Reading Materials for Beginners.

[flannel]

I've always had an interest in photography, but have only handled point and shoot cameras. I have some slight knowledge of things like aperature, shutter speed, etc. but it definitely enough to put it in an actual situation, and would like to learn a lot more. Are there any books or articles that would help me understand the basics and absolute "things to know" of photography?

Also, after getting a basic understand of things to learn, I feel like I should put it to practice. Would a micro 4/3 camera (say the pen Mini with a kit lens, which is modestly priced compared to advanced point and shoots, and possibly pancake lens in the future) be a good place to start and learn, or would that possibly be overkill for a beginner in photography? I personally feel like it would be a good step up from point and shoots, and offers a system that I could upgrade from (Lenses to keep when/if bodies get outdated).

Thanks for the help in advanced.

 

[James Cafferty]

You could get started right away (for free) by learning from these two sites.
IMHO, the two best photo sites on the WEB:

http://dryreading.com/camera/index.html

http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator.html

Also, here is a link where dpreview members discuss the same question:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1002&message=39286772
Good luck!
--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

 

[scorrpio]

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/

Lots of very good info.

 

[trekkeruss]

http://www.shortcourses.com/use/

 

[dojoklo]

I put together an extensive list of Essential Books for Digital Photography that may be of assistance to you:

http://blog.dojoklo.com/2010/10/06/essential-digital-photography-books/

Have a look at the "Digital Photography Guides" section for the types of books you are interested in.

And of course, everyone always recommends THE book, Peterson's Understanding Exposure.

 

[knittybaker]

I'm a newbie too and I'm reading 2 of Bryan Peterson's book: Understanding Exposure and Understanding Photography's Field Guide. I like his style of writing (easy to read and follow) and the books are filled with pictures which he used to illustrate his examples.

Both books I borrowed from the library so you might want to check your local library to see if they have it available.

Jenn
--
http://knittybaker.blogspot.com

 

[AnandaSim]

I've always had an interest in photography, but have only handled point and shoot cameras. I have some slight knowledge of things like aperature, shutter speed, etc. but it definitely enough to put it in an actual situation, and would like to learn a lot more. Are there any books or articles that would help me understand the basics and absolute "things to know" of photography?

The others have responded.

Also, after getting a basic understand of things to learn, I feel like I should put it to practice.

Uh. No. This is not armchair activity like watching National Geographic movies on TV. You cannot learn to be a better cook by reading, then cooking. You cannot learn to be a better photographer by reading then taking photos.

You have to read AND take photos over and over again. Interactively.

Would a micro 4/3 camera (say the pen Mini with a kit lens, which is modestly priced compared to advanced point and shoots, and possibly pancake lens in the future) be a good place to start and learn,

Unless you want a smaller camera, do not let size be the criteria. If you want cheaper, choose a camera that suits your budget regardless of size. The smaller non removable lens point and shoots also have manual controls. However, you have difficulty practising shallow depth of field portraits. And the smaller non removable point and shoots e.g. the Canon G12, Canon S95, Olympus XZ-1 etc... are not exactly high bang for buck. They are good cameras but not high value ratio. The last year's models but brand new cameras may be heavily discounted and they would be high bang for buck. The PEN E-PL1 where I am is now cheap. The PEN E-PL3 is not because it is this years model. You may find other entry level DSLRs good value as well because there is second hand or new lenses are common.

or would that possibly be overkill for a beginner in photography?

Not overkill

--



Ananda
http://onepicperpost.blogspot.com/
http://anandasim.blogspot.com/
http://gplus.to/anandasim

'Enjoy Diversity - Live a Little or a Lot'

 

[bikinchris]

Do a search for "Digital Darrel" who is writing a book specifically for people who want to graduate from a point and shoot. He has a blog and posts excerpts there.

Here is an example:

http://blog.nikonians.org/digitaldarrell/2011/09/dd-a-deeper-look-at-the-histogram.html

--
Good cyclists are:
Visible, Predictable, Alert, Assertive and Courteous

They also use the five layers of protection available.
Layer 1: Control your bike
Layer 2: Know and follow the rules of the road
Layer 3: Ride in the smartest lane position
Layer 4: Manage hazards skillfully
Layer 5: Utilize passive protection.

Chris, Broussard, LA

 

[gwlaw99]

Once you get the basics of expsoure down (shutter spped, aperture, iso) get the video Perfect Exposure to show you how to use them to get good exposure

 

[beccaboophotography]

THANK YOU for posting these links!!!! They are awesome!!!!

You could get started right away (for free) by learning from these two sites.
IMHO, the two best photo sites on the WEB:

http://dryreading.com/camera/index.html

http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator.html

Also, here is a link where dpreview members discuss the same question:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1002&message=39286772
Good luck!
--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

 

[James Cafferty]

THANK YOU for posting these links!!!! They are awesome!!!!

You're welcome! Have fun along the way.

--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.