Photography for beginners - Where to start

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boeriebuffet

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Hi all, I've looked through the threads and haven't found exactly what I'm looking for, so hopefully this can become a first stop, easy to read and understand sticky for anyone interested in taking up photography as a hobby.

I fall into that group but have no idea where to start. So for the uninformed only used to a normal, cheap, "mik-en-druk" digital camera, what type of camera should I look for to start out with (obviously at a reasonable price) and what are important things (specs, extras) to look out for?

Thanks!

P.S. Dumb it down to the lowest level, and then some more!
 
DPReview forums is good starting point, before you worry about specs give more info on what you plan or enjoy taking photos of (wildlife, landscapes, people, etc. or a bit of everything)
 
Agree with bwana about ODP - although it was a wonderful forum in its day.

Try searching for 'beginner' articles at websites such as Picture Correct as a place to get a number of tips and pointers. I have picked up all sorts of tips from their newsletter over the years.

If you want to start directly with a DSLR then remember that in order to get the most out of your camera - you will probably need several lenses (good ones often cost way more than the camera body). You can also simply buy one of the bridge cameras. These are part way between the typical mikendruk and a DSLR - offering a variety of really useful features in a single body. I own two Canon bridge cameras and have been extremely thrilled with their ease of use. One can photograph a tiny beetle really close, close enough to see its bristles, then turn around and take a landscape shot or photograph a bird on a tree 50 metres away, without the ballache of having to carry or change lenses.

Photography is practise. Photography is learning to 'see' the picture. Photography is learning to compose. Photography is learning to move your feet to get a better view. Photography is learning how to predict when and where one might improve ones odds of taking a good photo. The more you practise - the 'luckier' you get.
 
I listened to a lot of podcasts and YouTube videos. Be warned, photography can be expensive. Our currency is also not helping.
 
A lot of camera shops offer free introductory courses when you purchase a camera through them that are quite useful if you haven't used a SLR before. Youtube is great but being able to ask questions and get demonstrable answers is often a better way to learn. Photowalks are also great opportunity to pick people's brains. I recently shot a week long cricket tournament and at least ten spectators approached me to ask questions about gear and technique. We're, on the whole, a sociable bunch. :)
 
I think any person new to photography should invest the money and buy and work through this training course:

John Greengo - The Fundamentals of Digital Photography

https://www.creativelive.com/course...m_medium=email&utm_campaign=Holiday15PairSale

This is probably one of the best, if not the best, training course for newcomers to digital photography.

Then, join your local photography club(s) and start your ventures from there.
 
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