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Tips on how to get started with photography?

I'm 19 and I'd like to get started with photography. My dad has a pretty nice camera with a few different kinds of lenses that I might start with... it's not digital though. I figured I'd try it with that before I spend the money on a good digital camera of my own. But any tips on best ways to start up, good cameras, things to look for, how to capture light, etc.? Thanks guys! :) Also good camera accessories to purchase, good editing programs... and any other advice you can think of?

Public Comments

1. To be honest, I think the best way to learn about photography is just to have a go. Just go and take pictures of anything you want and then you will probably notice straight away if you're doing anything wrong and with practice you will soon and easily improve. If you decide you like it and move on to digital then photoshop is a must have. It's quite easy to pick up the skills and there are thousands of tutorials on the internet. Also if you plan on printing, then you might want to invest in a good printer if you haven't already got one. Good luck, hope you have fun x
2. Start with digital. It allows you to learn the art much faster, because you can see the results instantly on the back of the camera. Start using Picasa to edit your photos, it is free and made by Google. My suggestion would be to start with the Canon XSI and Tamron 15-55mm f2.8 lens. Learn by doing, practice makes better. Also use photo.net and photo magazines. I started about 6 years ago and am shooting weddings professionally now. You can check out my work here. http://anibaldistudio.com
3. I originally started out of my home. I did block the outside light, unless I needed it for special purposes (natural lighting), depending upon the time of day. The biggest thing is to make your clients feel comfortable and to keep the area "professional". That's a hard thing to do, out of your home, as you need to constantly be doing housework to keep the area clean and neat. Nothing will turn a client off more than a dirty or unkept environment. As far as equipment, I purchased 3 strobes, has a few tungsten lights on-hand, replacement bulbs for the same. If you plan on digital, then of course photoshop with some filters is very good to have. Try to get a camera that shoots TIF or RAW, stay away from JPG (just a personal preference). You can do some incredible things with RAW format. I purchased a DSLR with 4 different lenses to cover all basic setup issues (if necessary). Rechargeable battery packs for the camera were also a must. With the computer and printer, make SURE that you purchase color calibration software to calibrate the screen and printer to the color profile of your camera. Most are sRGB profiles on the cameras nowadays, so you can calibrate the screens and print output to that, as well (within reason, I use a custom modified version of the sRGB that provides me with outstanding output on my Canon 13" widemouth). Make sure the printer is using multi-ink tanks, like at LEAST 8 tanks for realistic output. The choice of paper is also important, because you will need to send a print sample to a lab for them to make a profile specifically for your printer. So when you decide which paper to use, make sure you stick with it or update your profile. Same goes with inksets, too. Once you use that same paper and ink combo, you will need a new profile for each change you make (brand). To elaborate more on the lighting, I like White Lighting or Alien Bees, as I use them in conjunction with a Sigma wireless flash unit (more info at www.sigmaphoto.com). Umbrellas (large and medium) as well as a few different sized softboxes or octaboxes are also a must. Don't be afraid to experiment and bounce flash off walls and ceiling as well.. you'd be surprised with the results! Anything else, just reply and I'd be happy to share my experience on that. There's so much to actually talk about, that I thought I'd throw this out here first. Don't know about the Sony camera, I use a Sigma SD-10 and the quality works great for my needs. It's all a personal preference, for the most part. If you need more photography hints and latest developments in the industry, you can read this blog http://www.beyondmegapixels.com/ Good luck :) -Michael