t(AD)pole Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Hello there DOL experts, as I'm expecting a DSLR next week I'd like to learn some stuff about photography so I can get the most out of my camera. Does anyone know of any good books about photography like using different settings and composition etc.? I already know the basics but I want to learn more. Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Oooh! What are you getting? How exciting! I'm still looking for that book too T(ad)pole . I have bought a few books but find most of the focus is on processing & editing rather than actually taking the pics. I'm finding I am learning best through trial & error. I started on full auto settings & am gradually investigating various settings & techniques. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. A photography forum such as Flickr is another great place for learning. Lots of people are willing to critique & give advise on composition etc. and it's a heap of fun too since it gives you ideas on things to try. LOL, prepare to be addicted! I can't wait to see the gorgeous shots you will get of my favourite DOL BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted December 18, 2007 Author Share Posted December 18, 2007 Vickie- I'm getting the Pentax K10 with the 17-70mm and 55-200mm lenses (i hope- thats what i told dad to get ). It is supposed to be a family camera but I think I will take it hostage . I also want to get a macro lens and a polarising filter but I think I need to start with what I've got! I just joined Flickr the other day so I should probably have another look around. Here is my page -->http://www.flickr.com/photos/21695924@N02/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 (edited) The net is an excellent resource - try to find a good group and not one with a lot of cat fights (and there are a lot, so keep an eye out!). I am on the Canon one and the amount of information is wonderful...Pentax probably has one, too. Any of the forums, no matter the brand, will have sections on image display and places to ask about composition, lighting, processing etc and that stuff transcends petty differences between makes. Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. A good Photoshop/processing book - digital is different to film. The choices we used to have to make or used to let the camera make, are now controlled in a different step of the process. Scott Kelby has fabulous books. You do not have to be a "professional" or serious geek to need a book or two on processing your digital images! Despite what the ads say, to get the best from your camera it's not simply a matter of point and shoot while on the green box Something on composition. One of the best I've ever read is a niche book - built for the underwater photography market - but it's on composition and the suggestions apply to land as well. Jim Church's Essential Guide to Composition. It's easy to read and understand plus has some pretty pictures in it! I'm sure there are land composition books out there, too, but this is the one I go back to whether I'm shooting a baby, a dog, a fish or a bride & groom. Here's a list a friend of mine put together...he has a great gift in being able to see something special in a scene or image and his advice has always been spot on for me: General Photography books Photographic Composition-Tom Grill/Mark Scanlon A very thorough treatment of this sometimes hard to grasp concept. Highly recommend to everyone. I’d say a must have if you’d like to advance up a level. Learning to See Creatively-Bryan Peterson I think this book is out of print but can be found. Bought my copy from Amazon used. Another book for those wishing to take their photography to the next level. Bryan makes it much easier than you might think to start “Seeing Creatively” Macro Photography-Gilles Marten/Ronan Loaec The book explores macro photography in detail and has amazing macro shots. It really explains some of the techniques that will help improve your macro shots. This book is for advanced or those moving to advanced photography. Perception & Imaging-Richard Zakia Ok, no sugar coating it. This book is a bit out there with some hard to grasp concepts but also a mind expanding text if you want to take the time to study and understand. I was fascinated with the perception part especially. Learning how the mind deals with the images the eye is transferring to it. Pretty advanced text but worthwhile to read if you’re looking to move up into a rarely visited part of photography. HTH Edited December 18, 2007 by kja Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharitas Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. I'll 2nd that Excellent book! If only I could find the time to re-read it & actually let all the info sink into my head LOL Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ripley Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. Thirdly echo that It's the one where it all clicked for me like a lightbulb going off in my head. He explains it in layman's terms but uses humour such as in the metering chapter - 'Brother Blue Sky' and 'Mr Green Jeans' I bought my copy off Amazon. I also bought 'Exposure and Lighting for Digital Photographers' which concentrates more on people photography so therefore isn't that interesting to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helen Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 (edited) Firstly I would use the manual, it is very helpful - may seem obvious but a lot of people do not refer to the manual at all. Another great book is this one, it covers many topics, composition etc as well as exposure and is a great book to start with, see the reviews - http://www.amazon.com/Betterphoto-Guide-Di...9838&sr=1-2 - It is also discounted (a lot) at the moment. I have this book and love it. Then take lots of photos and experiement Must go now and join Flickr LOL (actually joined about a month or so ago but never uploaded any photos) Ok, just uploaded a photo and this is my profile - http://www.flickr.com/photos/11077493@N02/ - who wants to be my flickr friend? Edited December 18, 2007 by helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tess32 Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I also recommend Understanding Exposure...so good it's unbelievable, hehe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 The net is an excellent resource - try to find a good group and not one with a lot of cat fights (and there are a lot, so keep an eye out!). I am on the Canon one and the amount of information is wonderful...Pentax probably has one, too. Any of the forums, no matter the brand, will have sections on image display and places to ask about composition, lighting, processing etc and that stuff transcends petty differences between makes.Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. I'll 2nd that Excellent book! If only I could find the time to re-read it & actually let all the info sink into my head LOL Sharon Understanding Exposure. A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to understand the basics. Thirdly echo that ;) It's the one where it all clicked for me like a lightbulb going off in my head. He explains it in layman's terms but uses humour such as in the metering chapter - 'Brother Blue Sky' and 'Mr Green Jeans' I bought my copy off Amazon. I also bought 'Exposure and Lighting for Digital Photographers' which concentrates more on people photography so therefore isn't that interesting to me. I also recommend Understanding Exposure...so good it's unbelievable, hehe. Well I guess there is no choice. Thanks guys!! P.S. I think dad went to get it today but we don't get it until 25th December.....................6 days to go..................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) Just another question while I'm here.... If you had the choice between the Canon 40D with one lens or the Pentax 10K with 2 or 3 lenses and a polarising filter what would you get? I don't have a choice but if I did I'd probably for the Canon as its a better camera but then I'd want the Pentax because I'd get more lenses... There is a tiny tiny tiny tiny chance that my dad is buying the Canon. The problem is, if I get the Canon I'll want the Pentax and if I get the Pentax I'll want the Canon. ETA: I'm lucky to get any camera so I should just be glad I'm getting a DSLR Edited December 19, 2007 by t(AD)pole Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) Canon with one lens, no contest. And don't scoff at the 20D or 30D either - they are still around and still going strong - if the 40D is too rich. I'd take either of those over the pentax in a heartbeat. That is not to say the pentax isn't good, because it is and you will have fun with it, too. Don't go for cheap (not necessarily price - Canon's kit 18-55 is really nice for the low price!) glass either - glass is an enormous part of the equation and it's better to have one really good piece than a whole slew of average or soft pieces, imho. Edited December 19, 2007 by kja Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) Are the 20D and 30D really still available? I thought the 40D replaced the 30D as I couldn't find any info on it on the net?? edit in reply to your edit: Yes I totally agree that quality is better than quantity, better off having one good thing then lots of average stuff. Edited December 19, 2007 by t(AD)pole Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helen Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 I would go to the camera store and have a play with them and see what you like. I intended to get a Nikon but when I went t the store and held the cameras and used them the Cannon felt much more comfortable so ended up with the Cannon as it is still a good camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted December 19, 2007 Author Share Posted December 19, 2007 Helen- Its not actually my choice what camera we get but if I was buying one for myself I would go and try things. My preference is the canon ( I have used my brothers and love it! ) and its not the body thats the expensive bit but the lenses, although if we got the canon I could try and convince my bro to share lenses. At this stage the decision is up to my dad who will go to the shop and have a look. Whatever I get, IMO its not the camera that makes a good picture but the user and I hope to learn to be a good photographer with whatever I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) I should have been more clear - sorry, I'm too used to talking to camera junkies! Yes, second hand 20Ds are going for around $500US and you have to be quick as they are HOT at the moment. 30Ds can be had new from the US for under a grand (and second hand for less if you can find one)...shipping from the US isn't expensive and the cameras are cheaper. As long as your total is under 1G, you're good to go with customs, GST and the like, I believe. And I've not had anything take longer than a week to arrive here in remote WA - about 90% of the time things ordered the same day will arrive from the US well before things ordered from the East Coast of Australia, which is pathetic. B&H Photo, buydig.com, sigma4less.com, newegg.com, beachcamera.com and canogacamera.com have all been good to me in the recent past. www.pricegrabber.com and other sites are very useful in finding a good deal. Also check out the Canon Forum for more info than you can imagine - but hit the Marketplace for great deals! Edited December 19, 2007 by kja Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 ts not the body thats the expensive bit but the lenses, although if we got the canon I could try and convince my bro to share lenses. Sharing is a great thing. I have two good friends in town here and we do this a lot - of course, we all usually end up with our own copies eventually, but it's a fab way to save up! Whatever I get, IMO its not the camera that makes a good picture but the user and I hope to learn to be a good photographer with whatever I have. Right on! Only a poor craftsman blames the tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubiton Posted December 20, 2007 Share Posted December 20, 2007 Myer has the 40D and 30D both side by side. Which camera? Canon 40D easily - brilliant camera nearly does all the work itself! Seriously a few weeks back I was taking pics of horses going up to the start with about 1 sec to frame on the horse (other runners were going past the other way before turning around and coming back) and Im thinking no hope for focus yet get home and pics are great. One day I mightget to try it out on the equestrian events (and one day after that I might even get to try an IS lens on it). Agreed - Scott Kelby's photoshop books are brilliant - step by step so they are mega easy to follow (some books just say make a duplicate copy then do this this and this whereas his books say press this button press that button - much easier no frustration at trying to get past step 1)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t(AD)pole Posted January 9, 2008 Author Share Posted January 9, 2008 Understanding Exposure arrived in the mail yesterday! And here are some pics taken with my new camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PossumCorner Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Understanding Exposure arrived in the mail yesterday! And here are some pics taken with my new camera. Top choice, that book has helped so many people to get started right. And good flickr pages, you have to be pleased with camera - and yourself. Have you looked at the recommended Scott Kelby books yet, they are also the best (that is, I agree with a few other people here who also think so). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 So what camera did you end up with?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now