New to DSLR at 72
Sep 8, 2013 15:53:36 #
larry jr
Loc: Houston TX
Just purchased my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i ef-s 18-55 is II kit). I bought several "learning the ropes" books also.
After finding this site and reviewing so many wonderful photos submitted by the members, I'm sure I can get good advice from you guys. Being a novice to photography,my question is: Should I Go through the "how to" books and learn by myself, buy the 15 DVD product advertised on this and other sites or take a class in photography? Which do you think would get me "there" the best. My intrest are taking good photos in various conditions.
After finding this site and reviewing so many wonderful photos submitted by the members, I'm sure I can get good advice from you guys. Being a novice to photography,my question is: Should I Go through the "how to" books and learn by myself, buy the 15 DVD product advertised on this and other sites or take a class in photography? Which do you think would get me "there" the best. My intrest are taking good photos in various conditions.
Sep 8, 2013 15:59:29 #
larry jr wrote:
Just purchased my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i ef-s... (show quote)
Welcome to the hog. It doesn't matter how much you read; if you don't get out and use your camera you won't get anywhere. That being said the best book to start with is the one specific to your camera. Read it and as you read it, use the camera and learn it.
Sep 8, 2013 16:08:58 #
larry jr
Loc: Houston TX
Thanks jethro779,
That's probably the smartest and best answer to my question. But yet, I still wonder...How many of you on this site have taken a photography course in a school and did it make a difference.
That's probably the smartest and best answer to my question. But yet, I still wonder...How many of you on this site have taken a photography course in a school and did it make a difference.
Sep 8, 2013 16:11:28 #
larry jr wrote:
Just purchased my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i ef-s... (show quote)
Welcome to the forum.
Get a digital field guide for your specific camera, and/or a DVD. Learn and thoroughly understand your camera. Then read one of the many good books on Exposure (Understanding Exposure...). Lastly, look into taking a photography course which includes the best and most comprehensive content. Enjoy and have fun.
Happy trails.
Sep 8, 2013 16:28:14 #
congrat's larry keep us up on things an pictures..
this may help a little.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=canon+rebel+t3i+tutorial&oq=Canon+Rebel+T3i+&gs_l=youtube.1.0.0l10.2745.2745.0.4318.1.1.0.0.0.0.108.108.0j1.1.0...0.0...1ac.2.11.youtube.jCE2dU-CYxs
this may help a little.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=canon+rebel+t3i+tutorial&oq=Canon+Rebel+T3i+&gs_l=youtube.1.0.0l10.2745.2745.0.4318.1.1.0.0.0.0.108.108.0j1.1.0...0.0...1ac.2.11.youtube.jCE2dU-CYxs
Sep 8, 2013 16:46:04 #
set your camera on auto and go take some pictures and find out what it's (photography) is all about. That should take one outing. Then read the manual and then read it again. Then take the manual in one hand and your camera in the other and go shoot some photos. Buy the book, 'Understanding Exposure' by Bryan Peterson from the front cover to the back cover. Then go shoot some more photos, keeping in mind what you've read about the photo that you are taking.
Sound hard but it's not. I'm a hands on learner. I can't learn it unless I do it.
And welcome to the forum. You are among friends so just take your shoes off and stay a while.
The three most important things to do are:
1. Practice and enjoy what you are doing
2. Practice and enjoy what you are doing
3. Practice and enjoy what you are doing.
That;s all there is to it. Post some shots, even if they have obvious faults and mistakes. The people can point out how to take a better shot and take you by the hand and show you how. enjoy yourselg :D :D :thumbup:
Sound hard but it's not. I'm a hands on learner. I can't learn it unless I do it.
And welcome to the forum. You are among friends so just take your shoes off and stay a while.
The three most important things to do are:
1. Practice and enjoy what you are doing
2. Practice and enjoy what you are doing
3. Practice and enjoy what you are doing.
That;s all there is to it. Post some shots, even if they have obvious faults and mistakes. The people can point out how to take a better shot and take you by the hand and show you how. enjoy yourselg :D :D :thumbup:
Sep 8, 2013 16:50:49 #
one way take a chair sit on back deck, just lock it on tripod taking picture of same tin can. just playing with buttons. for different exposures
Sep 8, 2013 17:01:44 #
tramsey wrote:
set your camera on auto and go take some pictures ... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup: this is my advise as well. ;)
Sep 8, 2013 17:37:49 #
dirtpusher wrote:
one way take a chair sit on back deck, just lock it on tripod taking picture of same tin can. just playing with buttons. for different exposures
That is good advice. I use an old well rope pulley attached to a tree about 60 feet from the patio and my wife and I shoot that pulley with every button, dial and anything else that we might find. She is just starting out with a dslr and knew nothing. Just shoot and make notes of your settings and put them on your computer and use the notes to see how you got each exposure. Practice every day like playing the piano. :thumbup:
Sep 8, 2013 20:34:27 #
Sep 8, 2013 22:50:31 #
larry jr wrote:
Just purchased my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i ef-s... (show quote)
I wanted to learn how to upgrade my snapshots to photographs when I retired. I did a lot of reading and took advantage of many on-line instructional videos. It was like trying to learn how to ride a bike by reading a book.
I joined this forum because it seemed similar to joining a photography club without the meetings. The focus here isn't on the equipment - it's on the pictures. I now keep a camera with me all the time and shoot every day.
I've learned more here looking at everyone's photos than I learned from all the books I read. I'm a visual kind of guy and learn more just studying the pictures submitted. I then go out and try doing what I've learned.
I've started to see a little bit of improvement in my pictures already and look forward to learning more every day. The majority of the people here are very positive and supportive and will help you with any questions along the way
Good luck and as was stated above "have fun".
Sep 9, 2013 05:44:29 #
larry jr wrote:
Just purchased my first DSLR (Canon Rebel T3i ef-s... (show quote)
Welcome Larry, I too began with my Canon 550D at the same age, and the best thing for me was to take photos every day, if too wet/cold/snow/hail, shoot from the doorway or car window, too hot, take an umbrella, post us some pics, you have a great camera. Cheers, Nancy J
Sep 9, 2013 06:03:12 #
I did an evening class that was one night per week for something like 8 weeks. Learned heaps. I smiled when I saw your thread title, proving we are NEVER too old to learn something new. Way to go! Oh, and welcome to UHH, they're a great bunch here, and very, very helpful.
Smiles
Lorri
Smiles
Lorri
Sep 9, 2013 08:06:47 #
Sep 9, 2013 08:18:07 #
Hello Larry and welcome. I personally take a non-credit photography class at the local community college. The class is taught by a wedding photographer. I joined to basically learn my camera and exposure. What I got out of the class was a few more friends who now go out practicing together. Fee was affordable,and class enjoyable. Good luck on whatever you decide.
Mike
Mike
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