Completely New to Photography

[MalcolmX]

the problem is that novices are often unable to find tuition that is not via the manual or forums . i set up this course after a request by one of the local wi groups .
it would take a braver man than me to compare the wi to moles

[Monkster]

Hi MalcolmX
Yes you are quite right.....there don't seem to be many places to learn the basics and manuals aren't always the easiest things to understand
I suppose some people grasp it quicker than others as well. I haven't had a great deal of opportunity to practice wildlife shots and mostly use family and landscapes to practice on at the moment. Sometimes they are perfectly in focus and sometimes not , sometimes they look 'great' when I've taken them, but when I zoom in they are a bit blurry.
I think sometimes it's the abillity to react quickly to the 'moment' as well and by the time I've sorted myself out and the zoom's come out most things have either been shock by the noise (it doesn't sound that noisy to me though) or ambled away of their own accord.
I only got my camera last year, mainly for family snaps, and didn't properly realise all that could be achieved (with the right equipment and know-how ) until I saw this site, really.
It has definately whetted my apetite to learn more and I will get out and take more shots to see where I'm going wrong, it's a case of practice, practice and a bit more practice I suppose.
And it is great to have people here who are willing to help , so many thanks !! (and your post made me smile ....it must be the way I read them )

[peterjclarke]

Can I suggest from a compositional and inspirational point of view that looking at professional nature photographer's websites and viewing their images is a great way to learn what makes an photograph work. Laurie Campbell, Niall Benvie, Peter Cairns, Neil McIntyre, Ben Hall, Arthur Morris (to name but a few) all have websites which you can view photographs and gain some inspiration. Niall Benvie's website has a searchable database with thousands of photograph to look at. Arthur Morris is one of the world's top bird photographers and he has a vast bulletin archive in which he give tips and technical information on how he captures his images. It's also worth subscribing to his bulletin updates as its free and very informative. If your really bored you could always look at the rubbish on my site. Peter J Clarke - Marine Photography | Maritime and Nature Photography from Scotland and Great Britain | including photographs of Sea Shells, Nature and Wildlife, Lighthouses, Seascapes, Bridges, Ships and Boats, Nightscapes and Low Light, Moving Wate

Peter