Photography Guide?

[Ruin]

As is obvious to anyone who's been here more than a month, I love to write guides. Why? Because I like running my mouth and I'm going to be a teacher (oh snap, first time I've said that here. ).

Anyway, I've got an idea...

I'd like to start a GR.net user created guide to Photography. Everything from the basics - picking a camera, through the advanced stuff - complex lighting etc. As far as we wanted to take it. Naturally I'd start with probably "picking a camera" and "functions of a camera and what they do." I wouldn't mind doing one on composition too. Fortunately, we have some VERY talented photographers in these forums. I'd love to see some others contribute some tips and tricks for everyone to use. Because even those with years of experience behind a camera will tell you... you never stop learning.

Just wanted to see what others thought. Like I said, I'd be willing to get the ball rolling.

[Guest]

sounds good to me!

[Dai-San]

Great idea

[CrowmanUK]

Thats not a bad idea mate, I know papa6 is a keen snapper and I've got an underused fuji that I use mainly for family shots but i'd love to expand, even do a monthly shot for a particular scene to see how we all handle it eh?

[Dai-San]

Thats not a bad idea mate, I know papa6 is a keen snapper and I've got an underused fuji that I use mainly for family shots but i'd love to expand, even do a monthly shot for a particular scene to see how we all handle it eh?

Good idea, I'm about to buy the Fuji Finepix S8100fd and would love some hints and tips. I love my old Finepix 9600 but only use a fraction of it's features.

The monthly subject is a great idea and it would be amazing to see all the different approaches to the same shot. Different styles, impressions etc.

[Ruin]

Thanks guys, looks like I need to start outlining.

Crowman, I've had the idea for a "monthly shot" for a while now. I'm thinking of going weekly. The reason: practice makes perfect. The more you're forced to go out and shoot a specific thing, the more likely you are to actually improve. Or maybe do it bi-weekly. I'm undecided. Need to talk to the bossman about that one though, maybe to get some front-page coverage also. I believe in the idea so much, in August (on my b-day) I'm starting my own SPAD project (Self Portrait A Day) with a twist. I'll get to thinking about that to.

So, any requests for areas we want covered? I think model specific guides would be great - an owner of one model who's fairly proficient in its use can write up a small guide on its features, strengths, weaknesses etc. If we come up with a list of topics to cover, I can post them and people can volunteer to write them. Thoughts?

[Guest]

One thing to keep in mind is that many photographers, seasoned pros and amateur alike, tend to become gear-freaks and some even lose focus altogether that they're making art.

I personally think that any type of gear guide or detailed gear-talk would completely derail any attempt at a focused group of shooters. I've seen it happen time and time again, which sucks because I think that a camera is just a tool to be used to bring about what your eyes see and your brain develops. If any kind of gear guide is introduced, I would like to see a "cheap DYI photo gear" thing rather than see conversations on which camera is better. There are a million websites for that. I'm not trying to ###### in anyone's cherios or anything, just saying that's my experience. I think areas covering technique like understanding exposure or "how to shoot sports" would be great. Maybe a area for just questions/answers too. Just some thoughts.

As for the other stuff, I think a bi-weekly thing involving a peer review on the deadline is an excellent idea, so long as everything is constructive. I've seen these types of things where they start off easy, say "take a picture of your favorite are in your town" then get more difficult like "take a photo describing this word...." It's an excellent way to boost creativity.

[Tinker]

Cool idea Ruin, count me in.

[Ruin]

Durka, I see your point. What I was going for was more guides on gear being: Here's my camera, here's what it does, here are some cool tricks for it, here's what this feature means, I like this, I don't like this, I like this accessory with it because, I've noticed my camera does this - here's how to fix it.

Not really arguments over which brand is better, but just specific bits of help on individual camera models. For example "My Nikon D80 is awesome. It has these features: A, B, C, ... X, Y, Z. Feature X is great for sports, Features Y is designed for Night Scenes but I find it works great for backlighting." That's more what I'm aiming for.

I definitely understand your point though, hopefully this helps clarify.

