Looking to get into photography, where do I start? What camera do I buy? What are some good websites/books?

Photography is fun hobby, Kevin. I had the advantage of learning from my father. He was a pro photographer and I start very young. So I cannot help much with books and such. I can tell you, however, that hanging with a local professional photographer is a great way to learn. Photographers in your area would most likely appreciate the help. Many carry loads of gear and could use some help in exchange for passing along some nuggets of knowledge.

You may want to check out some photo forums. A quick search on Google, Yahoo! or MSN will offer hundreds of sites dedicated. Just look for large post counts and even more replies. You can get a lot of info there.

The suggestions above have all mentioned digital cameras. (My mother has an Easy Share and it is a very decent camera) However, the best way to TRULY learn photography is using a fully manual film camera. They are cheap to buy and you have full control. It is not until you get to the higher end camera than offer full manual. If you just want to take snapshots then a point and shoot digital is perfect. To really learn get an old SLR.

The Pentax K-1000 is the ultimate beginner's camera. You can pick one up at a camera shop for under $200 with a nice lens. My first SLR was the Minolta SRT-101. It is virtually the same thing as the Pentax. Simple to use and will force you to learn. You needn't rely on batteries as they are only for the built-in meter. If the battery goes dead the camera will still work. Try that with a digital!

You also have a better variety of lenses. For just a couple hundred dollars more you can pick up some more cheap lenses. You can then experiment with telephotos and wide angle lenses. For four hundred dollars you can get something a lot better than a three hundred dollar digital point and shoot.

Granted, film does have disadvantages. The film- it's not reusable. Digital cams provide the luxury of instant results. There are no processing fees. The images are easier to share.

But any student should consider setting up a darkroom. You can find used complete darkroom sets on eBay for under two hundred dollars. You can even set it up in sections. No need to print the images. You could process the film yourself and take it to have it scanned for a few bucks. Best of both worlds!

Working in the darkroom is easier than most let on. According to your profile you seem clever enough to catch on quickly. Not too many photographers can claim they do their own processing. Plus you would have the added satisfaction of the hands on experience.

So under six hundred dollars you have a complete beginner's setup. Plus a little extra for film and chemicals. Shop around for a decent versatile digital system for under $600.

I applaud your interest in photography at a your age. I am sure you know other musicians. They LOVE to have themselves photographed! You can make quite a living from just band photography alone! Good luck, Kevin, I hope my advice- and the others above- help you!

I started with a canon powershot A560. It all depends on how serious you plan on getting into it. If you just want to take good pics of vacations, family get togethers, or your kids, a Nikon Coolpix, Sony Cybershot, Canon Powershot, Fuji, Olympus, Pnansonic, or Casio point and shoot should do you just fine.

If you think you'll be getting into it seriously at some point, find one with manual controls. You'll know you have one when it has the letters "M" "P" "Tv" and "Av" on the dial.

You can look at books and websites all you want, but the only way you will really get better is by going out every day and filling up your memory cards with shots.

ask specific questions, i would advise any camera that offers manual control so when you start learning it will do what you want it to - aviod kodak easy share......

try youtube for tutorials they have many brilliant ones, do a search and go from there, night school is another option, you will learn and meet like minded people

have fun

a

I would start with something easy such as the Kodak Easy Share. This will give you a taste of photography and an idea of what functions certain cameras can do. It will give you a basis to go from.

get the canon powershot a590 Is it has a really easy mode ..good websites you can check out is deviantart.com has really goood art work and i have one too or you can use wikipedia.