Some advice please..

[Heavysoul]

I am looking into starting to get into photography as a hobby (to start with anyway)

Just need some basic advice on where to start etc. My local college does an evening course which I thought would be a good place to start as I don't have the time to do a full time course. Would this be the best place for beginners?

The other way would be to teach myself, so if there are any book/courses which come recommended I would be greatful for some ideas.

I would like to concentrate on landscapes and portrait in the future (with the odd motoring subject included obviously).

I currently have a Canon Powershot A75 and Pentax MZ30 SLR but imagine I would need to purchase a decent Digital SLR at somepoint.

I have admired the skills on this forum for a while and hope I can reach a point where I can post some photos with pride!.

Cheers

[_dobbo_]

Basic Photography came quite highly recommended when I asked a similar question. I may be wrong but I believe it's A-Level reading for photography students.

I personally am just learning as I go, and whilst I did read through that book I would have to say I learn more here on PH! Fancy book learnin' is for other folk I guess!

[HeavySoul]

*bump*

[longers]

When I purchased my first 35mm SLR I quickly signed up for a City & Guilds evening course at the local college. The course was really really helpful (for me anyway) - it contained a mix of theory on exposure, composition etc and practical work. I was quickly taking reasonable photos and getting more confident with the camera.

I'm not sure what is in the C&G course now - I did it about 10 years ago (ie. pre digital) and it included B&W work in the dark room.

I'm like dobbo, I'd rather be shown something than have to read a book, particularly on an evening course after a tough day in the office!! However buying some of the monthly mags like Practical Photography will help and are an easy read.

Longers

[poah]

I would also recomend the Michael langford book and another book which is a must really is Scott Kelby photoshop CS2 for digital photographers

[HeavySoul]

I shall look into the City and Guilds, sounds interesting and would be nice to have some qualifications.

Amazon recommends Photography: A Cricical Introduction (Liz Wells)alongside M Langfords book. Anyone have any experience of this? Looks fairly hardcore for a beginnner!