Any Advice For A Complete Beginner

[Jaymer15]

I've recently decided to give the photography side of this hobby ago. So I thought I would get a fairly cheap body and lens just to get started. I've gone and got myself a Sony A450 along with a Sigma 70-300mm lens and a 18-70mm Sony lens.

I've been practicing round the house taking photos of random items round the house and the kids to get use to the settings and what I can do with each lens.

Does anyone have any advice they can offer for a complete beginner?

Thanks

[Archer]

There are a lot of tips, but we don't want to overwhelm you

1. Practice more, and then some more. Venture away from home and take your camera on walks, to any small event you can find and so on.
2. Read the manual and try to understand what the camera is doing in various modes.
3. There are loads of 'beginner' videos about photography on the good old internet. I cannot recommend any in particular, but you can pick up a lot from them. Have a look at some of them, especially ones that explain the beginnings of exposure and using your camera.
4. See if you can find examples of photos that you like, and see if you can figure out how to replicate an effect or look with your equipment. It may help you go a step beyond the basic modes of your camera. I have an old photography book that lists all kind of 'styles' and such that can be achieved (back in the day of analog photography). It helped me spot particular looks and made me think about how I could achieve that myself. It's a good way to delve a bit deeper into the subject.
5. Practice a bit more

[Jaymer15]

Many thanks Archer for the advice. I will have to look out for these videos.

One of the first things I did was read the instructions. There was lots to take in and I do keep going back to them.

The most surprising thing I have found is how little adjustments to the shutter speed can increase the brightness so much. Along with the changes on the white balance when going from indoor lighting and the outdoors

[Andy_99]

Another recommendation is buy the Dummies guide for you camera.
It breaks down all of the individual modes and settings into easily digestible topics

As mentioned practice, practice some more

[XWP29]

http://www.military-airshows.co.uk/airs ... basics.htm

Great site explains a lot about our hobby

[Jaymer15]

Thanks Andy_99 and XWP29.

Lots of reading to do. Just need to get out there and have a practice. My 18 week old baby boy is at risk of being the most photographed baby around.