how do you get so good?

Louise D · Feb 27, 2003

I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow, I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

Doug Barber · Feb 27, 2003

who you are talking about... but it is not me. I do agree that there is some wonderful photographers around this forum. But if you leave your images in your HD it will be very hard for these talented people to give you a hand.
So jump in and show us the "goods"... all of us will be better for it.
Doug Barber

Louise D said:
I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My
question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and
knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would
love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I
see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow,
I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

--
Cheers
Doug B.
http://www.pbase.com/dbarber
PBase supporter
CP5700; PS7; MAC Ti-Book G4

Jarrell Conley · Feb 27, 2003

Don't hold back posting your pictures. This forum is not here to showcase the "better" photographers work. Quite the contrary. It's here to learn. I learn things here every day and I've been in photography since Mathew Brady.....

Nobody here is going to come down hard on someone because of a picture they may not think is good. They'd better not, anyway. But, that's not the point. I don't think anyone here would ever do that in the first place, and I know none of the regular members would do it or tolerate it.

You get good at it mainly by living and breathing it. You get better by emulating someones work you admire. For me it was National Geographic photographers. As a young guy I thought they were the greatest in the world. They got good pictures under the most trying of circumstances, the most dismal weather, and in the most dangerous places.

You get good by learning the BASICS, i.e. fstops shutterspeeds etc and how to control them with your camera. You get so comfortable with it you think no more of it than going out and starting your car and driving off.
And this is where I stop and let others add their comments.....

Jarrell

--

Ed MacDonald · Feb 27, 2003

We are all here learning everyday. The more that you participate the better you will become. We have all put some dumb stuff out there. What usually happens, is that someone will suggest something that will allow you to change you picture intoa winner. The people here are great. Try just one post, and see what happens. I bet in no time you will be posting like the rest of us.

Louise D said:
I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My
question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and
knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would
love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I
see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow,
I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

--
--Ed--
990,5000
http://www.pbase.com/edmondm
PBase supporter
Member FCAS

George Amer · Feb 27, 2003

Louise, if you are new to photography, get a GOOD book on 35mm photography, one that covers all the basics of the trade..exposure, focus, portrate, composition, depth of field, backlighting, flash lighting etc...

Go to your local photo shop and bookstore, talk to people etc. and get a basic book. THEN take a couple of sick days and STUDY! Thats for openers. Like someone else said, if you live it and breath it it helps. I've been in photograpy for over 50 years and am still learning! I am retired and spend a couple hours EVERY day in working with all aspects of digital photography. I had over 30 years with film before that.

Don't let anyone tell you they know EVERYTHING about photography....the just don't!

Louise D said:
I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My
question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and
knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would
love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I
see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow,
I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

Joan Corrie · Feb 27, 2003

Louise, I'm one of those that put my photos on that were really mediocre, and I think I can say I have improved quite a lot (not great by any means!!) because of all the constructive criticism and encouragement I've received on here. Jump in! Post some of your photos and see what happens. Joan

JimTanCanada · Feb 27, 2003

Joan Corrie said:
Louise, I'm one of those that put my photos on that were really
mediocre, and I think I can say I have improved quite a lot (not
great by any means!!) because of all the constructive criticism and
encouragement I've received on here. Jump in! Post some of your
photos and see what happens. Joan

--
Jim Tan

redstarblackrose · Feb 27, 2003

Shoot your brains out.

Just start shooting if you are new. Learn composition by doing it. You'll be amazed.

Block out all distratctions. Go off on your own (no hubby, no kids, no pets) and just look at things. Then shoot them. You will be training your photographic eye for beauty. Sounds mushy, but you'll soon see what looks good. It should be a private endeavor... and I'd disagree with some other posters about posting your shots early on... if you are sensitive to criticism then keep photo's to yourself for awhile.

When I started about 25 years ago I had a rule (that I quickly broke) that I should get 1 really good picture out of a roll of film. So say you should get a good or very good one for every 20 pictures (i.e. new subjects). As you learn to compose it will give you something to then learn the technology to improve. Macro shots are easy "beauty" shots because they are isolating and simplifying your subject for you. Try these. Look at things the way a normal person doesn't take the time to do. You'll be pleasantly surprised!.

I can't tell you how lucky you (we) are to have digital cameras now. If I had one 20 years ago... No film charges, unlimited frames, instant results for review, the web for forums like this. And then there's Photoshop!!

Good luck.

Macster X

DianeR · Feb 27, 2003

Just happen to be visiting here from the Retouching Forum but do visit us over there too. Very, very talented people who are willing to share their talents and expertise.

DianeR

MactsterX said:
Shoot your brains out.

Just start shooting if you are new. Learn composition by doing it.
You'll be amazed.

Block out all distratctions. Go off on your own (no hubby, no kids,
no pets) and just look at things. Then shoot them. You will be
training your photographic eye for beauty. Sounds mushy, but you'll
soon see what looks good. It should be a private endeavor... and
I'd disagree with some other posters about posting your shots early
on... if you are sensitive to criticism then keep photo's to
yourself for awhile.

When I started about 25 years ago I had a rule (that I quickly
broke) that I should get 1 really good picture out of a roll of
film. So say you should get a good or very good one for every 20
pictures (i.e. new subjects). As you learn to compose it will give
you something to then learn the technology to improve. Macro shots
are easy "beauty" shots because they are isolating and simplifying
your subject for you. Try these. Look at things the way a normal
person doesn't take the time to do. You'll be pleasantly surprised!.

I can't tell you how lucky you (we) are to have digital cameras
now. If I had one 20 years ago... No film charges, unlimited
frames, instant results for review, the web for forums like this.
And then there's Photoshop!!

