New and Wanting Help

[Pixgal]

I am new here and would like to learn more about photography. I took a class at the community college and the teacher went so fast it was hard to get what was going on. Several times he made me cry. I couldn't get the whole manuel idea. F stops and so forth. I've been reading a lot and trying to learn. My method is trial and error. I have gotten some very nice pictures. I joined another site but didn't get much help on how to take good pictures just if the picture was good or not.

I hope to learn here.

Marlowe

[KenJulio]

Welcome Marlowe

A book that has been highly recommended is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It explains how the aperture(f stop) affects an image along with shutter speed and iso. With each chapter there are 'assignments' to apply what you learned/read.

Since you're a learn by your mistakes type person, learn how aperture affects an image by shooting in aperture mode, then shutter speed, then iso. You don't need models to do test shots, you can use anything in your home, a chair, doll, etc

[Abel]

Welcome aboard Marlowe...

I can assure you there that there are plenty of people here (myself included) willing to help you along so please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Right off the bat I know I would recommend this book to you as I recommend it to all photographers just starting out... This book is great to have since it visually shows you what settings do what and how they affect your photographs. It's very well done

[revjvegas]

What they said...Bryan Peterson's book is a good jumping point.

Take your time and enjoy the creative process.

[Pixgal]

Thank you for the great start. I'm off to ebay and amazon to look for that book.

Marlowe

[KenJulio]

There is an amazon store link at the top along the menu bar. It has saves me a few 'bucks' and I know groovyone he has bought a bunch of diapers through the link :)

Also don't be afraid to share your photos, critiques will help you see what you may have missed in composition or in your post processing. Keep on mind there will be positive and negative critiques.

[KenJulio]

By clicking on the cover will take you to the book where you can order it from amazon.

Originally Posted by Abel

Welcome aboard Marlowe...

I can assure you there that there are plenty of people here (myself included) willing to help you along so please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Right off the bat I know I would recommend this book to you as I recommend it to all photographers just starting out... This book is great to have since it visually shows you what settings do what and how they affect your photographs. It's very well done

[Hanky]

Welcome to pixtus!

[lhdvies]

Welcome-Congrats on getting Peterson's book. It is invalueable to anyone starting out & I gurantee for years to come you will use it as a reference & refresher!!!

[carrbowl]

welcome...I guarantee if you hang out here..you will learn alot!!! And don't be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes you may get some nasty comments from those that know it all..but ignore them!!! we do : ) just keep asking questions : )

[LEO III]

Check out this thread:

FAQ for New TPF Members

Lots of good stuff in it, especially for newbies. Don't try to learn it all at once. It's bigger than all of us!

[popawalker]

Marlowe, While you are waiting on the book, you can check out Brian's videos, they are free and short but helpful.
12 Great Photography Video Tutorials by Bryan Peterson*|*Learn Photography Tips Blog

[Ahh!]

And welcome from Frisco!

[Pixgal]

Thank you all.

I'm so excited! I got my book today and can't wait to read it. I'm going to the Oregon Coast (Newport) on Friday for the week-end and want to try out what I learn. I'll let you know how it goes.

again, Thanks, Marlowe

[KenJulio]

Try and apply and ask what you may not understand, there are a lot of knowledgeable folks on here