It’s a fantastically exciting time when you get your hands on your first DSLR – I remember when I got mine last Christmas (as a little treat to myself): my Canon 500D was like my new little baby, taking it with me wherever I went.
A shot I took on the 1st day I got my Digital SLR. I clearly had - and still have - a lot to learn!
Although I was thrilled with my purchase – and still am, by the way – I soon came to desire a little bit more – not just in equipment terms, but also photography skill and know-how. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d share what you what I think are worthwhile next steps for the budding new DSLR owner:
Devour Photography Books and Guides
The first place to to start is by learning as much as you can, and, chances are, that if you’re reading this, you’re really up for that anyway.
Although you can of course learn lots by getting out there, using your camera and taking as many shots as you can, I heartily believe that by getting a few books, or by utilising some of the fantastic free photography guides available on the ‘net, then your photographic skills and confidence will improve no end.
Free Web Photography Websites I Recommend
The internet is full of fantastic guides and tutorials, and, while I write some ‘How To Guides’ as well, the following sites are a great place to boost your knowledge:
- Lightstalking (also on twitter)
- Digital Photography School (twitter)
- Photocritic (twitter)
- Photoradar (twitter)
- PhotoTuts (twitter)
Specific Tutorials I Recommend
Regularly visiting those sites above will ensure you have a wealth of tips to get through, but I thought I’d also share some specific guides/posts that I’ve found particularly helpful:
- 12 Audacious and Creative Portrait Ideas (from Lightstalking)
- Visualising Studio Lighting (from Photocritic)
- Finding Fresh Angles To Shoot From In Photography (from PictureCorrect)
- 8 Ways To Unleash The Creative Photographer In You (from PhotoTuts)
- How To Shoot Group Photos (from The Discerning Photographer)
- Simple On-Location Lighting Techniques (from Niel Van Niekerk Photography)
Carry on to part 2 to read about the photography books I’ve learnt loads from and more —>
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Wonderful post. I’m thinking of getting a new DSLR next week and I am thinking between Canon 500d and Nikon D5000. I’ll definitely follow your tips when I get my first DSLR camera.
Thank you so much for your site and your great posts!
I’ve had a film SLR before and it broke and now I’m going forth into the digital age. I’m very interested in learning all the basics and more with my new camera and this site has been and will continue to be invaluable to me. Thank you again!
Hi Dimitri. Thanks very much for your kind words about the site, I’m really glad you’re finding it useful!