C&C sets would be great. I definitely think that the objectives for each week/bi-week should be something we can all achieve but still gauge "Take a picture of a unique blue object." Rather than "Take a pic of a kid." Or, instead of "Take a pic of a kid" say "Capture innocence." Then you can shoot babies, or kittens, doesn't really matter, we can interpret it however.

Keep it coming guys, I like the feedback.

[CrowmanUK]

A write up on framing a picture would be nice, put up a photo and say why it works, I read a pile of stuff about the rules of lines/thirds/curves years and years back and there was a picture of a lurcher running at full pelt with some fences and it was supposedly the perfect picture with the lines of the fences drawing you in, the curves of the dog and the rule of thirds all being perfect.

I'm using a Fuji E550 Dai-San, points and clicks great but will do lots more if I mess about with it, and read the manual again

[dporter]

Hopefully there will be a "picture taking for dummies" section. I get lost in all the camera jargon such as iso or shutter speed, or how to set up my camera for different types of shots.

I mainly just pick up my camera and click so I definitly need some lessons. Probably help if I read my camera's manual for once.

[Tinker]

Probably help if I read my camera's manual for once.

I only started reading my manual last night, now it seems that I also have a sound recorder plus video camera too.

[Ruin]

I don't think I've ever read a manual, haha, might be a good idea, especially with the D80.

Crowman, you mean framing the actual shot, not the photo itself in a piece of wood right? I think I'll cover the basics of that in Composition.

Alright guys and gals... thoughts?

Ideas:

• 01) Selecting and Buying a Camera
  
• 02) Photography 101: Terms, Definitions, Basic Principles - What Is a Camera and How Does It Work?
  
• 03) Intro to Composition
  
• 04) Intro to Lighting, Metering, Bracketing, Shadows, Exposure
  
• 05) Advanced Lighting: Studio and Indoor Lighting
  
• 06) Intro to Portraiture: Indoors
  
• 07) Advanced Portraiture: Outdoors
  
• 08) Shooting Landscapes and Nature
  
• 09) Shooting Architecture, Buildings, Cityscapes and the Urban Environment
  
• 10) Guidelines and Courtesies of Being a Street Photographer (not legal advice, just helpful hints)
  
• 11) Shooting Cars and Things with Reflections
  
• 12) Improvised Shooting Tools, Equipments and Gadgets - Help Save a Buck
  
• 13) Intro to Digital Editing: Color Balance, Brightness, Contrast, Going Grey
  
• 14) Advanced Digital Editing: Working with RAW, Your Camera's Software and Adobe Software
  
• 15) Making a Portfolio
  
• 16) Intro to Night Photography: Places, Things, Objects - Stuff That Doesn't Move
  
• 17) Advanced Night Photography: People, Animals, Cars - Stuff That Does Move
  

Thoughts:

First: These are guides I'd like to see written, some I can write, some I can't. Others will need to step in in some places. Naturally, this will take some time, I'll do my best.

These are in no particular order or preference, just how they first came to mind.

1) This guide would be very easy. Basically the help we gave Tinker a while ago. What's you're budget? What do you want? What do you shoot? etc. This would primarily be a guide on terms used, functions included, what they mean and what they do to help people sort through the techie language. This is geared more towards the entry-level user, not pro-amateur, as they should already understand the terms before buying a $1000+ camera.

2) What is F.Stop? How's it work? How is shutter-speed measured? What do I want to use when? How slow can I go hand-held? What's this button do? Your basic newbie questions asked and answered.

3) This is the more artistic end of thing. Not a "set in stone" guide, but more useful tips, suggestions and standard practices. This is the building block and foundation for newbie photographers - what makes a good picture? What are you trying to capture? How to do it.

4) Pretty self explanatory. What effects do my newly learned terms have on my images? Okay, so slowing my shutter-speed lets in more light, so what? What's that look like? Meter for the shadows? What? Bracketing? Huh? One step above what you meter? I'm lost. Easy enough I think.

