Hi, I'm just starting up into photography and am looking for any advice you guys can throw my way.

Heres my equipment so far:

Konica Minolta Z3 (reconditioned)
46.7 > 52mm adaptor tube
generic tripod

Filters:
Kenko 52mm UV filter
Hoya 52mm polarising filter
Hoya 52mm +2 close up filter
Hoya 52mm +4 close up filter
Hoya 52mm skylight (1B) filter
iZumar 52mm 1A filter - no idea what this one is for, was given it as freebie

All stored in a Crumpler pizza bag.

Also have a Canon powershot A40 as a backup/take anywhere camera.

Everything was bought from ebay (cutting costs where I can)

I know someones gonna say get some serious kit but i first want to test the water and see if I have any flair for photography before (or if) I start spending some serious money on an EOS or simular.

I have done some shots with my gf etc but we're both inexperienced in this field.

So, what advice can you guys send towards a budding amateur? Also, do you have any tips on creating a small set up studio / lighting set? Am already in the process of making my own backdrops using white muslin and fabric dyes (gonna finish this weekend).

Thanks in advance
Anthony

Hi Anthony!

I can say little on your gear but sound you got what need...camera and some filter.  We all started here and went further later on.  I see some picture in a gallery made by others with a very simple camera and they achive beautiful shots. Perhaps would use a different bag just for better keeping all your gear. Tread running now about different bags , check it out it might help.
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2686159

On a lightbox here is a link how can you get away with it on a cheap.
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2683710

Send some picture so we can actually see if you need any guide.....good luck!

seeya  Tunde

Hi Anthony,
We all start from somewhere. All i can say is shoot shoot and shoot. Practice makes perfect.
As for lighting gear i just bought myself a MASSIVE 48"&24" Studio Cube Photo Light Tent & LIGHTING
Hope this works and i will let you know. I started off with bedside lamps and coloured laminated craftwood. So this new tent and lighting will be unbelievable.

As for camera i started with a small digital and worked my way upwards. Best buy was my canon Eos300D. Then i got 20D and the other week got my new toy the Canon5D. As i get work it pays off what i buy and upgrade to.

Takecare
Chris

Thanks guys, to add to my collection the postie brought me a new 50cm soft box with 4 colour backdrops and a white round diffuser/reflector.

Thanks for the link Dianthus, it looks like a great setup, but at the moment i'm trying to work within a strict budget.

Mind you, any advice anyone can give on cheap lighting setups will be greatly appreciated. At the moment i'm using 2 x 20w halogen multi-positionable  desk lamps. but would like something better as/if i get better.

I'll work on some shots over the weekend to show my lack of prowess. :p

That soft box should come in handy, I know mine does. Nothing to add, except get shooting! ;'] Enjoy.

Attached Link: Studio setup for under $80

Hope that helps

oh and that is good advice - shoot shoot and shoot... check out any of the member's galleries which you like and then look back at the first upload they put up. 90% of the time you can see where they came from (the other 10% are people who had already passed the "amateur" stage before uploading stuff on here)

just use what you got and go for it. I had the same camera for years. Not much but then my brother give me his 35 mmm film camera that is 30 years old. i learning to shot eith it. 
Know nothing of softboxes. I saw a light box 6 feet x 8 feet and still do not know what it is lol
my studio is a five gallon paint pan i set my UV lighting and neon paint on to shoot. I got nothing really. No money all was given to me. So I use what I have and go for it. It just a hobby for me.