Photography?

[schmemily]

I really want to get started into photography.
But.... lol, idk where to start.
To those of you that are photographers, any advice?

[Edwin]

Photography classes are the best way to begin.

If formal classroom instruction isn't possible you might consider the New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com). They offer correspondence courses and have been in business since 1910.

The hardest way to learn is by self-teaching. If this is the only viable option for you, I suggest this way:

1) Buy a Pentax K1000 35mm 100% manual film camera with a 50mm f1.7 lens and the Owner's Manual for the camera.
2) Buy a copy of "Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Edition" by George M. Craven.
3) READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for the camera.

Learning with an old-school film camera will teach you about ISO and shutter speeds and f-stops. "Object & Image" will help you learn about light and composition.

Many will tell you to buy this or that digital camera and tell you about the "instant feedback" they offer. Before you fall for that, think about this: If you take 100 bad pictures and have no idea why they are bad, what have you learned? IMO, nothing except how to push the shutter release.

Starting with a film camera will also teach you to take your time and actually think about each scene before you commit it to film. You'll learn to analyze the scene and look at it from different angles and perspectives.

IMO digital cameras encourage what I call the "machine gun" approach where you make 300 exposures and hope 20 will be worth keeping. One person in here said if they took 1,000 pictures and got 1 good one they were happy. I think you'd get better results if you gave the camera to a chimpanzee.

Good luck!

[john c]

well you can really start anywhere. all u need is a camera, film, and an idea. you can make pictures out of anything. there are also a lot of techniques, rules, and guidelines to photography. you can learn these from books, internet, or perhaps taking actual photography courses (like me). its easier to take courses if your in highschool/college but that doesnt mean they dont exist outside of school. i've only taken photography for one year and its great. you learn so much about moments in time that capture so much feeling. its fun, educational, and you can start anywhere. i hope this has helped you with your question.

[yayitstessaaaa]

I'd definately try photography classes/courses. Some quick tips: always keep the photo intruiging and interesting. And always remember that art doesnt have to be pretty. good luck!!!!!!