NewbiePhoto - A newbie's guide to photography

Hello,

I'm Webitect. I would like to dedicate this lens to all the newbie photographers who are serious about their photography. I'm hoping that my experiences, both good and bad will help someone, somewhere.
I got into photography recently after coming to terms with glaucoma. It is my hopes to capture as many "moments" as I can and share them with as many people as I can.
I am, by no means, an expert but I like to learn as I go and share what I've learned.

Thanks for the support, I hope I've been helpful.

First off, you will need a DSLR. This is a camera that will allow you to change the lens to suit your style of photography. I recommend an entry level one that is over 10 megapixels so you can print up to A4 sizes.

Next is the brand. I chose Canon because they offer the most lenses. Although Sony/Minolta/Konica should be close. I almost chose Sony (because the image stabilization is built into the camera and not the lens like the other manufacturers), however, when looking at pictures with pro photographers at events, you see all those long white colored lenses attached to camera's? Those are all Canon. So I figure so many pro's can't be wrong. You will also notice that these camera's range in megapixel count, sensor size, etc etc. The "bigger the better" is usually the rule of thumb here although that means the price tag gets bigger also. Get the biggest your budget can handle.

Now then, you've chosen your brand, your camera, now it's the "kit lens". Which is the lens that comes with the camera (called "body"). There may be different options available, if not, you have no choice. Kit lenses are usually not the best but they will work and produce great pictures. If you do get a choice, as a beginner, get one which as a big range between the numbers. For example, the kit lens for my Canon 400D was either the 18-55mm (non is) or the 17-85mm IS USM. I chose the latter because the lens had image stabilization and the 85 meant that I can zoom in closer. This kit also costs more but considerably less than having to buy it separately.

Now you got your setup ready to go, feel confident that this beginning setup will get you great shots. I said beginning setup because many people, myself included, wanted to get more, better equipment to get more and better photos. This is something that you will come across in your usage of your camera.

That said, the most important piece of advice that I can give you is to use your kit lens extensively until you figure out what you like to shoot. For example, if you like shooting animals, say at the zoo, 85mm is not sufficient or if you like to take pictures that encompass more of the scene then 18mm may not be wide enough. Before you you go and spend more on lens, make sure you know exactly what you plan to use the lens for and pick the best lens because there are a lot of options and at various price points.
The second most important advice is, if you plan on selling your lens, sell it before the warranty expires because usually the resale value is higher.

Now time to go take some photos ! This lens will have some technical stuff to take better pictures. Check my "Other Lenses" section for info on other photography topics.

Thanks for visiting ! Shoot more and shoot often!