Hi there everyone…I was wondering what advice any photographers out there could give to me, I’ve thought about practicing photography as a hobby and a form of personal expression for quite some time now but unfortunately I am a victim of procrastination and have never quite got round to it…Any helpful suggestions are words of wisdom to get me started would be greatly appreachiated; my camera skills are basic, never exceeding kodak picture kiosks!.
Look up the rule of thirds. I don’t always follow it but it is helpful when starting out. Also, don’t underestimate one-time-use cameras. They really do take great quality photos in a pinch. (I say in a pinch because I don’t use them if I don’t have to, for the reason that they’re about $10 to buy and another $10 to have developed. Kinda gets expensive.)
Don’t buy into the hype that expensive cameras are what you need to have to make good images. A good photographer with a cheap camera is better than a crap photographer with an expensive camera.
There are a multitude of resources online to develop your skills. Some sites will even allow you to submit your work. CI and SSMike pointed out that light and composition are very important - and they’re right. There are good basic tutorials all over the place.
Lenses are more important than bodies. Buy the best lens you can afford, and the cheapes body you’re willing to work with. Don’t believe the camera store guys who want you to drop $3500 on a camera body with a crappy lens. Buy a good lens and a cheaper body. If you’re looking at digital you do have to worry about the sensor, but most of the rest of it is bells and whisltes.
The great challenge in photography is to find cool stuff to take pictures of. One great way to accomplish this is to set up a workshop with your friends where each of you gets a topic and has to go out and make an image. It will force you to go out and shoot if you’re a procrastinator with a deadline and with a topic.
Copy great photographer’s work, or just photos that you like. If you like something, try to re-create it. You might fail, but it will teach you a ton about the process if you really want to learn.
Seek out the feedback of others - especially good photographers.
If you ever want to submit shots you’ve taken here please feel free. Just follow the guidelines.
If you’d like a critique from me feel free to PM me and I’ll be happy to give you some constructive feedback.