Starting point for very new person?

[LG & Sadie]

I am new to the group and know nothing about photography. I have a very nice camera I am told-it was a gift. I happened to get lucky and have a photo selected for the Lotsa Doodles Calendar but, it was one I almost didn't submit-my 5th choice. That's what I know. :-) I see there are tutorials, but otherwise how does a new person jump in? Shall I get a few books out of the local library? As it is now, I follow pretty much none of what each discussion topic involves. And, the few times I have tried to use this camera of mine-I set the camera to the setting that does the work for me-I don't think this camera calls it auto but I know the setting has a green icon. In any case-I didn't do much-but I just LOVE it. Thanks for any & all feedback!

[Diane Margetts]

his is a very informative Website and this is a very ggod place to start for beginners. The most important thing to understand is the exposure triangle . . . all the editing and camera settings in the worldwon't help you if you don't get the basic exposure concept down. It truly is not that difficult--just takes time and a LOT of practice. Once you feel comfortable with the concepts, you can go back to our photography group discussions and review our monthly lessons. If you want to actually practice by doing the past lessons, we will be happy to advise and coach you along!! Most important thing here is to have fun and LOVE what you are doing!!!!!

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-tips-...

[Barb, Murphy, Emmet, & Hudson]

This looks like a great link, thanks for posting!!

[LG & Sadie]

Great thanks!

[Lisa Van Dyke]

Great link! Thank you!

[Linda and "Toby"]

Welcome LG! What kind of camera do you have? I might be able to find the manual online and help answer your questions.

[LG & Sadie]

OK, here is where I start to get slightly intimidated :-) this is how little I know....I am holding the camera, it's a Canon underneath it says Canon DS 6041 is that what kind it is? There are two lenses the one on the camera is a Quantaray 62mm UV and I am not sure about the other one. Sadie had a seizure just a bit ago and is lying with her head in my lap-so I won't be moving until she wakes up or my partner arrives home and can grab the case it is in for me. Now finding the manual online is a terrific idea! Thanks!

[LG & Sadie]

I found the manual online! I guess this is an early model SLR camera that was good in it's day. It's in perfect shape. My brother upgrades as soon as upgrades are available, so I happily accept all of his "hand me down" products. This was quite a gift!

[Diane Margetts]

It's a very nice gift!!!!

[Lisa Van Dyke]

Hi there! I'm fairly new to photography too as of last Mother's Day (that's when I got my first DSLR). I suggest joining a local camera club if one exists near you. I've learned lots from a local club I joined and now volunteer. For me it has been very helpful to actually talk in person with photographers although we do correspond also online via our Facebook page. We have a lot of fun meeting up and everyone at least in our club is always forthcoming about sharing and teaching others. I've even had opportunities to help them out on photo shoots. It's also a great way to learn more quickly about photography and you get lots of practice that way... The best way to learn at least for me is by doing and work at improving my skills...and most importantly having fun and establishing friendships! =-)

[Richard Crowe]

Do a Google search with the parameters "basic digital photography". This will provide a plethora of hits on sites which can be very beneficial in learning digital imaging. What I would not do is pay for any instruction with the possible exception of the minimal fees charged by many community colleges for their adult education courses. There is enough free information on the web to bring a photographer from complete newbie status to quite qualified.