Is there any way that I can learn photography but no need to pay big bucks?

Question

I'm just a beginner...I'm interested in taking baby pictures since my baby was born. I only carry a regular simple canon digital camera, and I am thinking of getting a more professional one and learn how to use different lenses, photoshop, etc.. Is there any resources that I can learn more about photography? My budget is pretty tight...is there any affordable resources?

Answer 1

to teach people things like maths and english there are schools - just like photography, - funny concept schools they are popular world wide (i only say it like that for those that think running around snapping a thousand pix a day will produce great images)

my advise is do a night school course in B+W photography (if you really want to learn), otherwise any "digital" photography night course will help you produce better images of Jnr - congrats by the way

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Answer 2

You do not need to go to formal school to become a photographer but you have to learn it from somewhere be it from a class room environment or from you reading and doing things on your own.

1. You should learn the technical aspects of photography and your camera (composition, shutter speed, rules of thirds, depth of field etc), once you understand these you will be able to create better images.

2. Shoot in "M" (manual mode) because you will have more control over your camera and not the other way around. When you are in one of the "Auto" modes the camera will just read the highlights and shadow areas and try to get you a picture. The camera is not smart enough to know what you are shooting.

3. You can start reading all kinds of books on this subject and get information from the internet. This includes web based classes, manufactures web sites to personal blogs.

4. Buy the best DSLR camera that you can afford this also includes good lenses. Take out your camera and manual sit down and go over all the buttons and knobs etc.. this is the best way for you to learn what your camera can do.

5. Start shooting with your camera to get practice and from what you are learning from reading and doing you will get better. Practice does make perfect. Take notes while shooting and then look at your photos on the computer find the best one from that set and see what you did to get the shot and why you like it more than the others.

6. You can get yourself a job as a photographers assistant (be it payed or free) and learn from that person.

Since you have access to the internet here is a start: Some you have to pay for and some are free.. start with the free stuff of course.

http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/......
http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp......
http://www.shootsmarter.com/
http://www.webphotoschool.com/

http://www.lexar.com/dp/index.html?cmp=e...


Studio Lighting info
http://www.studiolighting.net/portrait-lighting-styles/

Photoshop classes
http://www.russellbrown.com/

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 3

You said that you started taking interest in photography when your baby was born, well that means that you don't really have to learn everything about photography you just need to learn about portrait photography, and since you use a digital camera, it'll all depend on its resolution, plus you don't have to worry about MF(manual focusing) since all digital cameras use AF(auto focusing).

If you want to get something more professional but at a cheap price I suggest looking at DSLR cameras, particularly the NIKON D40 dSLR camera, I think it ranges from $450-$600,
basically the manual that comes along with the camera is a very reliable read, since it briefly explains all the factors you can take into consideration, like avoiding merger, rule of thirds, balance, and also what type of shots to take, when to use flash, what ISO to use,etc.,

As with photoshop, sources are available at the ADOBE website, and if you want to get tips on photography try a magazine, here in the Philippines we have i-mag photography mag, just try getting different sources and you'll eventually come through without spending for any expensive tutorials.

Answer 4

Depending on which "regular simple Canon digital camera" you have, you may have all the camera you need, at lest for now. (I'm guessing you have a PowerShot.)

At this point, you should look into taking a couple of classes. Your local community college may offer some, you may even have a local community center that offers some as well.

You should also look into joining a camera club. You will find lots of helpful folks there who will be willing to teach you about photography, and also help you "upgrade" your current camera when your budget allows. Some clubs even have cameras you can check out.

You can also go down to your local library and check out some books on basic photographic techniques.

Answer 5

Maybe you have an Adult education class in photog. Or JR college to learn the basics. Unfortunatly, buy the time you get somewhat educated in photog, your baby will not be a baby any longer. Soooo here ya go.
Get down to the babys eye level and snap pictures. if he is sitting on floor, get down on your hands and knees and snap. Don't stand six feet above him hand take pictures. Sometimes, If you have a long lens you can stay out of his view and take pictures of him doing things from another room. Carry the camera around so that you will have it when he is doing something like trying to stand up etc. Dig cameras are cheep compaired to Film so snap snap snap and down load on disk. Get rid of the ones that are not that great. Put him into new suroundings like on the lawn. Next to a tree and watch him LOOK UP. Make time because this is special stuff that you won't catch later.
Good luck

Answer 6

If you are on a tight budget, just go to the library and get books on photography. You need not pay an instructor in order to learn. I am a self taught photographer...It works.

Besides when you go to school, they will still make you read and then shoot....

Buying a book that deals with your interests makes good sense. Ask you wallet...

Answer 7

I think the best way is to go to the bookstore an pick a book that will teach you the basic principals and start shooting a lot! Practise makes perfect. Look into joining a site like trekearth.com You will learn from others and be able to have your work critiqued.

Answer 8

Try Trick Photography Special Effects - http://tinyurl.com/k3bcmFjY8P

Answer 9

The best way that I can answer is to ask the local photographer if he is enroll in any community education classes (or if he teaches) - I know that the local photographer in my area teaches classes through the Community Education and he only charges $50. I am his assistant and because I help him on his weddings, and other events - there are things that he is showing me along the way (FREE). Maybe check to see if your local photographer could use an assistant....

Answer 10

You should consider taking a class in photography. Check with your local high school or community college.

Just reading and studying your camera's Owner's Manual should help.