Before we delve headlong into camera operations and controls, I’d like to spend a moment looking at the person behind the camera - The Photographer. Because once you get the camera essentials down pat (aperture, shutter speed, focus, white balance, etc), the one and only thing that will set your photographs apart from the crowd is You. Or more specifically, the decisions you make when you are holding the camera.

Now, with proper guidance, the camera will do its part (cameras have been holding up their end of the bargain ever since the very first pinhole Camera Obscuras of the last millennium). In fact, an image taken 100 years ago is not much different than an image taken today. The equipment has always been capable. I go so far as to assert that ultimately the camera has little to do with how good the photo turns out. It’s You who has the real say. The real influence. This can of course be borne out by the fact that in the hands of a capable photographer, the poorest of cameras can produce wondrous works of art. And conversely, the best camera on the planet can be rendered useless in the wrong hands.

In later “chapters” we’ll be going over some of the specific camera controls (like aperture, shutter speed, and focal length), and how each of those can affect the look of the shot. Composition will also be covered. Now however, I’d like to share with you the thought processes that go through My head as I fill up my memory cards with pictures, day by day and year by year.

So in keeping with the “flavor” of the first chapter...
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=14502409
... “Photography 101: The Basics,” I’ll keep things direct and simple.


Photography is about Light, Angle, and Timing.



Keep these three concepts in mind at all times, and I guarantee that your photography will improve by your very next download. I’m not going into a lot of specifics here, because it’s not necessary. You will work them out, and the manner in which you implement them will be what gives your images their individuality.

I think about these three constantly as I shoot. Where’s the best light? When’s the best light? Can I create my own light? What’s the best angle? Do I get down in the dirt? Do I climb onto a building? Do I stick the camera in their face? Will they smile when I do? Will they scream and holler? Will I be ready when the moment is upon me? Great photographers were not born great. Great photographers worked at it. Every last one of them.

The truth is that the camera will only take you to a certain level (You know which level you are at. You know which photos you’ve posted, You know where you want to be). So much of what gets posted in the forums is about The Camera. Just make sure you do yourself a favor and spend some time devoted to You – The Photographer.