new to photography

burnig · #1 (**permalink**) 28-10-2007, 08:12

Well proper photography that is...have been taking point and shoot photo's for years. Although the photo's have been ok as snapshots I have always wanted to take it to the next level. I have owned a Canon 35mm for years but sadly never used it to its full potential, only ever using it on pre programmed mode. Developing was always an expensive and time consuming business, it never really took off for me. Then along came digital, I have bought a few Canon snapshot digital camera's over the past few years, as they became more affordable and of a better quality, but still point and shot, then I took the plunge and bought a Canon (there's a pattern isn't there) 400D, after some careful research which lead me to believe my massive stock of lenses (2) was compatible and the upgrade would not be too expensive. As it turns out my research was rubbish along with the lenses I had thought so precious! I now have had to buy a new walk about lens from Sigma which I am happy with, but the interest (and subsequent cost) has mushroomed. As I think I have turned a corner I am confronted with yet more confusing issues, the current one being printing what I see on my monitor...its yet another science its own right with a whole new set of requirements for yet more hardware...but I am hooked and think I am at last getting the hang of what it takes to use the camera to its full potential. I am still at the crawling stage with understanding apertures, white balance, flash, film speed, manual focus, depth of field etc., etc. And this is without thinking of composition, its a bit like the perfect golf swing, when you see a pro it looks easy, effortless but try it yourself and you realise how many elements there are and each one needs to be spot on or...well you get my point. So to sum up I am new to real photography, keen to learn, don't want to have to spend a fortune but I guess bottom line all I want to do is produce photo's that I like but by using the camera to its full potential...simple really!

**Paul** · #2 (**permalink**) 28-10-2007, 14:14

Hi burnig, a warm welcome to the site and what a great introduction. I feel that i've known you for years

One thing i've learned about photography is there's always something else to learn and it's great seeing your own photos improve as your skills develop.

I look forward to seeing if I can answer any of your questions in the forums soon and hope to see some of your photos in the gallery.

Crystal Clear · #3 (**permalink**) 31-10-2007, 11:47

Hi Burnig

Welcome to the forum.

**Photo Phil** · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 17:30

Hi I thought I'd just drop in to say hello properly

Regards....Phil

burnig · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 18:16

Thanks for the welcomes...everyday I learn something new about photography, I can see my wife's eyes glaze over when I start to enthuse about it. I am not too sure how she is handling being a Photoshop widow, but give her time, give her time!

ukhero · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 19:56

Welcome Burnig

Yes my poor wife is also a photo widow now but this hobby is great I want to do it more and more.

This forum is working its way up to the No 1 spot as we get bigger and stronger it will be fantastic have fun here ask questions post pics and also give your comments

Nik