Thread: ready to get serious and try photography again

Hi - I was on about a year ago or maybe even less - looking for a GREAT book to get me started with how to. Any suggestions? I have a Nikon D80 and a 300 mm lens. Not sure any other good accessories I need? basically looking to just do family photos (my immediate) - we were using a photographer which we love but I would love to do them myself. Just looking for suggestions. Thanks!!!!

A fantastic book that was recommended to me by the ladies here is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It really helps you understand how all of the different aspects of exposure (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) work together, and how to use them properly and creatively.

Originally Posted by TracyF

A fantastic book that was recommended to me by the ladies here is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It really helps you understand how all of the different aspects of exposure (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) work together, and how to use them properly and creatively.

Best beginning photography book ever! I should really dig mine out again and review...

The great thing about modern cameras is that information about the shot (ISO, shutter speed, etc.) is all recorded so that you can go back later and study what went right and wrong. I suggest just getting out and playing with the various settings. You can delete the bad photos, but they're often good teachers as well! Have fun!

Welcome back, Tracy!

That book is an AWESOME place to start. Also, I suggest you join in the challenges and assignments here. The best way to improve is to keep shooting and get feedback on your images. This group is by far the most supportive I have ever known and I think it helps us all to improve so much.

I also have a D80 and I love it. I would love to get my hands on a 300mm lens like yours.

As for any accessories that might be helpful. The 50mm prime lens is a fairly inexpensive (I have seen the 50mm f/1.8 as low as around $150 us). It's a great portrait lens. If you intend to be in the picture yourself, you might want to think about a tripod and perhaps a remote shutter release (personally, I just use the timer, but that does get old). Also, I am not sure where you are located, but at this time of year, light in the northern hemisphere is not the greatest and we find ourselves indoors a lot more often. In those cases, a speed light can be your best friend. I have the SB 600 and I love it.

HTH some!

Best,
GiGi

Really no advice to add, welcome to the forums.

Gigi mentioned a tripod, I got mine for $20 at Walmart, you can really find a deal if you look.