Beginner with 600D

[armywife]

Hello all,

I just got my 600D and the camera guy at the store suggested I subscribe to this mag. Haven't decided if I want the digital or hard copy issues yet. So since I'm new can someone suggest a back issue that would be good for a beginner to jump start my amateur career ?

Also what photo editing software is best?

I'm a hair stylist and I'd like to be able to take good photos of my clients hair. I work at home in my basement, so the lighting isn't the best, but I do have a window that lets in natural light, but I can't depend on window light when I need to take a head shot in the evening hours.

[Frank-Kautz]

Hi Armywife,

Any issue will get you started. PhotoPlus will give you technique and ideas. I originally decided on a hard copy, but now I want digital. The main reason is that I want to be able to take all of the back issues into the field with me so that I can have it with me when I want to reference something. (My only problem is that I have a Kindle and they only offer iPod. Sigh.) To jump start you with your camera, you may want to look for the Dummies book for the 600D or one of the other books that is specific to your camera.

Photoshop is usually considered the best, however it is also the most expensive and has a high learning curve. Elements is another good one and is often used by the folks at PhotoPlus for demonstrations.

In some respects, you have a chance to set up a pretty simple studio. One or two small lights and a wireless transmitter and you are good to go. Your clients will always be in the same place (presumably your chair), so you can keep the settings the same. However, don't lock yourself into one type of photography. You will find that there are all sorts of other ways that you will enjoy your camera.

Good luck,

Frank

[armywife]

Frank,

Thanks for your reply. I will look into getting Elements and then advance to PS if needed. I do plan to take other types of photos and I'm enrolling in a photography class next month. PP had back issues for 99 cents in the Apple newsstand, so I download them all. This morning there was a red tail hawk outside my office window and I just happend to have my camera today (with the 55-250 lens) and got some shots, but I missed a lot because of fumbling with the buttons.

What will the wireless transmitter allow me to do?

[Frank-Kautz]

Hello Armywife,

The wireless transmitter will let you hook up your lights in one place, and leave them sit. No wires to trip on as you move about your room. Then you just flip on the lights, transmitters, and camera, and you are ready to shoot. No need to move them around or otherwise change anything.

Here is a great example:

http://www.pocketwizard.com/inspirat...ction_mini_tt/

By the way, I use pocketwizards, but that is because they were the first ones I purchased. There are a lot of different and cheaper wireless remotes.

Good luck,

Frank

[Lightrecorder]

I know this is abit old but just in case anyone comes across it the 600D has a wireless transmitter built in. Just pop up the internal flash and go to the menus for the flash and set wireless. Then any Canon or compatible wireless flash will be triggered. I have an old 550EX and it works perfectly.