Your tips for those just starting out

I thought this would make a good topic.

If we add our tips for beginners in this thread, I'll put a link to it in our sticky thread in the beginners section

So, what tips would you give beginners?

(Please note this thread is for you to post your personal tips, rather than links to tips found on other websites).

Try not to get too downhearted - as sometimes things just go wrong - continually, or so it seems, and it can be all too tempting to beat yourself up and think you're a bad photographer... it's not the case, you're just having a bad time of it ATM. Things do improve - keep that in your mind.

Of course, the main thing is to make sure that whatever you shoot makes you happy - in the end, especially if you're just doing this as a hobby, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks as long as you like it yourself!

xx

Ask Questions. The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Steve

listen to advice.........(then make your own mind up).

When I did photography training in the military I remember our instructor saying

"Guys, you have two ears, two eyes, and only one mouth.....use them proportionally"

LOL - that has stuck with me since.......(I've even used it myself! )

try to focus on a sub-genre in photography. it's great to try to shoot "everything" but what's helped me, is focusing on certain sets. ie, landscaping, some portraits. this will help you narrowing down what gear you will need, and sharpen yourself in said sub-genre.

and shoot away, and show your photos. and be thankful your shooting digital.
and when someone says your shot doesn't do it for them and adds some advice, listen, take it in, soak it, and apply it the next time....

My own tips are:

• Read through your camera's manual - it's surprising how much you will pick up from it and how much better you will know your camera afterwards.
  
• Look at other people's photos, and when you come across something you really like, try to mimic it. You'll be surprised at how hard this actually is! But you'll learn a lot from it.
  
• Try to go through tutorials, like the ones we have here (Photography Basics on the right hand side). Actually going through the motions helps familiarise you with things.
  
• Don't just look at feedback your own threads/photos get - see what people are saying to other people's work too. You can learn from other people's successes and mistakes.

Don't try and learn all the settings on a camera in one go.

Bazza

Bazza that is so true! That is a really good tip actually!