[shockey`]

Allright, well ive been doing some research on DSLR's and i have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi(STi) on the way thanks to american express rewards. I was doing some googling and found it hardpressed to find a website that teaches me the basic dynamics of how cameras work, and if i change so and so what the result will be. So for some of you pros, do you know of a site that will teach me how these things work? So far the only experience with cameras is my time spent at citcuit city playing the the DR XTi demo camera for about an hour.

edit: i came across this website which seems to be very imforming, so it looks like i got some reading to do. if you know of a another website or your own tips, feel free to post them!

[Late]

You might be better off taking a beginners photo course (that'll let you use digital) at your local community college. I imagine in Pittsburg you should be able to find a decent class there that'll teach you the basics of exposure, f-stops, shutter speeds, all that fun stuff. I think I've seen that dpreview website, if it's the one I'm thinking of there's a lot of nice (digital) work on there. When you get your camera go out and just experiment, take it off program and use some of the manual settings, change them around and pay attention to how it effects your photos. Best way to learn imo.

[762x51]

There is an excellent forum with a wealth of information here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/



Search, read, ask specifics. Most important.....get out there and SHOOT. that's the only real way to learn. I also recommend getting a book called "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

[Tim Flat4]

Shocky, I'm just a little ahead of you experience wise but not much so I'll let you know what I'm doing and reiterate what's been said.<br>
<br>
I started shooting with my Mom's POS Kodak digital years ago then moved my way up to a point and shoot Canon with manual settings. I used that Canon for almost a year when I decided to take the plunge in to DSLRs. I bought an XTi a few weeks ago and so far I love it aside from the crappy stock lens. I starting shooting random things with auto settings but manually focusing. Then I ventured in to manual settings to see what ISO worked best with what lighting and experimenting with f-stops ect. Now I'm praying for the weather to clear up so I can shoot more scenery and my personal passion which also got me in to photography, cars.<br>
<br>
Pretty much the best thing for you to do is read your instruction manual(s) when you get the camera to get a basic understanding of what does what then charge the battery and start experimenting. A lot of the stuff I've shot has turned out like crap but I've amazed myself a few times too. If you want to see what I’ve shot (past and present) let me know and I’ll gladly share <br>
<br>
Good luck my fellow photography n00b.

[ghibli99]

@ Tim Flat4: Post up some pics, man! I love seeing what others have shot with this camera (I have the same one).

-Mike

[DARKSTI]

+1

Originally Posted by 762x51

There is an excellent forum with a wealth of information here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/



Search, read, ask specifics. Most important.....get out there and SHOOT. that's the only real way to learn. I also recommend getting a book called "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson.

[Tim Flat4]

Originally Posted by ghibli99

@ Tim Flat4: Post up some pics, man! I love seeing what others have shot with this camera (I have the same one).

-Mike

I put a few non-car related ones in the "random picture thread." They were my first cracks at light trails. Keep in mind, I'm new

I've seen some of DARKSTI's shots on SECCS. Really good stuff.

[ghibli99]

Originally Posted by Tim Flat4

I put a few non-car related ones in the "random picture thread." They were my first cracks at light trails. Keep in mind, I'm new

Very nice! Those turned out good for your first go at it. Looking forward to seeing more.

-Mike

[ebelp]

Shameless plug: www.accessphoto.com

[TurbeauxREX]

Originally Posted by shockey`

Allright, well ive been doing some research on DSLR's and i have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi(STi) on the way thanks to american express rewards... So for some of you pros, do you know of a site that will teach me how these things work?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Canon digital photography!

Spend some time @ http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/ and learn basics to advance techniques - lighting/exposure, composition, et al. Basically, a DSLR works just like a 35mm SLR. If you have experience in that format, it applies to your new camera. Of course, there are some differences, but the basics are still the basics. That hasn't changed.

BTW, what is semi-professional photography?

Peace,

Curtis
Action Photos Racing
www.pbase.com/cvbjr
http://actionphotosracing.exposuremanager.com/g/

[JPWEraser]

Here's a link that you may find helpful:

http://www.fullthrottleforums.com/showthread.php?t=5732

This is a friend of mine who is absolutely amazing. Hes become a shooter for Sport Compact Car and a few other magazines. This is just an example of one of his shots - I think it's awesome but I may be a bit biased... it's my car!

[Tim Flat4]

I just checked out your friends site. He does some really good stuff. I'm a big fan of SCC too.