Photography for Dummies

brianjo · 01-11-2011, 12:19 AM - **1 Like**

Newbie here, Is there a particular website where I can read and learn the terminology and possibly where I might could learn a little about digital photography so I can learn the questions I need to ask.
First camera besides a point and shoot and know absolutely nothing. Have the K-r 12 D-SLR and I am certainly lost.
Help !!!

Thank you all, Brianjo

sterretje · 01-11-2011, 12:37 AM

To be honest, I don't know about websites for the terminology. I also am not sure what you're battling with? The camera or photography in general.

For photography
Understanding-Exposure (luminous-landscape.com) or Camera Exposure: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed (cambridgeincolour.com) would be one of the first stops I think when it comes to understanding exposure

RioRico · 01-11-2011, 01:38 AM

Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun!

Alizarine · 01-11-2011, 03:13 AM

Well, DSLR's are only upgraded point-and-shoots - basically by principle of function they're the same.. They capture pictures

It's just that they have more features- the lens being interchangeable, primarily.

You can also try out this link, this is where I learned:
Learn: Digital Photography Review

Sometimes their explanations get a bit too technical though, so like RioRico above, you can also look for simpler guides through books at public libraries. Good luck and enjoy shooting with your K-r!

Last edited by Alizarine; 01-11-2011 at 03:18 AM. Reason: added link

kbrede · 01-11-2011, 05:57 AM

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a good book to start with. Enjoy yourself!

Ira · 01-11-2011, 06:05 AM

Hi, Brianjo!

1) For now, I suggest you shoot in P mode--fully automatic.

2) When you have a few decent images, post them to your gallery here, and then link them to a new post. (We'll explain how to do this if you don't know.) Post one or two bad ones too.

3) From there, we'll look at the EXIF data for each image, which will tell us what ISO, shutter speed and aperture the camera used (among other things) for each image.

4) This will give you a head start on learning about proper exposure, as well as your camera settings.

You're going to find that understanding exposure isn't all that complicated, but since your camera gives you so many ways to get to the same place, it IS complicated. You're best starting in this P mode, and letting the camera decide everything.

After that, you'll try Av mode (Aperture Priority), which is where you decide the aperture of the lens (how much light the lens lets in), and the camera automatically selects the proper shutter speed and ISO (sensitivity of the sensor). In other words, in Av mode, your aperture never changes. You select F 5.6, for example, and whether it's sunny outdoors or dark indoors, it stays at 5.6, and adjusts the OTHER elements differently so both shooting conditions result in a properly exposed photo.

Feel free to PM me if you feel funny about asking any questions in an open forum. I'd be happy to help.

I'm unemployed, so what the hell else do I have to do?

MPrince · 01-11-2011, 10:21 AM

If your questions are about photography in general, then Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure is a good place to start.

If your questions relate specifically to the KR, then I recommend you start by reading the manual. If you encounter something in the manual you don't understand then post a question specific to that issue, and I'm sure KR owners will be able to help you.

Tom S. · 01-11-2011, 10:27 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by RioRico

Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun!

Dang - that's cold! Next you'll be making reference to missing teeth.

To OP: Try looking on line to see if there are any photo clubs near you. It's a great way to learn and get questions answered. Another possibility, check for classes at local community colleges or adult ed.

MPrince · 01-11-2011, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by Tom S.

Dang - that's cold! Next you'll be making reference to missing teeth.

Agreed. Such sarcasm directed at a first time poster is uncalled for.

Quote:

To OP: Try looking on line to see if there are any photo clubs near you. It's a great way to learn and get questions answered. Another possibility, check for classes at local community colleges or adult ed.

I think that's excellent advice.

cats_five · 01-11-2011, 11:41 AM

Originally posted by MPrince

If your questions relate specifically to the KR, then I recommend you start by reading the manual. If you encounter something in the manual you don't understand then post a question specific to that issue, and I'm sure KR owners will be able to help you.

I suspect that when ISO, f-stops and so on are meaningless so is the manual. I like the shot auto plan best. Shot auto, then pass a very critical eye over the images, or at least some of them. Is the right bit in focus? Is enough in focus? Is it too dark or too light? And is it an image that other people would want to look at? When you know what the issue you want to sort is, finding an answer is much easier.

atupdate · 01-11-2011, 12:03 PM

Brianjo,

Welcome to the forum. Here are a couple of camera simulators that will help you understand the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

Aperture, shutter and ISO value | SLR Camera Simulator

The SimCam: Film and Digital Camera Simulator - Photonhead.com

Here are a couple of links with enough information to keep you busy for a month or more.