5) Working outdoors tends to be easier than indoors in my opinion. Sunlight is bright, constant and everywhere. Studio Lighting and Indoor lighting is much more difficult. How should I work my flash? When should I use it? What about angled lighting? How about my shadows here?

6) This takes #5 and adds people. Advice for getting cooperative subjects and good candids. How to get honest, modest lighting on your son taking his first steps, etc.

7) Like #6, duh, but now with dynamic lighting. Watch out for shade, clouds, rain, etc. Using the sun to your advantage (without blinding your model), don't cast your own shadow. Simply, working outdoors with others - play nice.

8) Self explanatory. Some people have techniques on the technical end for shooting both. I was looking at making this more a matter of composition here. Shooting trees, plants and landscapes is a different beast. Basically getting more advanced comp. here. Also considering touching on macro-photography, maybe just calling it closeups and leaving macro for a whole other guide once I get a macro lens.

9) Exactly like #8, but for man made structures. The lines are different and do different things to you photos.

10) Some helpful hints and advice for professional courtesy. Basically, how not to be an ass and make photographers look bad. I'd like this to be a compilation of tips from forum photographers, maybe some stories about being chased by an enraged Red Hat Society lady because you took her pic holding that rediculous tie-dyed wrap that she just "loooved" and the shock of colors to the senses was too much to not take a pic of. Humph, we all have our experiences. Very important, this guide will NOT cover your ass legally.

11) I run in to serious problems trying to photograph my Vette. I try to get the red color, but get sky because it's so shiny. It poses a legitimate technical problem. This guide would be about combating reflections and shooting through them, or using them to your advantage.

12) DIY Photography - Gear on the cheap. Check out my $15 Studio light = Construction Lamps, White Cardboard and a mirror. Sweet. Oh yeah? Check out my PVC tripod. Advice to help your fellow photographers save a penny or 12000. Similar in style to #10.

13) This is the easy stuff. Not so much a tutorial on how to do it in PS, because just like my modding tutorials, I assume you have a basic knowledge of the program you're working with. This will be tips on key things to focus on in photos. Skin-tones, un-washing photos etc. Very basic, easy stuff, simple edits.

14) I'll be 100% honest, I've never done it. I can learn it, or someone else can do it. I don't mind either one. But, I know my D80 shoots in RAW and comes with RAW software for more advanced Digital Editing. A how-to guide on this.

15) Self Explanatory. Selecting your best, organization etc. Probably pretty short, but will include helpful links to printers (US and UK) etc.

16) My favorite subject. Self explanatory. Just like Nature and Architecture - looking at some more advanced comp but also advanced tech work too.

17) Like #16, but working with your subject, controlling your camera better and reducing nasty blur etc.

[Dai-San]

Some basic guides for beginners would be great.

Example:

I have taken some great shot's (to my and my families untrained eyes. You guy's would probably pull em to pieces ) using the standard Auto and Program settings on my Fuji. But, the manual is a bit vague.

It explains about using the A (Aperture) mode to get the main subject in focus but a soft blurred background but doesn't explain HOW to do it. I can change the slider from one end to the other but still don't get a blurred background and focused subject, just a bad shot

That sort of basic guide would be gold dust to people like me.

[Guest]

Very comprehensive liste ya got there! Sounds like you're up to a good start. One thing I would suggest is a list of "Common Mistakes" people make

And if you're not working with RAW images, you truly are missing out. I can write up on that if you need me to.

If you need to use my website to host something, just let me know.

Edited April 10, 2008 by durka-durka

[Ruin]

Dai-San,

That's part of the reason I was thinking of a Model Specific guide too. However, MASP would be covered in guide #2. I'm going to think about this, but I might have a guide #2B, that covers camera functions. Actually, I might make it a part of #4. Let me think about the best way to handle this.

Durka,

If you know RAW and can write a nice comprehensive guide on it, go for it. I shoot in JPG for size and because I don't know enough about RAW to shoot in it.

I'm going to talk to Rocky about this once I have more of my ducks in a row, so I appreciate the hosting offer, but hopefully we can keep everything here at GR.net.

