USEFUL PHOTOGRAPHY LINKS & INFORMATION
Books / Magazines
'Teach Yourself' Photography - Lee Frost
One of the first books on ohotography that I bought (on sale!). Step by step instructions on what everything means and how to use all the settings. It is aimed more at film cameras but the same principles can be followed with digital slr's. This book is generall a good read anyway with or without your camera nearby. Gives advice on what kind of camera to buy as well.
The 35mm Photographers Handbook - Julian Calder, John Garrett
Probably the best book to carry around with you at all times. It is also a very handy size and has a waterproof cover and glossy pages. The book has been revised over and over again and this 2009 edition has an extra section added to it to accommodate dslr's. Excellent advice on lens use, what settings to put your camera on to get the perfect shot. Also very good illustrations too. Highly recommended. Even if you could find yourself a second hand one on ebay, get it, the same principles apply to all cameras. Remember it's up to you to compose and find an interesting subject. All the camera does is take the picture! This book is invaluable to any photographer at any level.
Dummies Guide - Digital SLR Cameras & Photography - David D. Busch
Haha! Need I say more? The book shop was having a 'March Dummies Guide Sale' so I got this for 20% off. Picked this up before I purchased a dslr. Very good read. Back to basics. No big words to complicate things. This book reads easily with hundreds of pictures, examples of what to do and what not to do, good and bad results. How to choose a camera, and it is also not biast towards particular brands. Plus it is in full colour as stated on the front cover. I refer to it all the time.
SLR Photographers Handbook - Carl Shipman
I bought this book on ebay a couple of years ago. I wanted a book that was written in the same era as my 70's Pentax K1000. The pages are a bit yellow from age but it still has color pics and loads of examples and advice. It was easy to follow becasue it refers mainly to fully manual cameras (and abit of auto), lenses, and how to take pictures in general. It appears to be directed at the slightly more advanced photographer but overall an interesting book. Was very helpful to me, particularly when using my old camera. Was nice to read information about 'inserting film' and ' winding back the film' or 'advancing to the next shot' etc. Felt like I was in the 70's reading a new book with my new camera!
PhotoPlus Magazine (UK) - For Canon Users
I definately favour the UK magazines over any others as they are more helpful to me, this goes for my cycling magazines too. Other mags are too full of lingo and jargon that is not understood by beginners and scares off most beginner ot amateur photographers. These magazines are basic with information that has enough in there for you to know about how to use your camera and how to take good pictures. Thats it. There is also good product reviews and friendly advice. My favourite articles are where an amateur is sent out with a professional for the day for a master class. There is so much information in each issue on how to use your camera to produce the best results. It also gives you lessons, tips and tricks and also includes a free dvd with a wealth of information attached to every issue. No question is too stupid with this magazine. An excellent read for beginners through to professionals.
Asahi Pentax K1000 Users Manual
My K1000 SE didn't come with a manual but I managed to download one from the internet off this site. www.orphancameras.com This site has loads of information and manuals on various types of older model cameras.
Canon EOS 20D & 550D Manuals
Don't leave home without them! This should be carried in your camera bag at all times. You never know when you may need it. I keep them with each of the cameras in their respective bags.
Web Links
http://www.kenrockwell.com/ - excellent site created by a very generous and helpful guy, highly recommended. Absolutely everything you need to know about photography and equipment is here! I found information on both my Canons and lenses here. If you find his information helpful, then please donate a small fee to him. He definately deserves it for his hard work!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoNC3pOmA0 - review of the Lowepro Fastpack series of bags.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAsowKXIeYY - this is a video of a photographer that uses the Lowepro Fastpack 100 as a 2 camera bag. She also gives a quick review of the backpack.
http://www.tomevangelidis.com.au/ - I met this guy when I sold him a camera bag on ebay. He gave me a copy of his book 'Facade'. Very inspiring work. Highly recommended photographer. His book is amazing!
www.orphancameras.com - camera manuals for older slrs.
http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/archives/cameras/000217.html - Pentax K1000 review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACz-1w4tkXs Introduction to Photography using a fully mechanical manual slr camera, in this case, a Pentax K1000! Very good video and very helpful.
http://www.dpreview.com/ - very thorough reviews of the latest cameras & equipment.
http://www.photosig.com - this site is excellent. It allows you to search for photos by camera, lens type, brand, title, subject etc. You can upload your own photos and get feedback on them from professionals and anybody else that has a genuine interest in photography. The best part about this site is that for every picture, it tells you exactly what settings to put your camera on to get that effect. Film or digital and for cameras of all ages. Also the cameras range from basic point and shoot right through to the higher end dslr's. A brilliant site to learn from. I have uploaded a couple of photos myself from my Pentax here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoNC3pOmA0 - review of the Lowepro Fastpack series of bags.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAsowKXIeYY - this is a video of a photographer that uses the Lowepro Fastpack 100 as a 2 camera bag. She also gives a quick review of the backpack.
http://www.tomevangelidis.com.au/ - I met this guy when I sold him a camera bag on ebay. He gave me a copy of his book 'Facade'. Very inspiring work. Highly recommended photographer. His book is amazing!
www.orphancameras.com - camera manuals for older slrs.
http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/archives/cameras/000217.html - Pentax K1000 review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACz-1w4tkXs Introduction to Photography using a fully mechanical manual slr camera, in this case, a Pentax K1000! Very good video and very helpful.
http://www.dpreview.com/ - very thorough reviews of the latest cameras & equipment.
http://www.photosig.com - this site is excellent. It allows you to search for photos by camera, lens type, brand, title, subject etc. You can upload your own photos and get feedback on them from professionals and anybody else that has a genuine interest in photography. The best part about this site is that for every picture, it tells you exactly what settings to put your camera on to get that effect. Film or digital and for cameras of all ages. Also the cameras range from basic point and shoot right through to the higher end dslr's. A brilliant site to learn from. I have uploaded a couple of photos myself from my Pentax here.