Photography for beginners- where to start?

muddyl

Hi all, not sure if this is the right section, but i'll have a go anyway.
I may be getting an old SLR, little story as to why lol.
Anyway, I have liked taking pictures for years, started because my memory is terrible, but wouldn't say im any good.
So two questions really.
Firstly, is there any sites out there that would tell me how to use the SLR properly, as I dont really know what all the setting's are for as i've only ever used point and click stuff.
Secondly, are there sites that would help with techniques for taking better/more technical pictures i.e. Lighting effects, shutter speeds etc?
Just thought id like to give it a go so I might aswell give it a proper shot.
Cheers, mark

gjchester

muddyl wrote: »

Hi all, not sure if this is the right section, but i'll have a go anyway.
I may be getting an old SLR, little story as to why lol.
Anyway, I have liked taking pictures for years, started because my memory is terrible, but wouldn't say im any good.
So two questions really.
Firstly, is there any sites out there that would tell me how to use the SLR properly, as I dont really know what all the setting's are for as i've only ever used point and click stuff.
Secondly, are there sites that would help with techniques for taking better/more technical pictures i.e. Lighting effects, shutter speeds etc?
Just thought id like to give it a go so I might aswell give it a proper shot.
Cheers, mark

Go the your libary and see what they have, there are a sereisl of Magic Lantern books on digital SLR's that not only explain the fucntions but how to use them to the best effect.

nickj_2

i can reccommend scott kelby's books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Boxed/dp/0321678737/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324053552&sr=8-1

they are very easy to follow, great techniques and tips ,nothing too technical , just tells you how to do stuff and what you need

muddyl

Thanks for the replies.
Just for clarification. Its NOT a digital SLR, it was originally bought, I believe, in the 70's when my father was stationed in taiwan, malaysia, hong kong or somewhere.

I dont even know where my local library is, I know, thats shocking! But I could have a look in the college library where I work.

WhiteChristmas

Be warned - film photography is an increasingly expensive business these days.

victor2

WhiteChristmas wrote: »

Be warned - film photography is an increasingly expensive business these days.

Not only that, but modern books and online tutorials, forums etc. tend to be focussed on digital photography.
So, as suggested, a library may be a better source of books. The days of developing films yourself or using a photography shop to do it are sadly pretty much a thing of the past. If you do find it interests you, buy a low end digital camera and learn modern techniques with that.
I couldn't give my old 35mm SLR away, all I've used from it with my digital camera is a filter and lens cap!

WLM21

My local school runs evening classes in photography, but as one posting here states, the emphasis now is digital. Of course the principles are still similar though. For fine focus work, aperture is important for depth of field, but for moving images shutter speed is key.

Many courses start in January, so maybe worth an investigation.

Even if it is mainly digital photography nowadays, most of the older folk at the class will have been 'non digital' a few years ago ... as we all were.

I recently sold some old lenses on that well known auction site and was surprised at how low the prices are .. when i think what I paid for the items when they were new.

I still have my Pentax Super A SLR but was not happy to sell .. it cost me £250 when new, so a possible £10-£15 wasn't really too appealing.

At least if you are using old gear, yopu'll be able to get extra lenses, filters etc cheap.

Good luvk

muddyl

Thanks guys/girls.
The reason I am thinking of trying with this is, as has been mentioned, they aren't really worth anything.
My dad bought it many moons ago, when it was the best you could get. He asked if it was worth anything as its now just taking up space, never been used for years. They sell for £20/30 now, although the lenses do a bit better.
I've always wanted to give it a go but cant afford the high prices the Dslr's go for. If I try this and like it, then maybe I could justify buying one.
My wife has a keen eye, and think she would secretly like to give it a go too.

closed

you'll probably get better results with a £50 digital, and won't have to search and pay for film and developers.

debitcardmayhem

You didn't say which camera(s) / lenses (afaik) I used to develop my own colour slides and black and white prints and yes it is a dying art but there are some very good quality kit out there that no-one wants, give me a while and I will check when I am back home, I only stopped after we were flooded at home, but my old Nikon 401 is still working and would produce fabulous photographs (if I had an eye for it) , as are my old Fuji slr and an old Agiflex (with removable lenses, not an SLR, but a rangefinder camera c1950's). Sadly too many people want the instant results, and often to the detriment of those who really think about composition , lighting and perhaps bracketing the exposures (I did once ) . The old tech is losing its appeal unless as a future antique, most sad, especially the old school teaching used to teach about what is light and how you can capture it on a bit of plastic coated with halides stick in some chemicals , fix it (the image) and then share it. (Gosh I didn't realise how much I miss the old stuff sometimes )

debitcardmayhem

Oh and have a look at this site http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/