[Papa6]

I agree with Durka. Everything should be brand name neutral. but the basics are ALL the same.

an idea;

Shooting a picture with sharpness will bring out clarity in your shots! adjustments to your camera through your hardwares menus can be done to improve over all image clarity.

Nkion users: navigate to menu such and such to adjust your clarity.

Canon users: navigate to menu such and such

Pentax users.....

so on....

we also must understand that camera makers also add proprietary features to their cameras. like my old kodak easyshare. it had a color enhancement chip in it. some might even have a feature that others don't have so if we can openly cater to these things, we can remain neutral on brands

Edited April 10, 2008 by Papa6

[Ruin]

Papa, I see your point, but trying to cater to all brands I think would entail a lot of work. That would require that for every piece of every guide, we have someone with a corresponding brand P&S and probably DSLR (I know both my Nikons are two completely different beasts).

I'm not at all suggesting we, as a whole, recommend or prefer one brand over another. What I mean is: "Ruin says 'I own a Nikon D80, I'm going to write up a friendly user's guide on it.' Papa6 says, "I have a Canon Digital Rebel I want to write a friendly user's guide on.' Tinker says "I have a Polaroid X333 that I'm going to write up some tips and tricks on.'" It would basically be a section of guides on specific cameras written by member owners with some useful info for people looking to buy or whatever. It would be a "submit at your own free will" section.

All cameras essentially function the same, they just have different ways of getting there. Writing a broad guide will help people get started. "Here's what F.Stop is and what it does. Here's what changing it looks like in photos. In most cameras you do X to change it. Consult your manual for model specific details on what to do."

Papa, it's because of your last statement I even considered a Model Specific Guide at all. My Nikon P&S has "Face Priority" for shooting that some cameras, don't. However, it can be kinda complicated to work, that would be covered in "Ruin's Guide to Nikon Coolpix P3"

I hope this makes sense. Sorry guys, I feel like I'm having a hard time articulating what I'm thinking for this specific bit.

[Papa6]

i don't mean cater in the term of being explicit to any brand.

all DSLR's have the same general features. manual, Av, Tv and more.

but some have proprietary features.

added: but if we have some who can add in tips for unknown features, that would help us all out.

Edited April 10, 2008 by Papa6

[Guest]

My experience has always been that, if you know the basics of exposure, TV, AV, Manual, etc, you will never go back to the easy button, but that takes months, if not years to grasp.

Either way, you're on to something. Just remember the things you learned in the Army and you'll do fine. The K.I.S.S. rule is my life:)

*KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid!

[Dai-San]

All cameras essentially function the same, they just have different ways of getting there. Writing a broad guide will help people get started. "Here's what F.Stop is and what it does. Here's what changing it looks like in photos. In most cameras you do X to change it. Consult your manual for model specific details on what to do."

I hope this makes sense. Sorry guys, I feel like I'm having a hard time articulating what I'm thinking for this specific bit.

Your articulating fine to me dude.

That's what I (as a novice) am talking about. Basic descriptions of different photographic functions in terms I can understand (preferably with photo's)

Now of course, if someone wanted to do a model specific guide then hell, go for you life, but start of with the basics first please

[Ruin]

Alright guys *puts drink down*. Let's work from the list I've got then? Anyone else want to make any special requests? Claim one for themselves? Except night photography, that's mine, haha. Think of something that's missing?

As soon as you guys are ready, I'll get started. The first guide should take maybe an hour to write up, no big deal at all. I'll probably set that up as 1/3 guide, and 2/3 FAQ.

Additional Thoughts?

[CrowmanUK]

One last request, cataloguing software, there are lots of programs out there that claim to do it, maybe a pro's and con's for each one to sort out an eventual winner, at the moment i'm using a mix of ACDSEE and photoshop elements, maybe a quick write up on how to sort your catalogues from somebody who takes a lot of pics rather than lumping in them in vague sounding folders like I do.

[Ruin]

So some kind of photo organization software? Maybe a round up of various ones?

[CrowmanUK]

That sounds about right mate.