Getting started with a DSLR

[Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot]

I was wondering if anyone here had photography as a hobby and wouldn’t mind sharing how they got started/any good resources for learning?

I am really keen to become a better photographer but I feel so overwhelmed when I think about getting started. I currently have a Nikon D3500 and a bit of motivation….so any tips?

YouTube is a great resource. Also loads of Nikon user Facebook groups as well.

I'd recommend considering a trial or subscription to Adobe lightroom as this wiøl be a total game changer on order to edit your photos properly.

Set it in manual mode, (keep ISO in auto if that's easier). Have fun!

Macro can be really fun (close up).

You might want to get lots of different lenses and the Olympus zuiko manual focus ones from the 80s/90s are really good. You should be able to use them with an adapter.

Do you have the software to develop RAW files and know how to use it?

Do you know what aperture, shutter speed and focal length do?

Those two things are important for DSLR IMO.

Then general photography things like framing tips etc.

I would do a beginner's photography course. There used to be one that ran on Reddit every year, I wonder if it is still going (I will go and have a look). I did it one year and it was really good even though I had some basic knowledge from a photography module on a graphics course from years ago.

OK, it looks like it's expanded a bit and they now have a discord (which is fun, worth joining for this kind of thing) and the actual lessons will begin on Jan 1st again.

The info is here:
https://www.thefocalpointhub.com/photo-class

I don't think Lightroom is essential - the Nikon RAW processing software is decent enough.

Don't feel you need to buy lenses. If there's a camera shop near you, see if they do rentals. If there isn't, then Wex do rentals by post.

rental.wexphotovideo.com/

I highly recommend doing the Masterclass by Mike Brown. He’s a fantastic teacher, made a lot really click for me (pun not intended).

Oh and join She Clicks on Facebook and come to a meet up

Exciting! I'm a professional photographer, and when I was first starting to learn as a hobby I found the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson to be an absolute game changer. It explains everything you need to know so clearly and in a really interesting, motivational way. Out of interest, what type of photography are you most interested in?

That’s what I don’t really know! I guess I would just like to take nice photographs in general and to learn to use the kit I currently have. I feel a bit ‘all the gear, no idea at the moment’. I will definitely check out the book you recommended.

There has been some great suggestions on this thread so far, and I’m reading with interest. I quite like the idea of a meet up that some one suggested as I feel like a bit of community might be helpful to me to stay accountable to actually learn rather than get overwhelmed and give up.

@Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot there's no need to decide yet, or ever! I was just wondering in case I could give you any more specific recommendations 😊 That book I recommended is great as it applies to any type of photography - it will give you a great all-round foundation. What lenses do you have?

I found Emma Davies A Year With My Camera really good for pacing and skill building.. worth a look

Currently I have a18-55mm, a 70-300mm which I used in Kenya a few years ago and got some nice snaps of the wildlife and a 18-200mm which I could borrow from my husband if necessary.

@Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot that's a fantastic range of focal lengths you've got there 👍 If you get chance at any point, I would highly recommend adding a prime lens as well, eg Nikon f1.8 50mm, and then between those lenses you'll be covered for pretty much anything you want to do. You can pick up that lens really pretty cheap on eBay, and it will get you a lovely shallow depth of field effect (in other words - nice blurry backgrounds!).

Sorry to hijack an oldish thread but if is there a particular camera recommended for taking pictures of landscapes, trees, close ups of plants/bark?
And then laptop?
Thank you!

Get a yearly membership for your nearest zoo/wildlife park. There are always photographers hanging round there, you'll get to know people. They'll probably also have their own photography FB group you can join.
RSPB reserves are great too.
If you're in Kent, Howletts and Port Lympne have great, friendly groups with lots of expertise (and both have beautiful buildings and landscape if the animals aren't your thing).