Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 150
Practice, practice, practice
4/19/2017 at 2:43 PM
I have been pursuing photography as a hobby for close to 30 years now. My first really good camera was a Nikon FM. It was completely manual. I had to set the shutter speed and depth of field using a basic light meter. I learned so much that now, even when I do use program on my semi-pro DSLR, I find myself dissatisfied with the results and switching back to manual or aperture priority.
The best thing you can do when you start is invest in a mid range DSLR (don't go with the cheapest and you definitely don't need the most expensive) and pick up either the kit lens or just get a simple 50mm lens.
Then, either follow a book, take a course at ACC, or do some on-line courses and practice. Learn how to freeze action with a fast shutter speed, or how to blur a waterfall or running stream with a slow shutter speed. Then work on depth of field. Note how a wide open aperture (e.g. F1.8 or F3.5) results in a shallow depth of field with only the main subject in focus and the background and foreground blurred. See how a small aperture like F16 gives you a much larger range of focus.
Figure out how your meter works and how ISO changes the apertures and shutter speeds you can use. Learn the limits of your camera by seeing how the ISO can affect image quality.
Ultimately, any camera is a box for capturing light. You have to learn to think about the light, as much as the image.
Learn to frame your subject. Recognize that a great photo doesn't always have the person in the middle. Learn the rule of thirds.
Learn when to use a tripod and when you can get away without it.
I suggest getting a midrange camera only because as your skills grow, you will quickly realize that there are limits imposed by the camera and, in today's world, when you buy a camera you are also buying a sensor with its own limits. In the old days, you could always buy better film. Now you have to buy a whole new camera. Therefore, buy a mid range DSLR which will last you a few years and which you can grow with. Once you feel you have the hang of it, spend more money on lenses. Lenses will last you forever if you take care of them and they are always a better investment than the camera.
As you learn, you will also realize that you need different lenses for different types of photography. For sports you want a long lens, with a fast aperture. For portraits you want a 80 or 100mm lens. For landscapes you want a 24 or 35mm lens.
Also, when you buy your camera, you have to realize that the physical size of the sensor makes a difference. Full frame refers to a sensor which is the same dimensions of a 35mm film frame. Most mid range and lower cameras use an APC sized sensor, meaning the actual size is smaller. Don't confuse sensor size with megapixels. They are two different things. But sensor size can affect which lenses you can use. Also, more megapixels doesn't necessarily mean a better image. There are trade offs.
This is a hobby which is expensive, technical, but extremely rewarding. There is much to learn but the best thing you can do is practice, read, and learn from others. The beauty of digital is that its instant and you can take unlimited pictures. Film cost money to buy and process and couldn't be re-used, but it forced you to think about every single shot to make the most of it.
After years of practice and learning photography, some day you may even be good enough to make money at it. But don't think that just buying a good camera will make you a good photographer.
Good luck and enjoy.