Getting started with Photography

[smbirth]

LIke I need another hobby---:D

With scrapbooking comes the desire to take better photos. My pics are seriously in need of fine tuning.

What comes first---a better camera or taking a class/reading a book??

AlsoI have a super slow HP Photosmart 935 camera. I am thinking of getting a new camera before taking lessons. Would reccomend a better quality point and shoot compact camera or something a little bigger like a Canon Powershot S2??

Help a undecisive girl out!! :D

[Deanna]

can you shoot manual with the camera you have? if you can..then I would say jump to the books...if you cant.then maybe an upgrade is worth while..and the S2 IS..is a super great lil camera!

[Kim_Weiss]

If your camera has manual settings, you can definitely start figuring out exposure on that... but warning, you'll soon be wanting an SLR... ;)

I've found Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure helpful... but everything didn't *really* click until I took the MLK online photography class:
http://www.mlkstudios.com

[Kim2002]

I agree - having a camera with manual settings will help you really learn more about photography. I have some basic challenges over in the archives at DigiScrapDivas which you are welcome to try out - things like leading lines, color challenge, depth of field, rule of thirds, etc. All are meant to help you learn the fundamentals of photography.

[Holly]

join in at My Digital Muse too! just because you don't have a super expensive, fancy camera, doesn't mean you can't do more fun things with the camera you have!

[bethwillis]

I agree with what everyone here has said if your current camera will shoot manual definately invest in a few courses or books that will help you self teach yourself. The most important stuff you need to learn before buying a fancy camera :) is what ISO, Fstop/aperature, and shutter speed is all about, also exposure, lighting, focus and white balance is helpful, but I think the first few things are musts to know before buying a nice camera.

Oh and when you do go to buy a nice camera :) I would HIGHLY suggest the Nikon D70 it's AWESOME!