by Christine L.
Member since:
August 9, 2007

Need Some Advice About Photography

June 24, 2008 01:51 PM EDT
views: 163 | comments: 19

    I have always enjoyed taking pictures.  My very first camera was a Polaroid One-Step which I bought with my allowance.  Soon I graduated to a simple 35mm and later a slightly more expensive 35mm.  In the last few years, I have used a simple digital camera and enjoyed it.  Now I want more.

    I know some basics about photography, but would like to learn more about "how to" and what kind of camera is right for me.  I have a gift certificate to Amazon.com and narrowed my search down to three books about photography.  I am hoping there are enough shutterbug enthusiasts on Gather to guide me in my purchasing decision.  Here are the contenders:

   My first choice is Photography for Dummies, Second Edition by Russell Hart.

 

My next choice is 101 Essential Tips on Photography by Michael Lanford.

 

My third choice is Teach Yourself Photography by Lee Frost.

 

This isn't pick one and not the other two - I plan to purchase all three.  My question is, does anyone know if these are worth purchasing?  I'm not a complete photography idiot, but I don't know a lot of the little nuances and technicalities.  I'd love to take a class on photography, but time and money aren't allowing it.  So I thought reading a good book would be helpful.

    Any suggestions are welcome.  If you know of any books other than these that are great for learning about cameras, imaging, and technical applications, please let me know.  Thanks in advance!
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 19

Teri V. Jun 24, 2008, 2:10pm EDT
thanks for sharing.
Kimber L. Jun 24, 2008, 2:19pm EDT
You should email / ping / ask Hannah W. She is awesome at photography and it has been her families business for a long time. She would be able to answer your questions. She can be found on Gather by clicking here
Rose H. Jun 24, 2008, 2:25pm EDT
Any DK subject - series book I've ever read has been totally awesome and outstanding.
I didn't know they had one on photography. I think I'll take a trip to B&N and Borders to have a look at their selection - that is a great idea.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Jun 24, 2008, 2:32pm EDT
I can't help you with the books, but I will be back looking for other comments. I'm in the same situation as you, and I actually borrowed a few books at the library about photography.
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ Jun 24, 2008, 2:38pm EDT
I hear this guys books rock, read the reviews, it looks like others agree.

The Book of Photography
by John Hedgecoe

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Photography-John-Hedgecoe/dp/075660947X
amy s. Jun 24, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
i enjoy reading anything from the dummy series they always seem to have more explaination on why something works the way that it dose
Chana M. Jun 24, 2008, 3:35pm EDT
Thank you for sharing this @ We Comment Back!.
Marianne R. Jun 24, 2008, 5:37pm EDT
I don't have any experience with photo books. Sorry. The second one looks the most interesting to me personally though. Do a couple of book reviews once you get them and read them.
Beverly P. Jun 24, 2008, 7:07pm EDT
I haven't utilized those particluar books but my past experiences have taught me that most of the Dummies books are pretty good and the TY ones are always good too.
Rae M. Jun 24, 2008, 11:57pm EDT
I am sorry, I don't know of any more. Good luck!
i can't help you either Christine, but why don't you see if these books are available at your local library. that way you may be able to pick the one best suited for you. Good luck with your photography.
jenny D. Jun 26, 2008, 2:46am EDT
If its just a matter of what you want to take pictures of, the world is your landscape. Take pictures of the things you love the most. If its what you want to do with the picture after you upload it into your computer just have fun playing around with the programs until you get a feel for them.
I love taking pictures too, but I've never read any book on the subject. So if a book about it is what your looking for I'd have to agree with Maria and check them out at the library first, Or go with your 3rd choice, It has the nicest cover art of the 3.
John B. Jun 26, 2008, 3:49pm EDT
I have written an article about cameras and posted it here on gather. If you have ever used a film camera Digital is a piece of cake. Because you have the ability to look at the product before moving on. You use the same F-stop to give you depth of field and the same shutter speed to stop action. Books are great but OJD, On the Job Training is the best thing. No matter what the camera getting the most out of it is learning to use the controls, if it is expensive SLR or a inexpensive point and shoot. I would say the thing is to look at cameras just as you would if you were going to buy a new computer and do your reading there. What kind of pictures do you want to take? Do you want to fool with Manual? How large would you blow up your pictures? How many pictures would you take in a day? Learn as much as you can about your camera and it's setting as you can. You can pay as little or as much as you want but YOU are the key in how to take pictures.
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Jun 27, 2008, 7:27pm EDT
go to www.komando.com
Austin Cushing Jun 29, 2008, 7:03pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations, and check out this week's Comment Ignition!
Austin Cushing Jul 20, 2008, 6:54pm EDT
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least five votes and over 8.0 average rating, and as such has been removed from Rating Resurrectionists! Congratulations!
Kim J. Sep 7, 2008, 12:39am EDT
Out of those 3, I'd choose the first, but my favorites are by Scott Kelby.
Lisa K. Sep 9, 2008, 11:58am EDT
I'm afraid I'm no help, but I was curious to read the responses as I've been wanting to do some reading on the subject myself!
Leah A. Sep 20, 2008, 11:09am EDT
Sorry, I can't help with the book selection, either. I take my pictures using the trial and error method, and most of them come out on the error end. :-)

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.