okay... i need to know things about photography?

Question

okay.. im to young to take courses for it. but i need a photographer that know what she/he is talking about. I have a camera and everything like that i just want to know
i also want to know what courses i do have to take when i am older to start photography and a business in photography. (in college)
i also want to know what about the lighting, stuff like that

i know that i spelt a couple words wrong...

i want to be a professional photographer i dont want to just get a camera and just start taking pictures.

Answer 1

I took a year and a half in photography in high school and I can tell you it's something you have to practice and do yourself. There are some pointers photographers can tell you, but really it's got to be your eyes and hands controlling that camera.

As for what classes to take in high school or college that is something you will need to speak to a counselor about. In high school the foundation is pretty laid out. Photography 1, Photography2, depending on your school. In fact there may only be 1 or 2 classes in photography at your high school. A high school counselor may also help a little with choosing courses for college, but your best bet is to speak with the college or your high school photography teacher. If your not high school age yet maybe your school already has courses or a club.

In regards to lighting I'm sure there are many techniques. Photographers can give you some pointers, but you have to practice. The affects of lighting will vary slightly by camera and film. The same with a digital camera. The benefit of a digital camera is its simple to get the image on your computer to electronically manipulate, but this goes way beyond what you asked and your going to want to start off with learning the art of photography which means using and developing your own black and white film.

Good Luck!


*********************************************************************
In regards to you wanting to be a professional photographer, again practice and talking with teachers and the experts. Do you have local art fairs coming up in your community? Start observing the local artwork and asking the photographer questions about their work. Next summer you may have more detailed or specific questions to ask.

If your 16 you can get a job as a photographer's assistant. Check your local newspaper classifieds or the web for jobs.

Again, this is an art and a skill so if your young, like pre-high school age then don't worry about breaking into the industry yet. Give it time so you can at least start to develop your own technique. That technique will undoubtedly change, but it will be a great starting point when you are ready to take on an apprenticeship or when you start taking those photography courses in school.

Learning how to operate a camera isn't that hard, you can read the instruction manual for that, but learning how to get a camera to turn out the photos you want to see will be much more challenging and that is where the skill part comes in.

Answer 2

You will need business and marketing courses for *any* kind of business. There are some really interesting books about the business of photography - which is different from "being a photographer". Being a great photographer and being a financially successful photographer are different things, believe it or not.

Look into (someday) having a major in Business so that you can always put food on the table, and a minor in Photography (which you can do every weekend when the bills are paid).

Although, come to think of it, you cannot swing a cat without hitting a couple business majors these days ... maybe the major should be in finance or accounting, instead.

*shrug* good luck :)

Answer 3

Visit the local library or bookstore. Get a couple of books on beginning photography and art. Study your camera manual. Learn what the buttons control and how the settings affect your pictures. Go to photography websites and study the images. What makes it a good image? Look at the composition and lighting. Try to make a similar picture yourself. Watch the lighting at different times of day. Read your camera manual some more. Practice some more.

Your guidance counselor at school will be able to advise you on curriculum. Join a camera club at school or in your area.

Good luck!

Answer 4

This is a very complex subject and can't be fully explained in a little blurb, but here are the basics:
Aperture: Small hole that allows light into camera. High number means narrow hole. Low number means wide hole.
Shutter: Speed-controlled opening that allows light into camera. High speed = less light and vice versa.
ISO: Film speed. Low speed film gives better results, but takes longer.

And now some basics on lighting:
Main light: strongest light, generally placed about a foot higher than model, aimed at nose (for portraits).
Key Light (Fill Light): Weaker light used for filling in shadows on other side of models face. Usually placed at camera level, likewise aimed at nose.
Background light: Weakest light used for lighting the backdrop.

If you want to know more beyond that, go to your local library and/or bookstore and read everything you can find. I think a basic introduction to photography would be good for you.

Answer 5

Find and join a local camera club. Experienced photographers love showing less experienced photographers what they know. Start by having someone show you which types of photos are best for each mode of your camera (portrait, landscape, etc.)

My camera club just did a live children's photo contest at a local event with all kinds of art activities for kids. We loan kids a point-and-shoot digital camera, have them shoot 1-3 photos over about 5 minutes, print their best shot, and judge them at the end of the day. A 4 year old took first place this year. As a result we now have three families with kids as new members of our camera club.

We do frequent photo outings just for families because of all the families with young children who join our club.

Answer 6

Sorry it would take far to long to tell you 'everything' about photography but i think you would be able to do Work Experience at one of your local photography stores, studios. Why not call a few and talk to them about photography and see if they would be interested in having you spend a week watching, working with them. Your school should be able to arrange it if you dont want to yourself.

Answer 7

By a photography book (preferably written specifically with your camera in mind). Read and practice.

Answer 8

I'm not a professional photographer KK, or even much of an amateur, so don't take my comments too seriously. I enjoyed looking at the images, but thought that some of the black and white shots seemed a little cold, in particular the cigarette shot and the security guard looking away.

Answer 9

Don't attend photography courses, nowaday we have very advance digital techniques in photography,don't need to print your pictures from photolabs,don't to buy any films,etc, you could DIY(Do It Yourself), I prefered you to take up Travel Consultant,anytime you could go other countries for taking pictures.