Photography Guide

The Pattaya Days Starter Guide to Photography

Version 2, September 2011

Many people buy a capable camera; and then stick it in automatic mode and just go shooting. Some of their images will be OK; but their photography could be so much better, and a load more fun, if they just learned some of the basic rules about how a camera works.

So I have produced a guide for those who want to learn these basics. What’s the difference between shutter and aperture? What’s ISO and why should you care? What are the best settings to capture a building or a bouncy child? How can I photograph fireworks? All this, and much more, is contained in the guide.

The guide is in PDF format and can be downloaded here.

Once you have read the 70+ pages of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to get the best out of your camera. How much is this worth to you? If “bugger all” is your answer, then I am sorry for wasting your time. Otherwise a donation of around $5 would help recompense for the time and effort that I put in to creating it. Thank you. [paypal-donation]

Please leave any comments and suggestions for improvement via the Contact page.

“I found your guide very useful” - A monkey

(photo from Telegraph.co.uk)

Comments 🔗

2011-04-14 | Claus Thoden says

A really very cool guide with plenty of excellent tips that only experienced photographers can give. Like “shutter time <= focal length" is so cool, i didn't know that one before. I could contribute another one, but it only rhymes in German, unfortunately: "Die Sonne lacht? Nimm Blende acht", or in English "Sun is smiling? Use aperture 8".

Critic: I absolutely refuse to learn that my Leica Summilux 50mm loses image quality at aperture 1.4. That is really just not true, believe me. Only the DoF is getting more shallow, of course, but the parts within the DoF are still sharp and crisp, all the way to the corners.

2011-04-14 | Spike says

Hi Claus, Thanks for your comments. No doubt your Leica lens is sharp wide open; but it does cost as much as car. A beginner is likely to have lesser lenses which perform better as they are stopped down.

2011-04-14 | Claus Thoden says

Hi Spike, The principle you describe if absolutely correct, of course, and I wouldn’t expect anything else from a geek like you! I especially enjoyed your practical advice at the end of your guide. Every single tip you’re giving would otherwise cost the learning photographer plenty of frustration and a ton of useless photos…

2012-02-04 | Robert says

Thanks for the guide, very nicely summarized. I will print it out and take it with me to try and remember when out for photo shooting.

Also love your sense of humor ;-)

Thanks, Rob

2012-10-11 | Alfi says

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2013-11-10 | MongerPlanet.com says

Thanks for this photography guide, I am about to read it as a budding photographer who has frequented Pattaya more times than I should have :-) What would be great in such a guide especially from a website like Pattaya Days is the best way to photograph a place like Pattaya day and night with all its activities and lighting - least of all neon.

2013-11-12 | Spike says

Tripod.

2013-12-24 | eoin says

Hi Pattaya Days,

I am a photo virgin (albeit with some ‘behind the bicycle shed fondling behind me) er.. yes I have owned some ‘instamatics’ and actually got some great photos, though I did not know what the fuk I was doing. I do however love the art… live in Pattaya… and would like to know more about how to get some great shots. Is there a photoclub or a school in this hallowed city, or am I still on my own in my learning. I am 52, old school, don’t know how to use PayPal and want to pay you 1000 THB at least for your excellent guide which I downloaded. I also will need a ‘great photographer’ for a project I have happening here in Thailand. Would you be around for a coffee?

Eoin

2014-08-28 | W says

Tried to send you $5, but the response I got was “Currently PayPal accounts in Thailand are only able to send payments. This recipient is not eligible to receive funds.”

2014-08-28 | Spike says

Strange, it used to work (I have received $20 from 6,000 downloads…). Thanks for trying anyway.

2014-09-01 | Bangkok Burt says

I also had the same issue Spike, you might want to look into it.

2014-09-19 | Digbats says

Hi Spike,

Just to let you know I downloaded your pdf which is great. I did not donate because I reckon your rolling in it, and everybody knows things found on the interweb are free ;-)

Thanks,

Paul