Good luck.

Macster X

--
DianeR
pbase supporter
G2, EOS 650

George Amer · Feb 27, 2003

A very good book is "Kodak guide to 35 mm Photography". The one I have is a little old, but the basics NEVER change. Call Kodak and see if it is still in copy. ISBN 0-87985-613-0.
george

Louise D said:
I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My
question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and
knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would
love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I
see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow,
I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

George Amer · Feb 27, 2003

I just checked Amizon.com. They have the new version for $13.95/ I HIGHLY recomend this book ti all beginners!
George...

Louise D said:
I love Nikon so I went with the 5700 and really like it. My
question is what do you guys do to get so good at photography and
knowing what the camera can actually do? At some point I would
love to post some photos to get your comments but with the stuff I
see here, my photos will stay safely on my hard drive. Anyhow,
I'll keep reading and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Louise

Jarrell Conley · Feb 27, 2003

I haven't posted much on Retouching, but when I did everybody there was helpful in whatever way they could be.
Jarrel

DianeR said:
DianeR

MactsterX said:

Shoot your brains out.

Just start shooting if you are new. Learn composition by doing it.
You'll be amazed.

Block out all distratctions. Go off on your own (no hubby, no kids,
no pets) and just look at things. Then shoot them. You will be
training your photographic eye for beauty. Sounds mushy, but you'll
soon see what looks good. It should be a private endeavor... and
I'd disagree with some other posters about posting your shots early
on... if you are sensitive to criticism then keep photo's to
yourself for awhile.

When I started about 25 years ago I had a rule (that I quickly
broke) that I should get 1 really good picture out of a roll of
film. So say you should get a good or very good one for every 20
pictures (i.e. new subjects). As you learn to compose it will give
you something to then learn the technology to improve. Macro shots
are easy "beauty" shots because they are isolating and simplifying
your subject for you. Try these. Look at things the way a normal
person doesn't take the time to do. You'll be pleasantly surprised!.

I can't tell you how lucky you (we) are to have digital cameras
now. If I had one 20 years ago... No film charges, unlimited
frames, instant results for review, the web for forums like this.
And then there's Photoshop!!

Good luck.

Macster X

Click to expand...

--
DianeR
pbase supporter
G2, EOS 650

--

Louise D · Feb 27, 2003

Thanks for all your comments. OK, I'll eventually get something out there (once I learn how to add a photo). I really enjoy portraits and taking candids of kids and my kids tend to be my "subjects" so you may get to know them.

And....you are all too modest. You will be my photography mentors. I look forward to get to know all of you.
Thanks again,
Louise

Faux Paws · Feb 27, 2003

Hi, Louise

Well you said "any" advice, so...

After learning the basics of composition, lighting, all the stuff that's so well covered in the how-to books, I think it boils down to finding something you're passionate about and capturing it to show other people why you like it. Falling in love with your subject is one way to describe it.

You can get a jump start by finding others who share your passion and copy them shamelessly.

Then, as the man said, practice, practice, practice.

My dad, who brought back a box of Leicas from Germany after WWII, told me to learn to access every control on the camera without having to look away from the viewfinder. Now that I'm into bifocals, I think that's good advice for the 5700.

Enjoy.

Best,
Greg B.

Muriel S · Feb 27, 2003

I'm not one of the so good ones and have posted some baaad ones. That way I get help and learn a lot. Try it - you'll like it. Some come out good without doing anything or very little to them. Others - well, disasters do happen to all of us. Give the experts a try - they like to help.
--
Muriel - 995, 950, 775, WC-63, TC-2E
DPR and Pbase supporter
FCAS Charter Member

Louise D · Feb 27, 2003

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I guess I'm still thinking film and not wanting to fool with the camera until I know what I'm doing, but thankfully I've seen the light in digital. I'll practice, practice, practice, and hopefully soon will be asking for critiques. You are all great.
Louise

kevin keller · Feb 27, 2003

The best way to get better is to shoot. This is were digital beats film, you can see the results right then and now. You can see how using different shutter speeds will give different effects as the aperture. You can see how the compostition looks and try different approaches to a photo. When I was learning to shoot with slr (film) my father would say that the best way to learn was take the money you would spend on a class or book and buy film lots of it. Also see if there is a camera club in your area I learned alot when I was involved witht the camera club. But most of all shoot. And good luck.

Jesper S. Jensen · Feb 28, 2003

--
Jesper S. Jensen
Denmark

Steven S · Feb 28, 2003

they're some of my favorite subjects too, along with my doggies!

In these shots I intentionally overexposed a bit to fool the camera's lighting (EV +1)

This shot taken @full zoom w/5700, braced against the storm door to avoid camera shake @ full zoom; still not perfectly crisp, but not bad

--
Steve S---> D1X-CP5700
http://www.pbase.com/sshyone

N105693 · Feb 28, 2003

Louise,

The beauty of digital, as many have said, is that you can snap several hundred shots (many of the same subject), post one on this forum, get critiqued on that photo, and edit it on the computer or edit one of the others of the same shot based on critiques here. Save five or six of the same shot to your computer, and maybe one of those will be exactly what an expert suggests for composition, and you can go back to that one to understand why. Or, if it is not composition, but lighting, you can go to another version of the same shot that has different lighting to understand why that lighting was suggested.

So in other words, save several aspects of the same photo so that you can teach yourself as well as having forum members teach you...

"Learn and have fun doing it"
--
http://www.pbase.com/nt_digi_user
Nikon Coolpix 5700 & Adobe Elements 2

how do you get so good?

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