photography books ?

Question

i want to learn photography and i want to know how to start off because i cant take classes right now & i want any suggestions or books or something that can help me learn and help me please and what i need for right now please

Answer 1

As someone suggested, go to the library and take out a bunch of photography books.

This was how I started out. I must have gone through dozens of books. Books can be a matter of personal preference, so sometimes it's difficult to recommend something specific.

What you need to learn is the following...
- Composition
- Shutter Speed
- Aperture
- Lighting

These are the basic things in Photography. Sounds simple, but there is a LOT to learn in those few things. Namely how they all relate to each other.

Luckily today with Digital Photography you get to experiment a lot AND get instant feedback. Trial and Error is a great way to learn. I generally recommend that you focus on a topic that appeals to you most. Some love to shoot flowers, some love to take photos of their kids or pets, some like landscape, etc etc. Concentrate on an subject that appeals to you, that will keep your interest. Photography can get very specific. By concentrating on a specific area, you can focus your attention better.

I started a Yahoo Group for this very thing. It's really good to take some photos, post them, and then get constructive comments. A combination of reading and doing is how you'll learn best.

My Yahoo Group...
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DigitalPhoto101/

Answer 2

I was asking the same thing and I came across this website shown below. It has tons of free photography e-books and teaching videos you may find interesting and helpfull.

http://freesoftwareenjoy.webs.com/

Good luck

Answer 3

I think I am the person who recommended researching dragging the shutter last week to a novice wedding photographer :-D I think it does more good if the person actually does the reading about the subject themselves rather than depending only what one will be able to get in a few paragraphs here on Y!A. It does seem to be a common thing for beginners here to expect to learn everything by asking a few questions rather than putting in years of study and practice. I have read the books I recommend, and have many of them in my library. I learn by reading, study, and then doing. That plan might not work for everyone. Bryan Peterson is a favorite of mine, although I agree "Understanding Exposure" is more about the whole of photography, which is why I often recommend it to beginners. It is well written and easy to grasp for newcomers to the hobby., even if it is a little short on, well... exposure. But the most important overlooked reference is the camera manual. *EDIT* @ Jeannie I also recommend the Kodak 35mm SLR Handbook sometimes. It is the first book I had in my photo library in the 70's. I did not realize they had a digital version as well. Kodak also has a multi-volume photography series that is worth picking up. I found mine at a flea market several years ago. Another good series is the Time-Life Photography set.

Answer 4

go to www.pwsbooks.com The books are about $20 each you read a chapter do an assignment and post your top 3 online. I have a degree in photography but due to a car wreck I couldn't photograph at all last year and not much this year so I have been reading the books just to keep me sane. They seem to be really good. I teach kids on the side through 4-H, so it also helps me help them with photography.

Answer 5

Although "dated" by virtue of having been written before the digital age, "Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Edition" by George M. Craven is still an excellent learning tool. The techniques of exposure and composition apply equally to film cameras and digital cameras. There are also innumerable "How To" books about photography. There are approximately 130,000,000 listings on the web under "photography how to books" .

If shopping for a camera is something you need to do, IMO you should do so at a professional camera store - not a store that sells 10,001 other things and cameras. Salespeople in camera stores are trained and knowledgeable about every camera they sell. He/she will explain the features and benefits of each camera in your price range. You can hold each camera and see which one "feels right" in your hands. Now BUY the camera from that salesperson*. You will now have a friend in the camera business - someone who can help solve problems and answer questions and offer intelligent advice. Some stores offer an hour or so of instruction with your purchase.

*Most speciality retail store salespeople are on commission. It is totally wrong for you (or anyone) to take up their time and then "stiff" them by buying elsewhere. Let your conscience be your guide and put yourself in their shoes.

Answer 6

Start out by going to the library and borrowing some photography books. I assume you have a camera?