Ron Bigelow Photography Articles

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/techniques/ - Don't forget to click on the Tutorials hotlink for more good stuff.

And the Articles section of Pentax Forums has a lot of great information also. Here is the link for the General Photography articles. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/

Tim

**Ash** · 01-11-2011, 02:19 PM

You can also learn more here Brianjo:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/115942-beginners-art...enclature.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html

bsamcash · 01-11-2011, 02:27 PM

This is a decent site I found for very basic beginner tips on exposure and framing.

Camera tutorials and workshops by DSLR Tips

bsamcash · 01-11-2011, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by RioRico

Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun!

I've heard about those things. Weren't they big in the ancient world until they were all burned down or something? Man I wish we had something like that today.

MPrince · 01-11-2011, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by cats_five

I suspect that when ISO, f-stops and so on are meaningless so is the manual. I like the shot auto plan best. Shot auto, then pass a very critical eye over the images, or at least some of them. Is the right bit in focus? Is enough in focus? Is it too dark or too light? And is it an image that other people would want to look at? When you know what the issue you want to sort is, finding an answer is much easier.

It's a little unclear to me from the original post what level of expertise Brianjo has. I accept responsibility for being too dumb to understand the exact nature of the assistance he is requesting. That is why I worded my recommendation the way I did. I don't know for sure if ISO, aperture, etc are meaningless to Brianjo. They might be, hence my recommendation to read Understanding Exposure or a similar general photography resource.

OTOH, he may have a general understanding of basic photographic principles, but is maybe confused on how to use a DSLR, specifically his KR. If that is the case, reading the manual is, I think, a good first step, followed by posting questions if he needs additional clarification on anything.

You are free, of course, to disagree with my recommendations and offer Brianjo your own recommendations.

01-11-2011, 12:19 AM - 1 Like	#1
brianjo Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Alabama Posts: 3	Photography for Dummies Newbie here, Is there a particular website where I can read and learn the terminology and possibly where I might could learn a little about digital photography so I can learn the questions I need to ask. First camera besides a point and shoot and know absolutely nothing. Have the K-r 12 D-SLR and I am certainly lost. Help !!! Thank you all, Brianjo

01-11-2011, 06:05 AM	#6
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Hi, Brianjo! 1) For now, I suggest you shoot in P mode--fully automatic. 2) When you have a few decent images, post them to your gallery here, and then link them to a new post. (We'll explain how to do this if you don't know.) Post one or two bad ones too. 3) From there, we'll look at the EXIF data for each image, which will tell us what ISO, shutter speed and aperture the camera used (among other things) for each image. 4) This will give you a head start on learning about proper exposure, as well as your camera settings. You're going to find that understanding exposure isn't all that complicated, but since your camera gives you so many ways to get to the same place, it IS complicated. You're best starting in this P mode, and letting the camera decide everything. After that, you'll try Av mode (Aperture Priority), which is where you decide the aperture of the lens (how much light the lens lets in), and the camera automatically selects the proper shutter speed and ISO (sensitivity of the sensor). In other words, in Av mode, your aperture never changes. You select F 5.6, for example, and whether it's sunny outdoors or dark indoors, it stays at 5.6, and adjusts the OTHER elements differently so both shooting conditions result in a properly exposed photo. Feel free to PM me if you feel funny about asking any questions in an open forum. I'd be happy to help. I'm unemployed, so what the hell else do I have to do? Last edited by Ira; 01-11-2011 at 06:12 AM.

01-11-2011, 12:03 PM	#11
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Brianjo, Welcome to the forum. Here are a couple of camera simulators that will help you understand the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Aperture, shutter and ISO value \| SLR Camera Simulator The SimCam: Film and Digital Camera Simulator - Photonhead.com Here are a couple of links with enough information to keep you busy for a month or more. Ron Bigelow Photography Articles http://www.luminous-landscape.com/techniques/ - Don't forget to click on the Tutorials hotlink for more good stuff. And the Articles section of Pentax Forums has a lot of great information also. Here is the link for the General Photography articles. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/ Tim Last edited by atupdate; 01-11-2011 at 12:39 PM. Reason: Added the PF Articles link

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01-11-2011, 12:37 AM	#2
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	To be honest, I don't know about websites for the terminology. I also am not sure what you're battling with? The camera or photography in general. For photography Understanding-Exposure (luminous-landscape.com) or Camera Exposure: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed (cambridgeincolour.com) would be one of the first stops I think when it comes to understanding exposure

01-11-2011, 01:38 AM	#3
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun!

