Enter photography

March 5, 2009 · 9 comments

2/365
2/365, uploaded by jakebouma on flickr.

In my life, the days of being simultaneously passionate about photography and not owning a decent camera are a thing of the past. Using this year's tax return, I recently purchased a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi.

In reality, I know next to nothing about photography, but I am willing to be patient and slowly learn the ins and outs. To help facilitate the process of learning, I'm participating in Project 365 on Flickr, which means I will take and post at least one photo every day for 365 consecutive days.

No doubt I'll occasionally post some photos here on the blog, so I hope you don't mind. In fact, I hope you will leave comments with constructive criticism.

Photographers, I have two questions for you (I'm looking at you, Jim): 1. What's the #1 piece of advice you'd give to a newbie photographer? and 2. What is the best photoblog you read? Please leave a comment and let me know!

Coax mixmaster
Coax mixmaster, uploaded by jakebouma on flickr.

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Tagged as: canon digital rebel xsi, flickr, Photography, project 365

  • Katie Hanson

    Composition, lighting, composition, composition. Always follow and break the 3×3 rule.
    These are really good pics! I'm still in the passionate yet poor category…

  • http://www.thechurchgeek.com jim

    good luck! I did this a year ago. it was great, but i've hardly picked up my camera since. must rectify that.

  • http://www.thechurchgeek.com jim

    ohh…i didn't even see the reference to me in the post, lol…

    I think the composition is good. good use of the 1/3rd rule. I like the balance of the white and bricks at the bottom too. all in all a good photo…look forward to seeing your pics on flickr.

  • http://mandavolunteers.wordpress.com manda

    learn to love the histogram (check camera manual if unsure). it's tempting to go wacky with exposure, but in general, don't do it. in my mind, your above photo is just a hit overexposed (or you put the contrast too high on photoshop). when you do that, you lose some of the detail in the light areas. just shoot hundreds of photos and you'll get some good ones! be super critical of yourself, and don't use photoshop as a crutch. and whatever you do…. don't shoot on automatic!!

  • http://elliottadams.com Elliott Adams

    Even if you think you already got the perfect shot, take just one more photo. Also, shoot all your photos in RAW.

  • Bethany

    Yep–shoot in RAW (assuming you can convert it with your version of Photoshop). Take lots and lots and lots of pictures. And check out Scott Kelby's books (http://www.scottkelby.com/).

    Also I like these sites for inspiration:
    http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
    http://www.photojojo.com
    http://soulemama.typepad.com/ (not necessarily your subject matter, but some great photography)
    http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ (some great photography throughout her blogs, plus tips on photography, Photoshop actions, etc.)

    And check out the 3191 concept. Two sisters who live 3191 miles apart from each other did a year of morning photos that they posted side-by-side (diptychs). Then a year of evenings.

    From a better student than photographer! But at least walking around with a bag of equipment makes me look more legit. :)

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jakebouma Jake Bouma

    Hey thanks for all of the advice and websites to browse, Bethany! I really appreciate it.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/jakebouma Jake Bouma

    Shooting in RAW: check.

  • http://www.brittanystephenson.com Brittany

    hope your exploration of your new camera has been a wonderful experience for you, I am a photographer based out of Kentucky. My best advice is, dont be afraid to try different things. Whenever you have a new idea for a shot, write it down so you wont forget. Shoot from all different angles, always look for the emotion in everything your doing. Unposed pics are the best in my opinion. The unexpected. Good Luck.