Beginner post

[mariah]

Hello there people, my name is Mariah and I am new in photography, I am actually a graphics designer and that is what I do for a living. Now I really want to learn photography and really hoping for the best. I have a sony a/6300 which I know is a basic camera for doing photography, I want to know that what should I focus on first as a beginner.

[Manfred M]

Welcome to CiC.

As you tell us that you are a graphics designer, you should already have a very solid understanding of what it takes to create an image that people will want to look at: composition, the use of space and minimizing distracting elements that take away from the image.

You should get to know your tool, the camera very well. Getting the exposure right, creating a sharp image, getting the colour to look right, understanding light and generally learning "camera craft".

Once you have those two elements down, start working on making a photograph that will people will stop and want to look at; mood. subject matter and imagination.

[mariah]

Thanks for your amazing reply, I know being a graphics designer I should know the angle and what people really want to see in an image. The thing is as a beginner I really want to know what lens should I use to create sharp images?

[dje]

I have a sony a/6300 which I know is a basic camera for doing photography, I want to know that what should I focus on first as a beginner.

Hi Mariah

Don't underestimate the quality of this camera, it is more than adequate for your initial needs.

Even if you only have the 16-55mm kit lens with it, you will be able to produce good sharp images. I wouldn't rush into a more expensive lens at this stage. You need to make sure you focus your shot on that part of the image that needs to be sharp eg a person's face. Also use an aperture that will give sufficient depth of field for your scene. There are tutorials on this subject on the CIC website.

Practice, practice practice...

Dave

[rpcrowe]

Mariah...

Virtually any of today's lenses will create sharp images if used correctly... However, for portraits, a shallow depth of field (distance between nearest and farthest points of acceptable focus) will give the impression of a sharper image by isolating your subject from the background.

If you desire to shoot portraits, the Sony SEL 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens is a very affordable option. IMO, it is better for the A6xxx series of camera bodies than the FE 50mm f/1.8 lens.



Besides focusing correctly, using a shutter speed that is 1.6x your focal length or faster will reduce camera shake. As an example, shooting with a 50mm lens on an A6xxx body would require a 1/80 second or faster shutter speed... After you get used to holding your camera, you can usually get sharp images at slower shutter speeds using OSS (Optical Steady Shot),,,

Sharpness, though, is one of the criteria but certainly is not the only criteria for a god image...

[pschlute]

Thanks for your amazing reply, I know being a graphics designer I should know the angle and what people really want to see in an image. The thing is as a beginner I really want to know what lens should I use to create sharp images?

My simple advice is learn to be creative with the equipment you have, rather than thinking a sharper lens will deliver better pictures. Indeed I would suggest you do not invest in any new equipment until you are happy with the responses you get from your current kit.

The photographer creates the image. I often go out to photograph with old lenses on my camera. The one I used here is 42 years old ...........The Kiln bridge at St Johns

[Manfred M]

Thanks for your amazing reply, I know being a graphics designer I should know the angle and what people really want to see in an image. The thing is as a beginner I really want to know what lens should I use to create sharp images?

Any lens will allow you to get a sharp image. When I bought my first camera, I did 100% of my photography with a 50mm lens on my 35mm film camera. This would be roughly the same thing if you shot exclusively with a 35mm lens on your Sony A6300. The famous photojournalist, Henri Cartier-Bresson did virtually all his best known work with just a 50mm lens.

If you want to do wildlife or sports action photography, chances are you will need a long focal length lens (200mm minimum). For portraiture, a short telephoto lens, a 50mm - 100mm lens might be perfect. If you want to do street photography, you might want to opt for a 24mm focal length lens.

The most important thing is to get out there and take lots of pictures, analyze them and improve what you are doing. Look at the work the masters of the 20th century did. I tend to tell people to start by studying the works of Edward Weston (his still life images are amazing). For photojournalism or street photography, study the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. For landscapes, Ansel Adams should be studied and for portraiture, look at the works of Yousef Karsh.

[rpcrowe]

I forgot to mention - as you take lots of pictures, post them on this site, You will receive friendly critiques...

