What a beginner should ask Father Christmas for???

[Big Worm 1]

Ok, so Xmas will be here before we know it, and I've already got the OH and other family members asking me what I want. Rather than opt for something pointless that I don't really want or won't use, I figure something to do with my new camera would be a good idea.

So far i have a Canon 550D with 18-55mm kit lens, a 55-250mm f/4-5.6 lens, a 50mm f/1.8 lens, a bag, a UV filter, and a few books and video tutorials.

As I am an absolute novice, what would anyone recommend?? A photography course of some kind? A tripod? An external flash? A spare battery? A spare SD card? I think the last two go without saying!

All suggestions gratefully received!

Thanks!

[RobDickinson]

Finding any limits with your current gear?

Gear wise..

Tripod for landscapes, cable release, ND grad filters.

General? Fast prime (50/1.8) or a flash ( 430, nissin di866, some wireless triggers or whatever).

Books are OK but not a huge fan.

Lightroom? PT gui?

[Stiglet80]

Gorilla pod! Good present price and I love mine, comes everywhere with me.

[Big Worm 1]

No i've no limits as of yet, but then again i've only just started using it.

I guess what i'm asking is, if there was a kind of standard list of things any beginner should have, what would it be? I've got the camera, a couple of lenses and a bag. What else should i have?

[RobDickinson]

What do you (like to) shoot? No good us recommending a 400/2.8L if you shoot bugs or portraits!

[Big Worm 1]

Landscapes, wildlife, and family photos mainly.

[tenex]

I got a similar basic kit last Christmas as a complete novice.
My first really useful addition was a polarising filter.
Great for landscapes and wont break the bank.

[Gad-Westy]

About this time last year, I was in a similar boat. There are three things that benefited me most at that time. Firstly a book called 'understanding exposure'. Depends on your preferred learning style as to whether a book will help but either way understanding the exposure triangle is absolutely crucial.

A tripod opens up a whole new world of photography. Depends what you're into but I love night photography, long exposures, light trails etc... You can't really do much of this without a tripod. Red Snapper are a brand worth looking at if you want quality on a budget.

And lastly, I got a camera rucksack which meant that all of a sudden I was able to take the camera anywhere in comfort. I'd recommend one with a compartment for non photo gear so that you can take waterproofs or sandwiches or whatever without having to carry two bags.

Edited by Gad-Westy on Tuesday 1st November 10:58

[markmullen]

An off the wall suggestion here but some tuition.

All the kit in the world won't help if you don't know how to get the best from it.

I'm a landscape photographer mainly and have just been on the Joe Cornish workshop, for £250 I got far more out of it that I would have got from £250 of extra gear.

There are courses for every style of photography, if you're a beginner why not do a college photography course in the evenings, your relatives could pay the fees.

[unclepockets]

I would suggest replacing that 18-55 if thats the standard kit lens that came with it, I find them a bit rubbish if I'm honest and you will notice a difference if you replace it with a better Canon lens.

Other than that depending on budget you could go for a tripod or polariser filter.

[gingerpaul]

If you don't know how the settings on your camera relate to the images you will create then I would suggest this book.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Exposure-Pho...

[PGD5]

When your taking photos, what do You find is the weakest link in getting the results You want from the image?

Once you see what that is you can upgrade your gear to overcome the issue.