Very very novice!

Messages
1
Name
Rosie
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi everyone! Hoping you’ll be gentle with me! I recently got a camera as a gift, but it really is a new medium for me. I’ve sat and taken shots of birds on the feeder and around the garden, just to get used to it really, but to start with, I think my first problem is my laptop- the first bunch I took, I looked through in my friends lovely Mac, but my laptop is 10 years old, so they don’t look great on there. I’m not expecting great things, but im disappointed I can’t view them properly to start with and find out if any are ok.
Plus I don’t know the basics- I know I have to take the lens cap off! Haha!
I’d love to be able to take some reasonable shots of landscapes, Hares & Birds, wildflowers, plants & gardens and interiors.
It’s a Canon EOS 500D with 2 lenses- EFS 18-55mm & EF 75-300mm.
Any helpful advice most welcome, thanks
 
Hi Rosie and welcome to TP

We don't bite(*) so do feel free to join in, though can I suggest you look in on the Beginners sub-fora first here https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/talk-beginners.73/ ias it is possible that many of your initial questions have been asked many times before and there replies are in the Beginner area.

In regard to the laptop, we of course cannot 'see' what you are seeing.................age of the laptop (like any computer) is not in and of itself a reason for your images not looking great comapred to any other computer. So perhaps tell us what you are dis-satisfied with about the way they looked compared seeing them on your friends Mac?

In regard to the camera, have you got the manual? It, though a dry read, is worth a thorough read ;)

Not sure if this is a more comprehensive manual than came in the box
https://www.canon.co.uk/support/con...500d.html?type=manuals&manualid=tcm:14-732051

Also, Canon's own tips & techniques page
https://www.canon.co.uk/get-inspired/tips-and-techniques/

https://www.canon.co.uk/get-inspired/tips-and-techniques/#photography-techniques

Lastly, a well regarded book for you have read of.
https://www.waterstones.com/book/understanding-exposure-fourth-edition/bryan-peterson/9781607748502

Above all just taking photo's as learning by doing is an aid to appreciating the way to handle the camera to best effect :)

(*) as you read round the various fora there are some discussions that can get a little robust!
 
Last edited:
A camera club might be a way to get both some moral support as well as some help with techniques and learning.

I note your general area and go this list of ones...............so take your pick as to which one(s) are close by. https://www.google.co.uk/search?sxs...hUKEwj_-taHpu3oAhXmzIUKHcZoD5UQ4dUDCAk&uact=5

Only you can know if such a club environment will 'work for you'?

All the best with your journey into the wonderful world of photography, it can be a lifelong source of joy & wonder and frustration in almost equal measure. Oh, if anyone ever tells you that the barrier to taking better photographs is solved by getting a better camera or lens.....run a mile from that advice.

Why do I say that, well you need to learn how to use the camera and its lenses that you have got and only once you have reach the limits of that camera kit will you know whether some new kit will help because of something that you can benefit from.

However, knowing what you need is only the first step as you may in due course discover...............how much money you might need to buy the improved specifications kit could/will be the barrier! So keep saving whether it is for a new PC and/or (unknown right now) future additions to the camera bag!

I hope you enjoy the journey and look forward to seeing some of your images here in the various sub-fora at TP :)
 
Hi Rosie, And welcome aboard TP, looking forward to hearing from you and maybe seeing some of your images on the various forums. "Enjoy".
 
Hi Rosie, welcome to the forum.

Yes a steep learning curve ahead for you, but worth it I can promise you that. Stick with the very good advice and links already offered here, and also remember that you can take as many photo's as you wish, you don't have to pay for developing them!

Have fun and good luck.
 
Back
Top