How to get started in photography/film?

I want to learn how to shoot video and also take good quality pictures (film not digital). But! I've never even held a camcorder and the only camera I've ever used were disposable ones. How would I go about learning how to work with film and photography? Also I want to do black and white film and photography. And I don't want to go to uni or any classes for it. Advice is very appreciated, thanks!|||Hello Lena:





As phrased, your question is a little vague. In addition to still photography, are you interested in film or video? The reason I ask is that although similar--shooting in traditional (movie) film is a different discipline from shooting with video.





If you don't want to go to any formal classes (at a university or other class) you can self-teach yourself through any number of books or other resources. The advantage of taking a class, let's say in photography, is that you'll have access to the class resources (like the digital darkroom or the traditional "wet darkroom").





Your biggest logistical hurdle will be getting the starting equipment. For getting started in still photography, you're going to need to get a digital or film camera. If you have your heart set on shooting film, then you can find yourself a good pre-owned 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with a good lens. Make sure that whatever camera you get, that it has a "full manual" mode.





As for getting started in film, that's a little more problematic than learning to shot video. For one thing--video equipment is pretty ubiquitous these days.





You have to decide how much of a budget you have, and how to come up with the money to fund your learning curve. You can start by doing a Yahoo! search using key words like:





"What equipment do I need to learn how to shoot film?"


"What equipment do I need to learn how to shoot video?"





From there, you can get the basic equipment list and start shopping around for new or used equipment.





Hope this helps.|||There are books, but really you have set yourself a hard task if you don't want to talk to people who are already doing it and are willing to help you. That sort of thing is very 'hands on' so you should try to learn from someone who can show you.|||1) You will HAVE TO learn about manual settings--shutter speed, aperture, ASA/ISO, etc...





2) Pick up a cheap 35mm SLR for under $50





http://www.guidetofilmphotography.com/|||You might look up museums in your area. Some of them do ofter short classes.