[mariah]

Hi Mariah

Don't underestimate the quality of this camera, it is more than adequate for your initial needs.

Even if you only have the 16-55mm kit lens with it, you will be able to produce good sharp images. I wouldn't rush into a more expensive lens at this stage. You need to make sure you focus your shot on that part of the image that needs to be sharp eg a person's face. Also use an aperture that will give sufficient depth of field for your scene. There are tutorials on this subject on the CIC website.

Practice, practice practice...

Dave

Hi Dave , I understood what you are saying but can you please tell me more details about how I can set an aperture ?.

[mariah]

Mariah...

Virtually any of today's lenses will create sharp images if used correctly... However, for portraits, a shallow depth of field (distance between nearest and farthest points of acceptable focus) will give the impression of a sharper image by isolating your subject from the background.
Hi, thanks for your reply Rpcrowe. Yes you pointed out one thing that I still lack and that is holding a camera. My hands still shake too much, what can I do about that? . Should I use a tripod ? I really do not want to carry a tripod with me all the time.

If you desire to shoot portraits, the Sony SEL 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens is a very affordable option. IMO, it is better for the A6xxx series of camera bodies than the FE 50mm f/1.8 lens.



Besides focusing correctly, using a shutter speed that is 1.6x your focal length or faster will reduce camera shake. As an example, shooting with a 50mm lens on an A6xxx body would require a 1/80 second or faster shutter speed... After you get used to holding your camera, you can usually get sharp images at slower shutter speeds using OSS (Optical Steady Shot),,,

Sharpness, though, is one of the criteria but certainly is not the only criteria for a god image...

[mariah]

My simple advice is learn to be creative with the equipment you have, rather than thinking a sharper lens will deliver better pictures. Indeed I would suggest you do not invest in any new equipment until you are happy with the responses you get from your current kit.

The photographer creates the image. I often go out to photograph with old lenses on my camera. The one I used here is 42 years old ...........The Kiln bridge at St Johns

Thanks Pschlute for your reply. You know what ? many others also have said the same thing. Now I think it would be better fir me to just shoot with my existing camera. Can you please give me some other advices ?.

[mariah]

Any lens will allow you to get a sharp image. When I bought my first camera, I did 100% of my photography with a 50mm lens on my 35mm film camera. This would be roughly the same thing if you shot exclusively with a 35mm lens on your Sony A6300. The famous photojournalist, Henri Cartier-Bresson did virtually all his best known work with just a 50mm lens.
Hi Man fred, when you said any lens would give me a sharp image did you mean that I do not have to change my lens at all?. If it is so I would be much more glad cause buying equipment is expensive. More over lots of seniors told me that I have to purchase expensive gadgets for doing professional photography. Only in this forum people are being realistic and telling me the truth.

If you want to do wildlife or sports action photography, chances are you will need a long focal length lens (200mm minimum). For portraiture, a short telephoto lens, a 50mm - 100mm lens might be perfect. If you want to do street photography, you might want to opt for a 24mm focal length lens.

The most important thing is to get out there and take lots of pictures, analyze them and improve what you are doing. Look at the work the masters of the 20th century did. I tend to tell people to start by studying the works of Edward Weston (his still life images are amazing). For photojournalism or street photography, study the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson. For landscapes, Ansel Adams should be studied and for portraiture, look at the works of Yousef Karsh.

[mariah]

I forgot to mention - as you take lots of pictures, post them on this site, You will receive friendly critiques...

Ok I will, but I am too embarrassed for that because when I look into my pictures I cannot say that they are good. I am trying really hard and when I will make myself believed that they are good, I will upload them and ask for opinion.

[davidedric]

I can understand that. However, it could be discouraging to post an image that you think is good, only to be told (gently of course) why it isn't.

May I suggest that you post an image that you don't think is very good. Explain what you were trying to achieve, if possible why you think it falls short, and ask for feedback. Here's a tip - you should always think about what you are trying to achieve before you take the photo.

