I have always playd around with photography, and know mostly just from play. I have a passion to learn to take really good black and whites of people, especially indoors. I know nothing of some of the terminology that I am reading, such as metering etc. I own an automatic 35mm Olympus Camera that can also be set on manual mode ( of which I have little to no experience) What do you suggest I do or read etc. as a true beginner? Also, How can I take a picture, of lets say a very pregnant woman's belly, if I want complete black, or darkness all around her belly? In other words, I just want the picture to be of the light shinning on her belly...no shadows? Thanks for your time, Michele

-- Michele Barger (MIKIBARG@AOL.com), July 29, 1999

Answers

You might see what photography textbooks are stocked in your local library or bookshop. I like "Basic Photography" and "Advanced Photography" by M.J. Langford.

The classic books are "The Camera", "The Negative" and "The Print" by Ansel Adams, which together contain an awful lot of wonderful information. However, don't be daunted by the detail just yet, and be aware that materials have changed since his day.

Regarding your specific problem: it sounds as if you want a single light source. Put your subject against a dark background (ideally a black sheet, in a black room), with a single small light source (such as a small window, or a spotlight). Arrange your subject, and the light, until you find what you are looking for.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), July 30, 1999.

As an addition to Alan's excellent answer to your question let me say that Adam's books should be re-read several times over a long time as your understanding increases. Also, don't get distracted by equipment. Any competent camera is good enough. The best thing to do is get a pad of paper and a pencil, as much film as you can afford and notate everything you photograph. Do something photographic every day.

-- chuck k (kleesattel@webtv.com), July 31, 1999.

Beginner needing advice

Although Ansel Adams books are excellent reading I would not recommend them to a complete novice. There are so many books out there on very basic photography that I think an afternoon at the library would probably answer most of the basic questions. I would also consider taking a basic photography course where the instructor can demonstrate how to use the manual mode in person. Many community and recreation centers offer these courses for a decent price. Good luck.

-- Andy Laycock (agl@intergate.bc.ca), August 01, 1999.

Michelle: Check out the book "Photography and the Art of Seeing by Freeman Patterson. Amazon or your library may have this inspirational book by a very creative photographer. Even those of us whose jobs are to be "creative" need a jolt and this book has belped me.

-- d haug (dphpah@uswest.net), August 04, 1999.

You will learn more in one semester and have more fun at a local community college course that trying to teach yourself. B&W is something that takes time and dedication and study.. It's just so much more fun at a local college with other novices and an instructor.

-- Peter Thoshinsky (camerabug1@msn.com), August 14, 1999.

Michele, get a book so that you can approach the subject material in an organized way and be able to refer back to it.

Here's a nice introductory book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1880559234/ref=sim_books/002-25 49938-8493232

-- August Depner (apdepner@uswest.net), August 28, 1999.

Hi Michelle

Freeman Patterson has one of the most readable series around. The book mentioned in the reply 3 above (Photography and the Art of Seeing) is a wonderful book on compositional techniques. However, if you don't yet understand how metering works, I suggest Patterson's Photography for the Joy Of It. In this book he clearly explains basic techniques, with wonderful examples and a terrific attitude towards photography, art, and life in general.

-- Asher Schachter (schachter@a1.tch.harvard.edu), August 28, 1999.