I've been meaning to do my long awaited dream of becoming a DJ but that all changed when I moved states and lost contacts, now I wouldnt mind getting into photography.

Anyone want to share some tips on taking the 'perfect' picture? I know that the light source should always be behind you and greyscale images have a huge impact on the effect.

What apps should I use etc?

Well, I don't have much experience neither do manip photos in the computer. But I've learned that angle would give different expressions to pictures.

I'm no professional, but I also enjoy taking photo's. The only software that I use is the program that came with the camera (Sony A100) and Photoshop.

The only other thing I could say is to use different lens ie. wide angle (for group shots ) telephoto (for distance) etc.

I hope this was of some help.

Moving to the photography section of creative souls.

Number 1 thing to do is get a camera and start taking pictures ...at least before worrying about software.


What sort of photography interests you?

At the moment Black and White but that might be subject to change. Thanks to the above posts you're helping a lot.

as a semi professional photographer, I run my own Photography business, three keys to remember, lighting, composure and a creative flare will all help you capture that perfect photo, also if doing landscape remember the rule of thumb is the rule of thirds i,e if taking a photo of a snow covered tree, never put the tree in the centre of the photo, always do a lead in , draw the eye to the subject you are taking, as in the tree place this to the left of your view finder, try to look for a lead in maybe a path or a tree stump..ect. and above all try to be different look for different angles and different light sources, also you don't mention if you have or are planning on investing in a camera, if so I would recommend the cannon range, as a starter camera go for the canon 450D invest in a decent wide angle lens (just go to the canon website for a breakdown on lenses there are many to choose from) and start clicking the camera i have suggested will be a good all round starter set up, use the basic settings, then invest in a canon 450D book ( ebay is your best bet), these will teach you the more creative aspects of the camera, where you will be able to produce a more creative photograph.

good luck and have fun :)

As for software, all you really need is adobe lightroom (imo) although there are others if you fancy getting more creative with your pics..

Here's a tip... when you are ready to make the picture, get in closer. Whether it's zooming, or walking... get closer! Then, repeat the process again and make the picture. I learned that and it helps when applied. I feel it removes distracting parts of a photo that could take away from the subject. When shooting landscape, it's not always necessary to get closer. Another tip, look at the borders before you make the shot. Is everything cool? No distractions? The horizon is level? Ok, shoot!

Hope that helps.

As for apps, I purchased and have used PhotoImpact for a while and have no complaints.

If you want my advice...... forget computer apps and gadgets, they will only ever make you a good manipulator of a bad image. Get a good book like langfords basic photography as a starting point, read about the technical aspects of you particular camera, gain an understanding of light which is your absolute gold card. You say "I know that the light source should always be behind you" but this is untrue, what you need to understand is how objects and surfaces respond o light, you need to think of light as a temperature source and how objects will absorb it. understand the differnces between opaque and oblique surfaces and how they respond to light.

Once you have done that, get yourself a couple of 4/8gb memory cards and go out for the whole day, just leave your front door and walk around. look at everyday objects, look at parts of an object, a scenary, a plant, a window. think about how you would show somebody whay you saw. take photos of everything you see, try and understand why you think what you are photographing is interesting. then once you have done that, upload on your computer but dont look at them. erease your cards and go out and do the same. do this for 3 or 4 days

after that start looking through your photos. whats good? whats bad? why? (remember this will be subjective to you) how can you improve what would make that same image look better?

after that go back out and repeat the same areas again.

once you have done that get your computer apps and you can play around with levels and contrasts etc till your hearts content.

Good luck, be sure to post some pics.

If it makes any difference, i am a professional photographer, i have a Pentax K20D and use lightroom 2.3 and CS4.

Peace.

One other tip... if ya don't know what to shoot, or can't see anything to shoot... turn your clock to 4:20 and then make some photos. You may see things a little differently.

Check out http://digital-photography-school.com/ and the forum for lots of good advice/tutorials.