01-11-2011, 03:13 AM	#4
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Well, DSLR's are only upgraded point-and-shoots - basically by principle of function they're the same.. They capture pictures It's just that they have more features- the lens being interchangeable, primarily. You can also try out this link, this is where I learned: Learn: Digital Photography Review Sometimes their explanations get a bit too technical though, so like RioRico above, you can also look for simpler guides through books at public libraries. Good luck and enjoy shooting with your K-r! Last edited by Alizarine; 01-11-2011 at 03:18 AM. Reason: added link

01-11-2011, 05:57 AM	#5
kbrede Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Nebraska Photos: Gallery Posts: 327	Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a good book to start with. Enjoy yourself!

01-11-2011, 10:21 AM	#7
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	If your questions are about photography in general, then Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure is a good place to start. If your questions relate specifically to the KR, then I recommend you start by reading the manual. If you encounter something in the manual you don't understand then post a question specific to that issue, and I'm sure KR owners will be able to help you.

01-11-2011, 10:27 AM - 1 Like	#8
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Originally posted by RioRico Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun! Dang - that's cold! Next you'll be making reference to missing teeth. To OP: Try looking on line to see if there are any photo clubs near you. It's a great way to learn and get questions answered. Another possibility, check for classes at local community colleges or adult ed.

01-11-2011, 10:36 AM	#9
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by Tom S. Dang - that's cold! Next you'll be making reference to missing teeth. Agreed. Such sarcasm directed at a first time poster is uncalled for. Quote: To OP: Try looking on line to see if there are any photo clubs near you. It's a great way to learn and get questions answered. Another possibility, check for classes at local community colleges or adult ed. I think that's excellent advice.

01-11-2011, 11:41 AM	#10
cats_five Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fife, Scotland Posts: 835	Originally posted by MPrince If your questions relate specifically to the KR, then I recommend you start by reading the manual. If you encounter something in the manual you don't understand then post a question specific to that issue, and I'm sure KR owners will be able to help you. I suspect that when ISO, f-stops and so on are meaningless so is the manual. I like the shot auto plan best. Shot auto, then pass a very critical eye over the images, or at least some of them. Is the right bit in focus? Is enough in focus? Is it too dark or too light? And is it an image that other people would want to look at? When you know what the issue you want to sort is, finding an answer is much easier.

01-11-2011, 02:19 PM	#12
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	You can also learn more here Brianjo: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/115942-beginners-art...enclature.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html

01-11-2011, 02:27 PM	#13
bsamcash Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cupertino, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 391	This is a decent site I found for very basic beginner tips on exposure and framing. Camera tutorials and workshops by DSLR Tips

01-11-2011, 02:31 PM	#14
bsamcash Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cupertino, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 391	Originally posted by RioRico Even in South Alabama, some communities house institutions called Public Libraries, which are often filled with books made of actual paper. Some of those books will deal with photography, and will tell you much about how cameras work. Browse those books, borrow whatever looks useful, and you'll learn all about the terminology, technology, techniques, etc. An extra bonus: these books do not require batteries nor power supplies, and can be read in places where computers are not allowed or are not feasible. Have fun! I've heard about those things. Weren't they big in the ancient world until they were all burned down or something? Man I wish we had something like that today.

01-11-2011, 03:00 PM	#15
MPrince Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WV Posts: 1,495	Originally posted by cats_five I suspect that when ISO, f-stops and so on are meaningless so is the manual. I like the shot auto plan best. Shot auto, then pass a very critical eye over the images, or at least some of them. Is the right bit in focus? Is enough in focus? Is it too dark or too light? And is it an image that other people would want to look at? When you know what the issue you want to sort is, finding an answer is much easier. It's a little unclear to me from the original post what level of expertise Brianjo has. I accept responsibility for being too dumb to understand the exact nature of the assistance he is requesting. That is why I worded my recommendation the way I did. I don't know for sure if ISO, aperture, etc are meaningless to Brianjo. They might be, hence my recommendation to read Understanding Exposure or a similar general photography resource. OTOH, he may have a general understanding of basic photographic principles, but is maybe confused on how to use a DSLR, specifically his KR. If that is the case, reading the manual is, I think, a good first step, followed by posting questions if he needs additional clarification on anything. You are free, of course, to disagree with my recommendations and offer Brianjo your own recommendations.