Getting more involved

[AlistairC]

Hi everyone,

I am 16 and from Sydney wanting to get more involved in photography with my new camera. I have always enjoyed photography, although I am looking for more places to go and take photos in and around Sydney.

Basically my question is.... what is the best way to get involved? Are there any good camera clubs I should join? I am mainly interested in landscape and nature photography but all aspects take my fancy.

All help is appreciated,

Thanks
Alistair

[georgie]

Welcome,

I hardly feel "qualified" to talk on behalf of the forum with my junior involvement aswell but you have come to right place. I can't speak for Sydney (because I am from God's country ) but the forum originated in Sydney and thus have very good meetings, workshops and outings which I am sure you will find useful.

[Geoff]

Welcome aboard Alistair - you will find this forum a place of fun, laughter, friendships and great information regarding digital SLR photography. Have a look in the FAQ area to find out more (if you haven't already) about the forum, which as Georgie said orginated here in Sydney but now has members world-wide, a lot of these whom meet on a regular basis to share their passion for photography. What type of camera do you own? If you hang about here for a while you will soon see that we arrange meets and have lots of fun when we do so. Again, welcome and we look forward to seeing some of your images for critique

[AlistairC]

Thanks georgie and Geoff for your replies.

Being only 16 I have limited gear to use.

I have predominately shot film for the last 5-6 years on my dads old Nikon F3 HP viewer. This taught me the basics of photography and still takes a great photo.

However I just have bought Nikon D50 Kit with an 80-300 lens (cheap lenses I know). I am considering buying a 50mm prime lens (1. to go on my D50 as well. Just waiting to test it at PIW.

In terms of what you suggested about meets, it sounds like a great idea. The meets (from what I have seen) are basically what I am looking for. Do I have to have a certain number of posts to participate in meets?

Thanks
Alistair

[avkomp]

hi alistair and welcome to the forums.

this place has plenty of useful info as well as meetings and outings etc.

apart from going to these and reading the info, you can post shots for critique. nothing like learning by your mistakes to improve rapidly.

Steve

[blacknstormy]

Welcome Alistair
You'll find so much information here, and fantastic and supportive photography addicts There are a lot of nature photographers in here, as well as all other disciplines - you may find yourself experimenting in other 'facets' of photography .... it is a great way to learn and grow.
Would love to see some of your shots ....
Rel

[radar]

Welcome Allistair,

you have come to the right place for getting more involved.

As others have mentioned, you will find lots of help on these forums.

There are also plenty of local camera clubs. Have a look at the "Federation of Camera Clubs"
http://www.photographynsw.org.au/index.html

and go to the "Club Finder" link to find a club near you. The club will probably give you a more formal environment while here you will find it easy to just ask any question and someone usually is able to help.

Cheers,


André

[MHD]

You are posting at the best club now

Good move on the 50/1.8 btw... best bang for the buck lens out there

Get along to a minimeet or workshop in sydney some time.. Have a lust after some of the gear and learn stuff!

Read the articles on this site and get involved in the challenges!

[moggy]

Welcome to the club Alistair, as others have said it's a great forum to belong to.

Bob.

.

[NikonUser]

Welcome to the forum and sorry about your wallet

The best way I've found to improve your photography is to post pictures, put on your thick skin and listen very carefully to what the other forum members say about your photos.

If you're into nature photography then you'll probably end up like me and your 50mm will turn into you wanting a 500mm very quickly

Paul

[Dug]

Welcome Alistair I started working in photography when I was your age (The F3 had not been built then )

My recommendation remains the same TAKE PHOTOS!

Hang out here get feedback listen talk discuss read anything and everything you can about photography but most important get out and do it.

I am not a great fan of camera clubs I find they tend to stifle individual style but that is only my personal view I know lots of people who enjoy clubs.

This forum is one of the best around and the information sharing is really good. I hope to be getting new information and ideas from you soon

cheers keep shooting


doug

[big pix]

Welcome Allistair, enjoy your time here, as others have pointed out, you have landed at the best forum, and some of the members have a lifetime of experience.........

[byrt_001]

hi alastair

welcome, feel free to ask questions, nothing is too dumb. i used to shoot a lot of film and develop and print my own work.

take care

christian

[mudder]

G'day Alistair,

Welcome matey...

Post heaps and ask heaps, there's always someone who's into what-ever you're interested in. This is a great place to hang around, always constructive feedback from other members...

Looking forward to some pics of your interests...

[AlistairC]

Thanks everyone for the kind welcome.

I am really starting to enjoy the forum as there are many knowledgeable people around to learn from so it will enable me to improve. I posted my first images for review today and received a quick response from greencardigan which was pleasantly surprising.

Thanks once again,

Alistair

[Grev]

Yeah, welcome young one. I thought I was one of the young ones here until you said you're 16.

Enjoy photography!