Photography beginner - where to start
 

Hi All
I am very new to photography. I have a Cannon EOS1000D which was bought as a present. I have been on a course which gave me an insight into the many functions of the cameraand I have taken some quite nice pics but I'm not sure if this was more luck than judgement. What I am wanting now is something that will give me several projects to do which for instance would help me build my confidence with the basic of photography.
Does anyone have any suggetions or help

Hi Cazbar, welcome to the forums

I would suggest that the best thing you can do is shoot more and more. It's the best way to learn.

However, having a project or similar to aim for is also a good way of getting you to shoot and learn. Are there any particular types of photography you particularly like? If so, try starting with one of those.
If you particularly like wildlife photography (as an example) why not aim to get enough good wildlife photos together to have a photo book printed. Or try landscapes, portraiture or documentary photos.

I did this with a "British Nature" theme which included landscapes and wildlife and I was really pleased when the book arrived and I saw my photos in print and bound as a book.

Picking a theme doesn't have to mean any particular style of photo either. Common suggestions are a particular colour, or "shadows" etc.

Whatever you choose it will make you plan more, and think more about your shots both when you take them and afterwards.

beginner - where to start
 

Hi Chris
Thanks for the advice. I will certainly go out and try your suggestions, I may even post some photos to get some feedback.
Cazbar

It would be good to see some of your shots. Why not stick around the forums - you never know, you might even like it!

Why dont you try the new weekly forum competition .... you always get positive feedback

[QUOTE=browndog 2;7013]Why dont you try the new weekly forum competition .... you always get positive feedback[/QUOTE]

You will learn loads and make a lot of good contacts by taking part, please go and look at the poll and cast your vote :) you don't have to take part to vote, the more the merrier.

Here is the link [url]http://www.photoradar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1023[/url]

Bob

I'm doing this:
[url]http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/spi/foundation/[/url]
it gives you plenty to think about.

Try a camera club. The club that I belong to has project trips, most recently have been night shooting in Portsmouth learning about shutter speeds. In the summer we went to a Lavender farm to get the Provence style shots and few weeks ago had a studio/stills night set up with models lighting and props.
We have workshops and have learned about shutter speeds, rule of 3rds and have photoshop techniques very soon. Once members feel confident they can enter competitions which are judged with certificates, trophies etc for the winners. The feedback is very valuable to push you forward to better images. The people who run the clubs and the experienced members give their time and knowledge freely and membership costs about £30 per year with nominal sums to pay for models/premises hire. I found that I was pushed into trying new things rather than staying in my comfort zone. Photo Plus mag and Photo Radar is an absolute must though.

Hi CAZBAR,

Have you seen the Practical Photography, DLSR Skills course, which was done over a period of 6mths earlier this year, I found it really usefull. It combined a little theory with alot of practical assignments to do.
You can now get the full course, inc DVD for £9.99 from you local news agent/supermarket or from the Photo answers web site [url]http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/store/displayitem.asp?sid=4548&id=33011[/url].

As a beginner I feel this will help you enormously to improve you technic and shots.

Regards
Harry

One thing I would recommend, if you want a to read a bit, are the books by Scott Kelby. His three volume set are great. Each book is not that thick and an easy read. He does not write with a bunch of technical jargon, he writes as if you were there with him and asked how to do something. He tells you how to do something, not all the meaning and reasons behind it.