Photography Advice from a Beginner

By Patsy Prentice ARPS

As a relative “beginner” and new member of South Liverpool Photographic Society, I’ve been asked to share my photographic experiences over the past two years, in the hope that it may encourage others just starting out in photography.

Well, I must begin by admitting that even though I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy success at club, national and international levels, I know nothing about the technical side of operating a camera. I like to keep things simple, and to this end I use a Canon Ixus 400 digital compact camera, and keep it set on “automatic” mode. And although my images originate in the camera, most of the work is carried out in the computer.

To illustrate this point I’ve included some before and after images to show just what can be achieved with a digital compact camera and a basic knowledge of Photoshop. The “Times Square” and “USS Intrepid” pics are my most successful images to date. Between them they’ve earned acceptances in several Open Exhibitions, and been published in the RPS Journal.They have also been awarded Certificates of Merit, and in the case of “Times Square” a Ribbon and an RPS Bronze Medal. Together with the “Mounted Policewoman” image they are also part of my successful Associateship Panel, which I was awarded in March 2005, after already receiving my Licentiateship in July 2004.

(before)

(after)

For anyone interested in working towards RPS distinctions, check out the RPS website at www.rps.org or contact Tony Myers, who is the local RPS rep. His Fellowship panel, along with my and Martin Reece’s Associateship panels can be viewed on the RPS Northwest website at www.rpsnorthwest.co.uk

I have no particular specialist subject I like to photograph, but snap whatever takes my fancy. The pleasure and the challenge for me comes from getting my images into the computer and seeing what I can create. And although I like working in mono, I think that having worked in the comc book industry for several years has given me a love for strong colours. (I do tend to overdo the old hue/saturation at times).

(before)

(after)

As far as influences go, I have none save for my late father; who himself was a keen amateur photographer. However, there are two photographers whose work I admire greatly.They are Carol Tipping ARPS and Brian Beaney FRPS. Their work can be viewed at www.caroltipping.com and www.brianbeaney.com respectively.

So to sum up, the moral of the story is, for any beginners out there, or for anyone thinking of taking up photography, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on equipment to get good results. Photography is fun, so may I encourage you to get snapping. And be assured you’ll always receive a warm and friendly welcome at SLPS, where there are members far more experienced than myself to offer help and advice.

Please send any comments to Patsy