Turning snaps into photos

[ofcorsa]

Im really interesting im photography, Me and my gf probably take 100s of photos but most are what i would call snaps, How do i go about starting to understand how to compose some beautiful images i see on here?


I dont want to invest in DSLR yet as im not sure i could use one to its fullest, Currently own a fuji S5700.

[EmmaP]

Sign up for an evening class at night school.

Michael Langford's 'Basic Photography' is one of the best books ever written on the fundamentals of technique and imaging.

[Timmy2TARs]

For me I had a Eureka! moment on a basic level module of a City & Guilds photography course. I had always known what I liked but not how to achieve it in terms of technique or equipment - shallow depth of field, for example. I dare say had I had the inclination and persistence to read up on the subject it would have sunk in, but the course worked better for me. I only did that one module as it gave me what I needed.

The other way (and I know a lot of people don't like it) is to find the local club and go there for a few sessions - turn up on a competition night, smile at how seriously it's all taken, but find the person who took an image you like and ask them how they did it.

Set yourself assignments to learn things such as the effect of aperture size and focal distance on depth of field, or the effect of varying shutter speeds. It's during these that you'll find the limits of your hardware and whether or not it produces the results you are after. Once you know the basics it's amazing how quickly it all fits into place.

The one thing I still have problems with is *seeing* the photo. I like landscapes and find the best thing for this is to go out with a photographer whose work you like and ask to look through their viewfinder as they work. It's sometimes a revelation.

To continue the learning I would stress the assignment setting. I worked towards and got my LRPS in 2006, but since then I haven't put the effort in to take as many pictures as I should. Resting on your laurels is not advisable as I find now some of the pictures I take suffer from schoolboy errors.

[ofcorsa]

I think i should get involved with the competitions on here as a start and maybe pick up some recommended books,

I live in Lincoln so il look around here for classes,

[Simpo Two]

I'd say that seeing the photo is the first thing. Then you work backwards to capture it.

[ofcorsa]

Right well i think im going to take the plunge and get a DLSR

Ive narrowed down to K100D and the EOS400D, The canon can be bought now for £394 with a 45quid rebate, Is this good value?

[Greendubber]

ofcorsa said:

Right well i think im going to take the plunge and get a DLSR

Ive narrowed down to K100D and the EOS400D, The canon can be bought now for £394 with a 45quid rebate, Is this good value?

Is that body only or with the kit lense?. Give it a few weeks as the 450D is coming out so the 400D may drop in price a bit more.

[EmmaP]

ofcorsa said:

Right well i think im going to take the plunge and get a DLSR

Ive narrowed down to K100D and the EOS400D, The canon can be bought now for £394 with a 45quid rebate, Is this good value?

Calumet have the 400D body for £345.99 with £45 cashback from Canon. They advertise 450D body at £599.99, or £679.99 with 18-55mm IS lens

[Captain Volvo]

Check www.7dayshop.co.uk for the new 450d - seems to be good value (I'm currently looking for my first DSLR)

[ofcorsa]

I think the 450D is a little out of my budget, when i factor in buying lenses