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Wanting to start photography?

Ever since I had the chance to take photo in high school, I've always wanted to. But my parents insist that I take more Math/Science courses instead... So I'm planning to get a camera and try to learn photography behind my parent's back. So I've got a couple of questions: - Since I probably have to get a digital camera, what should I look for? -What is it that makes a good picture great? - And any tips that would help out this newbie :P Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. if ur going to be into serious photography u should get an slr. check out www.dpreview.com for a guide.
2. Here's a great site for Photography tips: http://www.photographytips.com/
3. Get a digital camera which allows you to use manual settings so you can have more control and creativity. There are hundreds of good books about photography. Check them out of the library and you'll learn a lot. Looking at great pictures will give you a standard to judge your own by. Photography is a tough field to make a living in so study the math and science and learn a profession. Work on the photography in your spare time and perhaps you can supplement your other income and possibly do it full time someday when you find your niche.
4. To answer one of your questions -- a great picture should: 1. Appeal to the intellect, 2. Appeal to the heart, 3. Appeal to your crotch Not necessarily in that order. It should also tell a story. Any reasonably decent picture would hit one of those things. A very good picture hits two of those. And a rare great shot hits all three. Sometimes you get lucky and knock off a shot where "it happens". Often you have to preconceive the concept and shoot it with intent.
5. if your doing photography in school getting a digital cam means that you dont get the chance to be in a dark room. But using digital means that you can produce photo's more quickly... i guess to make a photo look good you just gotta explore.. motion shots are always good, our taking photos on a angle. high angle or low angle shots. be prepared to spend a whole heap of cash.. and if your doing it at school...make sure that you work fast because time issue is always a factor.. use model artist such as Dwane Michael's to get ideas from. just go wild and make sure that you have fun..
6. There's too much to answer, but simply: Read up in current magazines about camera features and pros/cons. Looking at good photographs helps one make better photographs, just as reading good literature does. How to determine what is "good", and the distinction between it and greatness - that is tough. To start, look at what is being published. Take a class if/when you can. Does an image has staying power? There is probably some greatness there - look or it (in its theme, perspective, approach....). Read a history of photography book to see what is important enough to be remembered. Have fun! Involve your parents as best you can. Having photography as a hobby, or as one class, does mean the other subjects need to be neglected. It can be easy to get caught up in photography, of course. It is healthy (helpful, useful) to have ways to relax, to be balanced in life.
7. i don't think i'm the best photographer ever...but i know i have a future with photography. i was the only one in 8th grade to say they wanted to be a photographer when they grew up. mhm. it's a shame, i know. :) my first ever camera was from my Grandpa. it's an old school (real old school) Canon. it's by far my favorite camera...for various reasons. digital cameras are awesome though. good pictures are the ones telling stories. like a boy leaving out cookies in front of a fire place, or two people kissing and in the back you can see in the sky "Will You Marry Me?" in my opinion, of course. Edit- Also go everywhere with your camera, but don't go looking for pictures. While your out...you'll FIND your pictures. Let them come to you.
8. It sounds like you are still in school? Any digital SLR with 6 or more megpaixels at this point will be fine. If you do not have a lot of money to spend. Most digital cameras now take great photos and are under $300.00. Right now you want to practice and hone your talents and craft. You will know when you are ready to step up and spend more than $1,200.00 on a bigger and better camera. 10 photographers can photograph the same subject and each photo will look different reflecting the eye of that particular photographer. Join a photo club in your school or town most photographers enjoy sharing what they know with others it is one of the most rewarding activities I know. One photograph can make one hundred people smile or frown. Good luck and have fun with it. Listen to your parents and make school your priorities first you have a lifetime to take photographs you have only a few years of school.
9. I am not going to repeat what everyone is saying here-but I noted that you said you are going to learn photography "behind" your parents' back.. I hardly think it is something you have to hide. You're not doing anything immoral--so talk to them. Just because you are interested in photography, it doesn't mean you're going to do it professionally (not all who are interested in photography become professional)--nor does it mean you're going to fail all your classes (especially math & science). You're interested in photography, and it will be a nice hobby. That's all there is to it. You're not asking them to buy you top of the line camera either. So talk to them, they might even help you get a decent camera.
10. i have the same problem with my dad. He wants me to take "practical" classes. It's really good to have a backup plan. Although parents suck, they kinda know what's going on... they're probably worried (as every parent is) that you will be a homeless starving artist. hehe :) anyway so yeah what do you want to do with your photography? If you want to make it your life, figure out a way to make money with it as well as just for fun. Or figure what u want to do. Show your parents that you are passionate about taking photos and why, whether it's because you want to make a career out of it or because you need to express yourself with it, whatever it is if they love you they will respect your decision. As for a camera, I recommend starting out with a film camera. A single lens reflex 35mm. Try to find an old canon or nikon, nothing automatic, EVERYTHING MANUAL. You will hate it to death at first. You will love your photos when you get it. I know you took it in high school, was it SLR photography? Did you learn all the basics? Shutter, FStop? Light meter? Learn all you can about the "analog" photography. I know this is a digital world, but beautiful photographs don't come easy. If you only want a digital camera, the rebel is cheaper. Do you like canon or nikon? or neither? start with a 50mm lens. If you like a wide angle or a fish eye look try a lens like 24mm or less. If you want to do portraits, or sports or wildlife and whatnot try a 200mm or more lens. best place to buy is bhphoto.com if you live in ny you can go to their store in the city. Wow this is long. I love photography and I'm glad you're turning over to the dark side. muahahahaha anyway good luck and if you ever have any questions you can email me on here. click on my profile. I'm terrie:) good luck :)
11. Perhaps you might consider making a deal with your parents instead of trying to learn behind their backs. It would be much more beneficial to your photographic experience to have them on your side rather than having to hide it from them. Commit to keeping up your Math/Science grades while also taking up photography. Then meet your commitment! Two major points that you can use in your favor are that without Math AND Science, photography would not exist! While developing film and making prints, you'll be using chemistry, which is a science. Math is used throughout from measuring the quality of light, the relationship of aperture and shutter speed, calculating developing and process times and determining exposure times. An additional bonus is that you'll most likely also improve your social and interpersonal skills. In my opinion, the best way to learn and understand photography is to learn how to shoot film and then develop it. After you edit your negatives, you can learn how to print first black and white prints and later color. Having this foundation knowledge will help you make the move to digital photography down the road. Look on Craigslist.org for a 35mm SLR and lenses. Many photographers who are making the transition to digital are offering very good deals on their old equipment. What makes a good photograph is whatever makes you happy. What makes a good photograph great is that it makes others happy as well. Or is provocative. Captures a moment. Tells a story. Learn to understand basic rules such the Rule of Thirds and f/16 Rule. Record your efforts so you can duplicate your successes and avoid repeating your mistakes. Practice, practice, practice! Good luck to you!
12. I'm going to say something here that everyone else is going to disagree with and I'm going to get lots of thumbs down for saying this. But everyone else here isn't in your shoes and everyone else here hasn't been in my shoes. Do what you want to do even if your parents are against it. You only have one life to live and if photography is your passion, don't let your parents get in the way. Look at Benjamin Franklin. If he didn't go behind peoples' backs to get what he wanted, would we be where we are now? So what is it you want? Happy parents and a life you didn't want? Maths and science? Or photography? And guess what. If it turns out you don't like photography as much as you thought you did, then there are many other paths to go down and nothing is lost. We learn from our mistakes. Take a risk. EDIT: oh by the way, get enrolled into a photography course and let them decide which camera you need to start with.