I want to Improve!

I would think photo classes could be useful. Also even though photographing is the most important thing to do, don't forget about the studying. Reading some books might really help you also, to get started.

It's hard to say since I don't know where you at from the technical point of view. Do you shoot usually with manual or rely on the camera to choose the settings? Starting with the basics of photography is always a good idea (if you don't know them). How different things affect the image. Learn to shoot full manual.

Then another thing is to read about the composition etc. There are still some basic rules that look good for viewer usually. I would suggest that first you would learn about these rules, learn to apply them and then you will also learn when to break them eventually. But naturally always shoot and shoot and apply what you've learned.

Then again, if you're shooting with point-and-shoot camera, upgrading to SLR would be good idea at some point. But first learn the basics so you can see if there's anything beneficial for your photography with (d)SLR.

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Nothing personal. I just say if I disagree and enjoy a nice debate.

It really depends. Read your manual, know your camera inside and out. Understand what settings do what by playing around.

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Yeah, I agree with you. I need to start with the basics and maybe take a class and practice a whole lot. Thanks for all the useful advice!

Definitely did that...except my camera is nothing special...just a regular ol' digital. I need a better camera!

Well if you have the money, and want to, you could always spring for a digital SLR. Or buy an old manual film camera and learn that way- either (or both) are a good idea for improving your knowledge.

I`ve started a few months ago just like you. I`ve had this 2mp full auto digital pocket. Shoot my friends and stuff for years, but couldn`t get any "nice" picture. When i entered DA i realized that pictures taken with my camera that looked nice to me, were.. crap.

Things to do:

Browse:
* Here in DA. Resources/Tutoriales/Photography/ All Time Popular.
Read em all. Maybe not the ones of post production in PC.
* Watch youtube, try to find photoshoots, see how the pro`s work. We are FAR from it, but may give you some key facts.
* Go to a photography store, ask for a starter amateur SLR (or say Reflex). Ask to hold it and focus. THe first time you use a manual focus... your life will change.
* Research and understand (more or less) what all the jargon means. Macro, IR, F stop, shutter Speed, rangefinder, etc...
* Photography has many many subjects and according to it, the camera, lenses and techniques you may need. Know what you want.
* Photography can be very expensive. Prepare to discover that the KIT lens is crap, that the NICE lenses cost one 0 more than you thought and shooting like a pro is not only ability, but gear (and knowing how to get the best from it!).


Have fun
Read the threads in this forum
Enjoy photography

photography is hobby for me too...
but i'm trying to improve as well,

so hope both of us become better photographers :]

see you around!

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"* Photography can be very expensive. Prepare to discover that the KIT lens is crap, that the NICE lenses cost one 0 more than you thought and shooting like a pro is not only ability, but gear (and knowing how to get the best from it!)." I had fun discovering that one.

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