Good luck, Dave

Ok I will, but I am too embarrassed for that because when I look into my pictures I cannot say that they are good. I am trying really hard and when I will make myself believed that they are good, I will upload them and ask for opinion.

[Rufus]

Ok I will, but I am too embarrassed for that because when I look into my pictures I cannot say that they are good. I am trying really hard and when I will make myself believed that they are good, I will upload them and ask for opinion.

If I had waited for a good picture, I would still be waiting...

It is definitely better to make the picture and let the wonderful people on this site help you improve both your pictures and your understanding of photography (which of course go hand in hand).

If you post regularly you will see your progress and we will get to know you and the level you have reached so far. There are very few harsh comments here; we want to encourage and help you along your photographic journey.

Earlier you asked about apertures and depth of field. Familiarity with the exposure triangle is a good place to start. For example:
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...a-exposure.htm

[mariah]

If I had waited for a good picture, I would still be waiting...

It is definitely better to make the picture and let the wonderful people on this site help you improve both your pictures and your understanding of photography (which of course go hand in hand).
Hi Rufus, yes you are right, I did not see anyone commenting anything is this forum to offend others. I really loved this community. People here are very supportive, ok I will post some of my pictures here and ask for correction.

If you post regularly you will see your progress and we will get to know you and the level you have reached so far. There are very few harsh comments here; we want to encourage and help you along your photographic journey.

Earlier you asked about apertures and depth of field. Familiarity with the exposure triangle is a good place to start. For example:
https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tu...a-exposure.htm

Hi Rufus, yes you are right. People here are so nice, I have never seen anyone commenting anything that will offend other people. They were all supportive and have good intentions for all. I really love this community, thanks for you reply and yes I will upload some of my pictures and ask for corrections.

[billtils]

Welcome to CIC Mariah

This is a friendly and helpful site. Rufus has pointed you to one of the tutorials available here but perhaps you should look more generally too - click on the "Photography Tutorials" button located just right of centre at the top of the home screen. Lots of good stuff there, some that is better left until later in your journey but more than enough at the right level to get you started.

I'd share the positive comments on your camera - my son has one of those and it produces excellent images.

[DanK]

I agree: don't be embarrassed. No one starts out as an excellent photographer. It takes a long time to build your skills. Receiving good, constructive comments is an important part of improving.

I would not spend ANY money on more equipment yet. To paraphrase the great photographer Ansel Adams, the most important piece of photographic equipment is the 25 cm behind the viewfinder. If you buy more equipment now, you will just be disappointed. Once you learn more skills, you will have a clearer idea of what sorts of photography you want to do, and eventually, you will probably find that a specific piece of equipment will let you do that better. Until that time, however, you are likely to waste your money.

[mariah]

Welcome to CIC Mariah

This is a friendly and helpful site. Rufus has pointed you to one of the tutorials available here but perhaps you should look more generally too - click on the "Photography Tutorials" button located just right of centre at the top of the home screen. Lots of good stuff there, some that is better left until later in your journey but more than enough at the right level to get you started.

I'd share the positive comments on your camera - my son has one of those and it produces excellent images.

Yes I have noticed that tutorial as well, I would definitely check that out and learn everything. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

[mariah]

I agree: don't be embarrassed. No one starts out as an excellent photographer. It takes a long time to build your skills. Receiving good, constructive comments is an important part of improving.

I would not spend ANY money on more equipment yet. To paraphrase the great photographer Ansel Adams, the most important piece of photographic equipment is the 25 cm behind the viewfinder. If you buy more equipment now, you will just be disappointed. Once you learn more skills, you will have a clearer idea of what sorts of photography you want to do, and eventually, you will probably find that a specific piece of equipment will let you do that better. Until that time, however, you are likely to waste your money.

To be honest Dank, you are absolutely right, I agree with you 100 percent. There was a time some of them told me to buy expensive gadgets and now after hearing all these my mind has completely changed and I do nit believe in all these anymore that you have to have a expensive gadget to become a good photographer. I am trying my best to come up with something great with what I already have.