rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

When I get back home, I can usually see my film work within 1 to 1-1/2 hours. I simply take mine to Jobo for processing.
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Bob, I'm thinking it's not applicable to compare your decades of experience with a novice Wouldn't it be a more valuable learning experience to see playback immediately after a shot in order to evaluate exposure and composition while still at the scene?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Linda, this may be a case of 6 of 1 and a half-dozen of the other. If one is learning, as in the case of our OP's situation, it would be best to not venture too far from home and photograph local scenes. Additionally, don't take a lot of photographs. Let's say 6-12. Then, venture home and take a look at what one has accomplished while the session is still fresh in the person's mind.

In this way, one can focus on the accomplishments, good or bad, in the quiet of familiar surroundings and analyze what they did correctly and what could be improved. Once a good understanding of what could be improved, go back out and shoot again. In this manner, lessons are learned at a pace that can be assimilated easily rather than overwhelmed with too much. This can help diminish the frustration factor.
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Well explained, thank you!

Dean37 Loc: Fresno, CA

I like the idea of the instant feedback for a beginner. My own experience through the years with film kept me from realizing the real effect each setting has, due to the time lapse from taking the photos to seeing the developed film.

Framing is the major problem I have, and with film, waiting until the full roll of film was exposed before developing it, I lost the connection. While the instant film of Polaroid was a bit of help, the cameras did not provide settings to alter shutter speed, aperture, or ISO to control the outcome.

The advent of digital was a Godsend, though the bad habit of being choosy as to what I wanted to photograph keeps holding me back. I still am reluctant to waste film; it Is a handicap I have to overcome. I need to just shoot and shoot then delete, delete. For me the small screens on the back of the cameras don't allow me the luxury of deleting bad photos.

I believe many new to photography are faced with these same obstacles regardless of age. Though the younger people would probably find it easier to just shoot and shoot.

Soon, I am just going to take a beginning class in photography whether with a club or at a local community college. I have plenty of cameras; digital, pro film, amateur film, point and shoot, and plenty of lenses, so unless the class insists on a specific camera I think I am good to go.

I would think that a beginner would be better equipped with a camera that has program, shutter, aperture and manual modes with a good range of ISO, say 50 to 12,000 or so.

I haven't mentioned brand, but my personal opinion is that it should be a brand that family or friends are using, as they will be the most readily available to help.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Most 18 year olds that get out on their own are extremely surprised as to how smart their "dumb" mom and dad become by the time they turn 21.

Sentinel4

I believe any small DSLR or mirrorless camera will do. I started with Pentax because all Pentax lenses fit their digital cameras and the lenses are inexpensive.
Buy Brian Peterson's book- Exposure and she will get a great start.
Sentinel4

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

You're welcome.
--Bob

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

It's easy to limit the number of photos she can take; dig around in your "junk drawer", you'll probably have a few old 512mb or 1gb cards that will only hold 10-40 photos she can start with.

sanjoydas

There is no age to learn and enjoy new skills. Photography is at the top of such list. After decades of diy I spent $85 on several weeks of photography class at a local community college. It was the most well spent $$. Learned so many new techniques-made the difference between just a photo and a great one. Equipment is meaningless, so long one has manual controls.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Maybe, but passion and interest can be a gauge as well.

At 14, I had a full darkroom setup, and bought my own Nikkormat FTn and 50mm f/1.4 from the proceeds of print sales to school classmates and their parents.

Never underestimate young people. The devious enthusiasm of youth can teach the wisdom and treachery of age a thing or two.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I still say a canon does dslr what ever price range your ok with. Kit lens varies but i got 18-135 and 55-250. All stabilize.

LittleBit Loc: St. Louis, MO

Too many aspects to photography to say it cannot be taught. If that were true classes, degrees in photography and photography textbooks would not exist. The ability to enhance an “eye” for photography is possible as well as the ability to teach one about better composition. Becoming a good photographer will take time coupled with a lot of shooting. But to say that photography can’t be taught is incorrect.

MrGNY Loc: New York

Any of the pocket cameras would do. They have manual over rides to adjust shutter and aperture.They also allow you to take video. (Looking at a Canon Powershot camera.). Nikon makes a nice bridge camera's, the Coolpix line.

As for learning, does her school have a photography club? Is there a camera club in the area? Maybe a camera shop that does some classes? There are a bunch of on-line courses thru Lynda.com, Masterclasses, and others. Do a Google search.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

understand that a point and shoot camera can be frustrating if you try to shoot any thing moving as they have a delay in focusing and you will miss the shot.