposure, focusing and depth of field, composition etc, and also looking at other photographers work is also a good way to improve technique.

Peter

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by peterjclarke

A couple of good books are 'The Art of Nature Photography' by Niall Bevie and John Shaw's 'Nature Photography Field Guide'. I think reading the books and getting out and putting into practice the things you've learned is a good way to approach improving your photography. Most books cover the same things like exposure, focusing and depth of field, composition etc, and also looking at other photographers work is also a good way to improve technique.

Peter

I'd second those two and also recomend 'life in the wild a wildlife photographers year' by andy rouse , 'photographing wild birds' by chris gomersal , and 'first light' by joe cornish.

also dont overlook the potential of photography magazines such as amateur photographer, photography monthly , practical photography, outdoor photography, digital camera, digital photography etc - it would be too expensive to subscribe to them all but it is worth buying a selection and getting a feel for them then subscribing to one or two and browsing others for interesting articles.

[Blue]

Thank you all for your replies
I've decided to join a beginners photography course and I'm going to read the books you have suggested.

Cheers
Blue

[John D]

One of the best books in my opinion is 'The Birdwatchers Guide to Digital Photography' by David Tipling forward by Chris Packham.
Covers, equipment,using the camera, editing, RAW and JPEG conversion etc, composition, resizing, sharpening and printing etc etc. All written in a way and easy to understand. Plenty of illustrations throughout.
Got it from Amazon
John D

[Blackbrook Eye]

Originally Posted by Blue

Thank you all for your replies
I've decided to join a beginners photography course and I'm going to read the books you have suggested.

Cheers
Blue

Probably the best decision you can make as a beginner, you will be taught 'hands on' which is by far the simplest way to learn.

[zan]

no-one's mentioned it yet I don't think, but 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson is a very good book to help you understand the basic principles of photography. It doesn't sound the most exciting thing to read, but it's very good and very clear and takes you through all the basics of ISO, apertures, shutter speeds etc and when and how to change them.

You'll maybe find it difficult to see clear differences between settings with a compact camera because they don't cover the same extremes that you can reach with a full SLR, but the basic principles are the same and with a bit of trial and error you should get some great shots

Good luck!

Zan

[Blue]

Thanks Zan, that book sounds perfect, just what I need!
I've just ordered it

Blue

[Blackbrook Eye]

Originally Posted by John D

One of the best books in my opinion is 'The Birdwatchers Guide to Digital Photography' by David Tipling forward by Chris Packham.
Covers, equipment,using the camera, editing, RAW and JPEG conversion etc, composition, resizing, sharpening and printing etc etc. All written in a way and easy to understand. Plenty of illustrations throughout.
Got it from Amazon
John D

I hope you are right John, Ive just invested my Pensioners Christmas bonus in it, thank you all for your contribution

[Gaina]

I found Tom Ang's books helpful, also subscribing to photography magazines. However the very best way for me to learn was the 'click it and see' method - just taking loads of photographs and seeing what the effect was when I changed the aperture and what have you.

The good thing about software like adobe bridge and others is you get the EXIF data when you load the photograph onto the computer so if you get one shot you're really pleased with you can see how it happened .