JT Spunk | Photography

Where do I begin photography?

I want to take up amateur photography seriously. I live in NYC and i find inspiration around me everyday! But I have an otherwise full time job that will not allow me to take proper courses at least for the next few years…and i cant wait that long! What camera should a beginner like me invest in (the cheaper the better, nothing too fancy), and what software is a good and easy one to work with? Also are there any online tutorials on using light, photography techniques etc, that might be useful? any tips would be appreciated!! Thanks!

Inspiration is a pretty strong motivator! And you mentioned an interest in reading! Almost ALL of the amateur, semi-pro and professional photographes I know started out by reading. I’m going to give you a long list of URLs to check out, some are photography sites that you can see photo galleries but they all have tutorials and/or free lessons that you can read. Secondly, I am going to suggest that you get the most versatile camera you can, NOT the most expensive one, but the best camera for learning; it is a camera that you can grow with and enjoy for a few years, rather than outgrow it in a few months. I am referring to the Nikon N80. You can use this camera totally automatic (it sets the aperture and shutter speed for you with auto focus OR manual focus; semi-auto with EITHER aperture priority OR shutter speed priority, has 3 great metering modes, and many similar features you’ll find in more modern cameras! It is built to last, and it is ergonomically built to fit comfortably in your hands. You can get a great deal on this camera at www.keh.com and you can also look for EITHER the Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D or the older and more affordable 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D-macro (make sure it says either micro OR macro); these are the most versatile lenses made and with great optics for great image detail; you can use these as wide angle (28-35mm), “regular” (45-55mm), portrait (85-90mm), a short telephoto (105mm) or as a macro lens for extreme close photos (of insects, flowers, etc) and the best place to find these lenses at the most affordable prices is: www.keh.com

Here’s the list of sites for you to check out; I suggest that you save “bookmark” these so you can always go back to them to read or browse through the photos:

http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm

http://www.photosig.com/articles/1227/article

http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm

http://www.paragon-press.com/lens/lenchart.htm

http://www.aesthetic-endeavors.com/photo/dof/

http://www.izzyvideo.com/2006/05/07/izzy-video-29-f-stop

http://www.photo.net

http://www.photoSIG.com

http://www.usefilm.com

http://www.flickr.com

http://www.nikon.pixelcritic.com

http://www.treklens.com

http://www.dpreview.com

http://www.popphoto.com

http://www.fotki.com

http://www.betterphoto.com

http://jzportraits.home.att.net/chapter-08.html

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/software/Adobe_digital_workflow/index.htm

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/digital-versus-film-resolution.html

http://www.lunacore.com/training/training.htm

http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp

http://library.thinkquest.org/25780/

http://www.outdooreyes.com/wildlifephotoindex.php3

http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp

IF, however, you’re interested in starting off with a digital camera, let me suggest the Nikon D70S with the kit lens, which you can find at a good and affordable price at www.keh.com for a used one at a great price or you can check with www.bhphotovideo (located in NY, Ninth Avenue, by 34th Street) and look for the used camera department.

Alternatively, you can check the Nikon D50 with the kit lens, which is a good entry level camera, at www.bhphotovideo.com (or go to their store on 9th Avenue by 34th Street). They’re open Monday thru Friday (closes at 4pm Friday and closed on Saturday) and open on Sundays. Speak with Steve at the used camera shop and ask him questions; tell him that Calico, the short guy with the leather vest and ponytail referred you to him.

Good luck and best wishes.

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