Photography

[foggy147]

Hello there, I know there are a few people on here who are into their photography. I'm a complete novice and have used nothing but relatively cheap compact digital cameras, but because we are going travelling late next year to New Zealand and Australia I have treated myself to a fancy new DSLR camera, a canon EOS 550D with the 18-55mm lens kit.

 

I've only had it a few days and so far im really chuffed with how easy it is to use etc, i've been mucking around taking shots at pretty much everything in site. Do you know any good websites for beginners as apart from all the automatic stuff the camera does for you, I'd like to learn more advanced shooting techniques ready for when we go away.

 

Here is a few sample shots, so you can tell me if the camera is decent or not-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lbm]

The 550D is a great purchase.

 

www.talkphotography.co.uk is pretty helpful, and their forum is similar to ours too, being vBulletin etc, so it feels familiar navigating around the place.

 

Certainly aim to get off the "Green Box" auto options when you can.

 

Learn what A, TV, M and P mode does and learn about iso, shutter speed and aperture relationships.

 

Shoot lots and enjoy

 

I know the 550D is a really good camera (it has the same sensor as my Canon) and given it has 18 MPs, there's plenty of detail you can get out of it - this is particularly useful

 

if after you've taken the shot, you need to crop the image in post processing, or if you go for printing A4 or even A3 prints etc...

 

When you come to see main topics mentioned again and again, remember to do some Youtube searches for additional explanations.

 

I like Scott Kelby videos & books.

 

Also, Bryan Peterson's 'Understanding Exposure' is a useful book (see some Youtube stuff too)

[j_jza80]

As above really. I'd look at getting a good bag, a tripod and a polarising filter for my 1st purchases.

[Neil-NA]

Foggy I have a load of lens's for cannons if you want to borrow any.

 

Sorry can't help on the functions, I've had my 1000d for 3 years and still don't know what i'm doing.

[Ewen]

I'm no expert, but I've learnt a lot just by experimenting with manual settings...if you get a chance, take lots of photos of the same subjects but with different settings...try to keep a log of the settings you've used so you get a feel for what subtle and obvious differences can be achieved by playing with say, F settings etc. It takes time to learn all the combinations, and can spoil the immediacy of photography for some until or even if ever it becomes second nature to instinctively select the 'ideal' setting.

The various auto functions are really quite good, so don't beat yourself up too much when using them as default. I'd recommend a tripod for your trip, some are actually quite compact when folded...or maybe consider a monopod / camera stick...these are a great compromise between the hassle / bulk of carrying around and the steadiness required for some special pictures you have the time to set up with deliberate care.

[AJI]

I'm getting in to photography with the other half's D700.

Well been developing my 'skills' for about 2-3 years now and I look at taking a photo in 3quick steps.

1st step is 'composition'...that being what do I want in the photograph and which angle I want to show it from etc.

Step 2 being the contrast, brightness and colour settings,

step 3 being the timing and F-stop settings - this being how much a moving object blurs the forground or the background and also how much of the distance in the photograph is to be in focus.

 

It does take a lot of practice in getting to know what settings do what but it also takes an 'artistic' mind to know what 'composition' is and how/when to apply it.

 

The camera you have chosen is a good base+ camera that can do a lot of things. It has a good range of settings and lens options.

After you get familiar with what your camera can do you should quickly pick up on a lot of photo-trickery and you'll be snapping some cool pics in no time.

[Wez]

Nice purchase, as others have said try and get off full auto and play with the settings.

 

I also find on Canons that you can turn the saturation up a little to give the pics a little more vibrancy.

 

As for kit check out the nifty fifty lens, a real bargin lens with great results.

[Tricky-Ricky]

I have recently bought a SH Cannon 350D with an 18-55mm, 50mm and a 70-300mm macro, taken a few nice pics, but as i am still trying to get to grips with the settings, i get about 5 good shot for every 50, hopefully I'll do better once i have read the book i have just bought and got in plenty of practice,

I am used to a point and shoot bridge camera, so i thought i would take the plunge into DSLR on a budget before deciding if it is for me or not, these are my better shots so far.

[marcAB10]

well ain't this a nice coincidence, i have just got a 550d myself as an xmas prezzie, wanted a good camera for a long time so chuffed to bits. i'm in the exact same boat as you too, trying to figure out the settings but it's pretty much like trying to learn chinese at the moment lol.

 

and good posting Lbm, i will check those suggestions out too!

 

As above really. I'd look at getting a good bag, a tripod and a polarising filter for my 1st purchases.

 

exactly what i did, went for the canon carrying bag and a lens filter (as i got told.. you'd rather scratch a £20 filter lens than the lens it's self!) and monsween/Ailsamx5 were awesome enough to get me a great quality tripod for christmas.

[j_jza80]

A couple of pictures I took on a recent trip to New York. The first was taken with a Nikon D60 with a Sigma 300mm lens. The second with an IPhone 3GS!!!

 

 

[grahamc]

As above, http://www.talkphotography.co.uk is a brilliant site! The key things for me are composition, lighting (some issues can be corrected in PS, but over-exposed is gameover) and finding the subject you like. My favourites are cars (static and rig), flower based macro and landscape

 

But the number 1 rule................................................. enjoy it!!