Wanting to get into photography

[LosingGrip]

As per the title. I want a hobby that gets me out of the house a bit more out in the fresh air.

I love looking at photographs and want to give it ago.

I'm thinking of either landscapes (live in a rural area) or wildlife. More towards landscapes though.

I realise that everyone has their preferences with different makes of cameras etc.

But can someone recommend some to have a look at to see if ill enjoy it? Ideally around £300 - £500. More than happy with secondhand (would prefer it).

Thanks .

[Still Mulling]

If you have a smartphone, start there: it's free. The foundation of photography is in the framing and composition.

Else, for a starter, a second hand Canon EOS (or Nikon equivalent) is a good entry point for learning DSLR controls while leaving you with kit that is scalable with lenses etc.

Also consider how much of an emphasis you'd like to put on post-processing. That can be as steep a learning curve, IME.

But mainly, take lots of pictures and see if you enjoy it!

[geeks]

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/used-dslrs/?Price=%3... - I have bought alot from these guys over the years and they have always had outstanding customer service even for the used stuff. I would personally ping them a mail and see what they suggest, I have an EOS 6D that I bought for Astrophotography and also some landscape stuff but I am far from a pro but its certainly all the camera I need and more, I have a couple of lenses for it (a nifty fifty and a 14-24mm as well) also bought from WEX.

[tog]

LosingGrip said:

I'm thinking of either landscapes (live in a rural area) or wildlife. More towards landscapes though.

If you want to get out and enjoy the scenery and fresh air then landscape photography would definitely help you do that. Light is the most important element that makes or breaks landscape photography (more so than what camera you use) so get used to getting up early. It also doesn't have to be sunny, stormy skies and winter light is often more interesting.

If you want a camera beyond a phone (which is a great starting point so don't dismiss it out of hand), then I always recommend going to a camera shop or club where you can try different models and find one that works for you. If you find a camera fiddly or awkward to physically operate then it will aways be a chore. There are no bad cameras - find one that you enjoy using and which fits your hand and eye and then just go and shoot lots of pictures. Enjoy!

[Derek Smith]

As your type of photography is still undecided, although, of course, you don't have to specialise, I'll endorse Still Mulling: if you have a smartphone, use that and see where it takes you. I started out with one type of subject, but have moved on to wildflowers, fungi and lichen. I still take the occasional landscape. It gets me out walking. My favourite field for spring orchids and such is an hour's stroll through woodland. I could manage it in 40 minutes, but my attention is drawn to insects and such. Find what interests you with your mobile, and then put the question on the thread again.

Photography isn't about kit so much as what subjects float your boat.

I've met photographers on my walks who have all sorts of different camera makes, a bewildering range types of lenses, and accessories I didn't know existed, or why for some. Don't believe any of them who tell you, 'You must have this.' You don't. Received wisdom is that the best camera is the one you have with you. In other words, you don't need flash gear. Listen to photographers you meet and they'll try to convince you the best camera is the one they have. Nod, but don't believe. Most cameras today do almost everything everyone wants.

That said, I went to my local camera shop today to view their sh lenses and instead bought a macro ring flash. It was a fabulous morning. Buying kit is wonderfully satisfying.

[Simpo Two]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...