A beginner's guide (Page 4): You are doing one thing right now that helps a lot, reading this forum. Look for other web sites. I like Digital Photography School, and FroKnowsPhoto.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Vhopkins25 wrote:

Now that I am getting used to posting, I thought I would ask for some advice for beginners. What would be your advice for someone who just bought their first DSLR and has no clue how to use it (me).... I am reading the manual, of course... Playing with the camera, and mastered my old camera but I find it all a bit overwhelming. Anyone have any great videos that can help those who are just beginning? I have a Sony a230, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!

You are doing one thing right now that helps a lot, reading this forum. Look for other web sites. I like Digital Photography School, and FroKnowsPhoto. There are many others.

You might want to go to YouTube and search for tutorials on your camera in particular, DSLR photography in general, and specific types of photography, like macro. I've gotten a wealth of knowledge from them.

Then, practice, practice, practice. When you learn something new, try it out. See what it really does. Believe me, learning is half the fun.

northsidejoe Loc: pittsburgh

Vhopkins25 wrote:

Now that I am getting used to posting, I thought I would ask for some advice for beginners. What would be your advice for someone who just bought their first DSLR and has no clue how to use it (me).... I am reading the manual, of course... Playing with the camera, and mastered my old camera but I find it all a bit overwhelming. Anyone have any great videos that can help those who are just beginning? I have a Sony a230, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!

Hello vhopkins25
Welcome to the forum
I see as I read these threads that the wonderful people on uhh gave you information that will keep you busy for the next year. Post pictures ask questions and have fun here.
saying hello from Pittsburgh

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

All good advice so far.
Other suggestions:
The Nikon web sire has what is Called a "Digitutor". Takes you through basic operation of your camera. You might see if Sony has something like it.
Local camera stores sometimes has classes for all makes of cameras.
Another is a local community college.
Check out "U Tube" videos.
And, of course search UHH!!!
Don

Lupita Loc: Mexico

pappy0352 wrote:

Best advice on the thread.

Pappy

Agree!! :thumbup:

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

Thank you all for the great advice! I have been messing with my camera all day and trying out some of the things I am reading here! Excitement has replaced my overwhelmed feeling and I have you all to thank for that! I will definitely be practicing, posting, and looking forward to the things this site and amazing people have to offer.

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Vhopkins25 wrote:

Thank you all for the great advice! I have been messing with my camera all day and trying out some of the things I am reading here! Excitement has replaced my overwhelmed feeling and I have you all to thank for that! I will definitely be practicing, posting, and looking forward to the things this site and amazing people have to offer.

Now that's a most welcome message! You brought up an interesting topic and inspired many worthwhile comments. So glad you feel less overwhelmed and ready to take off the lens cap!

anotherview Loc: California

Take a workshop in basic operation of a DSLR, to become familiar with the workings of your camera. You will then have a foundation of understanding that should give you confidence in using your DSLR.

European Castle

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Vhopkins25 wrote:

Now that I am getting used to posting, I thought I would ask for some advice for beginners. What would be your advice for someone who just bought their first DSLR and has no clue how to use it (me).... I am reading the manual, of course... Playing with the camera, and mastered my old camera but I find it all a bit overwhelming. Anyone have any great videos that can help those who are just beginning? I have a Sony a230, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!

Did you have a film camera? What type?

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

I did not have a film camera. I just meant that I had a simple point and shoot camera. A Kodak Easyshare, to be exact. It did, however, have a manual setting so I got some experience with ISO and all that jazz.... just much less complicated than this one

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

wlgoode wrote:

Did you have a film camera? What type?

I did not have a film camera. I just meant that I had a simple point and shoot camera. A Kodak Easyshare, to be exact. It did, however, have a manual setting so I got some experience with ISO and all that jazz.... just much less complicated than this one.

Well, back when I was little, I had film cameras. But simple, nothing fancy.

Vhopkins25 Loc: Michigan

I may be posting a few of my favorite photos later from my Kodak easy share.... shall I start a new thread? or shall I just post them on here?

Gryffon Loc: Coddenham, Suffolk, England

Some time ago I asked if there were lessons archived on Ugly Hedgehog and got some good replies. There had been a series: Rockin What you Got The UHH new weekly photo lesson / challenge. You can see the start of this at: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-41242-1.html
But I'm not sure where the other lessons are. I did at the time find some of them and saved them to a word document. If you wanted it I could e-mail it to you, it went over the main topic, aperture, speed, focus etc.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Vhopkins25 wrote:

Now that I am getting used to posting, I thought I would ask for some advice for beginners. What would be your advice for someone who just bought their first DSLR and has no clue how to use it (me).... I am reading the manual, of course... Playing with the camera, and mastered my old camera but I find it all a bit overwhelming. Anyone have any great videos that can help those who are just beginning? I have a Sony a230, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!

Videos! Specific videos on my camera ( a Nikon D5100) have been the most helpful to me because I'm a very visual person and I understand what I can see.
Just "Google" your specific camera and see what comes up.

I also bought a book on my camera by David Busch. Sometimes it's a little too technical, but when I sit down and read it carefully, I find it makes sense and is very helpful.
You will finally reach a point where you are familiar with the camera enough to be very comfortable with it and then.... go out and take pictures. Have fun!!