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22-07-09, 09:40 PM
#1

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).
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
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22-07-09, 09:57 PM
#2

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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
Kit 1
Nikon D800
Nikkor 50mm f1.4
Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8
Nikkor 105 mm f2.8 macro
Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8
Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM
Nikon 70-300mm AF f/4-5.6G
Nikon 50mm f1.8
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Nikon D700
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
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22-07-09, 10:10 PM
#3

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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

Steve
Kit 1
Canon 5D MkII
Canon24-105mm f4L IS USM
Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
Canon 17-40mm f4L USM
Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro
Canon 70-200 f4L USM
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Canon 5D, Canon 40D, Canon 20D
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22-07-09, 10:22 PM
#4

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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! )


     
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25-07-09, 09:35 PM
#5

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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....
Kit 1
Pentax K20D
Pentax DA* 16-50mm F/2.8
Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8
Pentax DA 10-17mm Fisheye F/3.5-4
Sigma EX DG 28mm F/1.7
Pentax M 50 50mm F/1.7
Kit 2
Nikon D700
Nikon Nikkor 24mm F/2.8
Nikon Micro Nikkor 60mm Macro F/2.8
My Compact/P&S: Minox DC7022


     
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25-07-09, 09:51 PM
#6

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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.
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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25-07-09, 10:46 PM
#7

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

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

Bazza


     
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26-07-09, 01:20 PM
#8

Re: Your tips for those just starting out

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazza View Post
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!
Kit 1
Nikon D40x
Nikon 18-55mm
Nikon 55-200mm
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