An observation: Is it just me or is there a general lack of "basic knowledge" of photography and how everything works together to produce the photograph one desires? We seem to have...

GreenReaper

Is it just me or is there a general lack of "basic knowledge" of photography and how everything works together to produce the photograph one desires? We seem to have forgotten or forgotten to pass this basic info to newbies. We (the old farts) need to explain simply about the interdependence of ISO, shutter speed and f/stops, not in some esoteric, hard to understand way, but simply. If you do this then you need to do this, depending on your desired out come. How does a higher ISO effect things, what about a slower shutter speed and a larger f/stop number? When is it ok to not use a tripod and when is a tripod vital tog eating the shot. How does lens length effect your shot what is key stoning and how can you prevent it or at least minimize it. And the list goes on and on. I know there is help here on the UHH site and thats great, let's keep it rolling.
Keep smiling and keep shooting :)

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

I agree. Some of the questions asked tell you right away the poster knows practically nothing about DOF, exposure and the relationship between speed and aperture. That's OK, you have to start somewhere but, maybe we should have a "beginners forum" specifically for those just starting out.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I am a newbie and I absolutely love UHH and its members. I have asked and received tremendous help and encouragement from across the globe. I don't like to get beat up but I love the directness because I take it for what it is and not personally.I continue to learn daily and I can see the results and that is worth the trip. I don't have a problem with anything I have been told or the manner in which it was delivered. It is all appreciated.

GreenReaper wrote:

Is it just me or is there a general lack of "... (show quote)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I appreciate what you are saying but I don't want to participate in a "newbies forum". I want to learn from the experts and then go to my corner and study. I don't want anyone to be easy on me. I want them to make me think and sort through the piles of information they are sharing. I will try and return the good will by passing along what I have learned to other newbies when I recognize them from their postings. I just don't want to be culled out of the herd. If someone is serious about learning they will stick with it and if they are not, then they will slink away.

SonyA580 wrote:

I agree. Some of the questions asked tell you right away the poster knows practically nothing about DOF, exposure and the relationship between speed and aperture. That's OK, you have to start somewhere but, maybe we should have a "beginners forum" specifically for those just starting out.

smith934 Loc: Huntsville, Alabama

You're right. We see, everyday, new users with no experience except with a P&S camera, perhaps not even that. They get their hands on a DSLR and are completely lost. Instruction manuals are great, but they can also be daunting, as they aren't written for new users, at least not in my experience.

My Daughter bought a D70 and was using it as a P&S. After i finally got her to venture 'further afield' I was having problems getting her to understand the interrelationship of Shutter, Aperture, and ISO; I found this on Craftsy, of all places. The following helped her immensely. She used it with teaching her Son. I recommend it now to any newbies having the problem. These are visual aids.

Shutter Speed

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/understanding-shutter-speed/

Aperture

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/understanding-aperture/

ISO

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/understanding-iso/

Tying SS/Aperture/ISO together for a 'Proper Exposure'

http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/09/creating-proper-exposure/

lightchime Loc: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

GreenReaper wrote:

Is it just me or is there a general lack of "... (show quote)

There is a lack of basic information and there are many who attempt to fill that gap. They are very helpful. They come to the plate.

But there is a problem. When it comes to basic knowledge there is responsibility of the uneducated to go and discover that information. There are libraries and book stores. There is a tremendous amount of information on the web. If a new person has been here a short while, there is a search engine.

I am not advocating not providing assistance. Good photography is a journey and some handholding may be necessary. So is a modicum of self reliance and some self-discovery.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Green, yes, some bought a camera for the first time yesterday and find the Hog today, and true, they don't have any idea what is going on, especially with digital. Yesterday's film cameras were merely advanced Instamatics, anybody could use one(whatch me get crap for that).
Today's DSLR's are complex computers which not only demand photographic knowledge, but demand a mastery of the machine as well. And we havent even mentioned what to do with that file once taken!! So every new shooter must reinvent their own wheel, as those did before them. So they ask for help, and some are willing to give it.
Just like any school, you teach the same subject, year, after year, after year, then someone else comes in, takes over, and the cycle starts again.
I for one, learn right along with them. Sometimes I'm the Masta, sometimes I'm the Grasshoppa.
There is info in the Q&R section, for those that are self-learners. But for some, it's as much about communicating, as learning. ;-)
SS

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This is why the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers forum was created, and is continually expanded: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

We are always looking for articulate answers to photographic questions, both basic & advanced.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

lightchime wrote:

There is a tremendous amount of information on the web.
.

Lightchime, I agree 100%.

BUT, this IS the web!! :lol: :thumbup:
SS

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I appreciate what you have to say. You have been very helpful to me in my newbie days and I am better because you spoke up.

SharpShooter wrote:

Green, yes, some bought a camera for the first tim... (show quote)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I use this often and the search feature. In the beginning I over looked this feature simply because I was busy watching and reading questions and answers being posted. Several people directed me there so I learned.

Nikonian72 wrote:

This is why the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers forum was created, and is continually expanded: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

We are always looking for articulate answers to photographic questions, both basic & advanced.

lightchime Loc: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

SharpShooter wrote:

Lightchime, I agree 100%.

BUT, this IS the web!! :lol: :thumbup:
SS

And I agree with you by at least 100%. I believe in asking questions, but I also believe in someone finding his own answers. I believe in a bit more self reliance and dealing with others after you have tried. I am not suggesting reinventing an automobile, but it can be helpful to invent a few of your own wheels - at least in giving it a few tries.

There is a better chance of your seeds sprouting if there is some fertility in the ground.

sugarjohnson Loc: West Jordan, UT

For me, I struggle with learning. Taking pictures is helpful for me. It helps me relax and takes me into another peaceful place for me. I have a TBI (brain injury) and now I can't drive, hold down a job because of all the mistakes (I forget what I learn easily). So, for me this forum is so helpful. It gives me somewhere to go to ask the questions i forgot or can't figure out. You all are so helpful. The fact you're all pros that helps someone like me. I would love to have a special place where you have the information in easy to understand terms or cheat sheets that the simple brained could use.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

One thing I use often is Youtube. I just search for something I want to know with my camera or computer program.

sugarjohnson wrote:

For me, I struggle with learning. Taking pictures ... (show quote)

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

lightchime wrote:

There is a lack of basic information and there are... (show quote)

You are assuming they know what they don't know. If you don't know there is a relationship between aperture, shutter speed and iso, then you don't even know it is something you need to learn.

Answering their questions, maybe giving examples, and then pointing them where to go to find out more is the most helpful imho. I am just a skosh beyond beginner level and that is what I have found to be most helpful. Also, surprisingly, I have found that some people really have a difficult time using google. Their problem seems to be the terminology and phrasing they use when posing questions on google. The results they get can vary widely. (I am great at using google LOL) I have taught basic computer classes and was amazed at the difficulty some people had using google to search for topics.