An unusual request?

I recently retired and now vow to devote more time to develop and improve my photography which I have been neglecting since acquiring a K5iis quite sometime ago.

My brief is a simple one: to have someone spending a few hours with me (as a 'one-off') to offer guidance, share 'tips & tricks', helping me to familiarise with the camera and generally showing how I could do things better! May I add that I do use and refer to my manual from time to time. Not an exciting thought!

I have ruled out (a) personal tuition on ground of cost (b) courses (impersonal and not suited for my specific needs) and (c) local camera clubs as they are very likely dominated by 'Canikons" users.

I want the session to be a very informal, relaxed and fun affair!

Am willing to travel within 50 miles radius of Lincoln or to London where my son lives for the meet.

As a 'thank you', you'll be treated for a (decent) meal and a contribution to your favourite charity.😊

Please PM me if you need further info and/or think you can help me.

Thank you for looking in.
JC

Don't rule out local camera clubs. 100th at f8 is the same, no matter what brand of camera people are using. There'll be Sony users no doubt, Leica/Panasonic etc etc. It really won't be an issue - if it is you know what to do! At one time Pentax would have been the most popular brand but that didn't stop other brand users from going along.

The odd casual half day as you suggest would get you nowhere.

The other option may be the quick start videos/DVDs?

They were surprisingly good for me to cement my understanding of what the different bracketing and autofocus a modes were actually asked on etc.

What I did

a) joined this forum, asked question and posted images.

b) joined my local camera club.

c) look in magazine for inspiration, also a good source of help.

d) try to get out and take photos.

Don't think I've ever had a question go unanswered so you are in the right place

Jean-Claud I have sent you a PM

Thank you, guys, for all your comments gracefully taken on board.

I guess part of my difficulty is being a somewhat timid person and lacking in (photographic) self-confidence!

Thank you, Gareth, for your response. PM replied to.

Jean-Claud you are welcome. I will give you a bell tomorrow afternoon and we can have a chat and arrange something.

Regards

Fletcher8 (aka Gareth)

Thank you, Gareth. I look forward to your call.

JC