Photography Basics - Any assistance greatly appreciated!

[Robw73]

Hi all,
I am new to Pistonheads after being directed in this direction by my brother-in-law.

After a ten year 'break' from photography I am trying to get back into the swing of things!
Alot happens in 10 years! There are now digital cameras.......and Photoshop! All new to me!

I like to think I have a good eye for a natural photo opportunity, and having equipped myself with a Canon 650D (a 40th birthday treat to myself!)I am ready to get out snapping again!

I have been car mad since I was 3 or 4, so it is cars of all shapes, sizes and ages that I concentrate on.

I've been browsing the forum over the last few evening, then stumbled on this photography section.
There are some truely stunning photographs on here, to a level that I can only hope to reach one day.

Seeing as things have changed soooooooooooooo much since i last seriously took pics, I'm looking for any help and advice when it comes to creating a better picture. Is Photoshop an essential these days? Where's best to get a copy & learn how to use it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Rob

[flat-planedCrank]

Robw73 said:

Hi all,
I am new to Pistonheads after being directed in this direction by my brother-in-law.

After a ten year 'break' from photography I am trying to get back into the swing of things!
Alot happens in 10 years! There are now digital cameras.......and Photoshop! All new to me!

I like to think I have a good eye for a natural photo opportunity, and having equipped myself with a Canon 650D (a 40th birthday treat to myself!)I am ready to get out snapping again!

I have been car mad since I was 3 or 4, so it is cars of all shapes, sizes and ages that I concentrate on.

I've been browsing the forum over the last few evening, then stumbled on this photography section.
There are some truely stunning photographs on here, to a level that I can only hope to reach one day.

Seeing as things have changed soooooooooooooo much since i last seriously took pics, I'm looking for any help and advice when it comes to creating a better picture. Is Photoshop an essential these days? Where's best to get a copy & learn how to use it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Rob

Welcome


Is photoshop essential? Well, it replaces the 'old' work of a dark room but makes it MUCH more accessible.

Many people use a couple of packages: one as a 'RAW processor' & Photo manager (for broad, general editing, cropping, contrast, etc.) such as Adobe Lightroom, and another as a fine detail editor, such as Photoshop.

In terms of learning, there are LOADS of tutorials online - both text and video based. I'd say a good place to start is hours of free tutorials on http://tv.adobe.com/


As for where to buy it - Amazon is as good place as any. I'd go for Photoshop Elements, it's currently £42.99 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adobe-Photoshop-Elements-1...

If you are looking at Lightroom too, that is normally around £99 but apparently you cen get it as a download from PCWorld for £65 currently - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...



Lots of talented, knowledgeable folk in this forum so feel free to ask any questions