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March, 2025

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Just got a camera, any tips ?!??!! (teach me how to take pictures?!?!)

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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
Body: Nikon F2
Lenses: Nikon 50mm 1:1.4 and RMC Tokina 200mm 1:3.5

It's old as hell. At least 35 years, probably more.

Any tips? I don't know anything about photography, I know how to adjust shutter speed and f-stop using the light meter but any tips on when/what to use the lenses for shooting? Help plzzz how do I take amazing photos, anyone know a good beginner book?

Also, what will the quality be like if I scan my negatives?
15 years ago
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MothaHucker
Posts: 4678 - Karma: 2,591
there should be a big button near the top, which if the camera is on, will take a picture for u.
15 years ago
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1337
Posts: 31077 - Karma: 29,657
sell me the lenses for like, $50? :D
15 years ago
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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
you already hassssss

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15 years ago
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Ftacnik
Posts: 1997 - Karma: 110
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/

Best website ever when you're just starting out. And the first thing you should read is the exposure triangle and learn how to shoot in manual.

I also recommend reading "Understanding Exposure". It's a really good book. Then after that, practice, have fun and be creative. Shoot what you like, not what everyone else is doing.
15 years ago
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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
ahhh that website looks like it is mostly about digital cameras and I don't even have auto :(

according to wikipedia, nikon stopped making my camera in 1980 haha
15 years ago
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Ftacnik
Posts: 1997 - Karma: 110
Oh yeah, I forgot you're shooting film lolz. Well, hmmm. Can't really help you out there. That "understanding exposure" book is still really good for any type of photography.
15 years ago
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9936 - Karma: 9,457
no he sold me that nikkor 50mm 1.4
15 years ago
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,392
go to the library, read a couple photo books. After you get the basics down, it's all about trial and error. When you see something you like, try to emulate it to understand how to produce good shots. you learn a lot from copying ideas, and you can build your own ideas upon them.
15 years ago
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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
what do you use it to shoot/when? I have the exact same lens
15 years ago
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,329
For skiing you would generally want a wide angle.  That 50 1.4 has a really shallow depth of field (so not much is in focus) It'd be good to take a picture of general things, maybe a flower or a portrait of someone.
15 years ago
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,392
you have to shoot to get an idea of what lens works where, it's really a matter of focal length to give you the image you want. You can include the same amount of the same subject with a 15mm (Super wide) lens, a 50mm ("standard" field of view) and a 200mm lens (telephoto) but the perspective is completely different.

50 mm lenses provide a similar perspective to what your eye sees.

Please, I know that it's tempting to keep asking questions, but I promise it's much easier on all of us if you read up with a good photo book - plus the book will provide pictures to illustrate the points. So get at it and come back with specifics once you've sent a couple rolls through your camera!
15 years ago
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