New to DSLR, and a little frustrated

[cleaf]

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control some of the background, while still concentrating on the main subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard (no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note the settings and experiment from there? I think I am learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also. Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

 

[JuSh80]

Start with the P or go back to it but make sure you glance at each shot on what settings P chose to use. now you only got 2 things, iso and looking at the settings for tips.

Iso is something i forget everynow and then especially when that kodak modent happens really quick.

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there? I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

--
PORTFOLIO SITE: http://kaizenbiz.com/jush ***

 

[Doug Kerr]

Karen,

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single.

We all do that. The more experience we have, the better we are at covering it up! "That was wonderful, Monique - just hold your marks for a minute while I take another for the European market" (discreetly turning the flash back on).

I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there?

Probably. Using P mode is nothing to be ashamed of - it brings us useful and powerful tools for which we have paid a lot of money. Don't think that moving away from P mode is some kind of accomplishment in its own right. I can tell the transmission in my VW Passat to let me shift it, buit I never do.

I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

I hope it arrives here any day!

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Phil Wheeler]

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I mostly shoot in P mode and change the ISO at times. Eventually I will play with the other modes, but I'm very happy with my DR (and have been from day one some six months ago) and never frustrated!

Phil

 

[Simon Courcha]

I've been into photography for about 15 months now, and I've had my 300D for just over 5 of those months.

To be honest, I've never had an 'aha' moment with regards to understanding the relationships between the various camera settings. I understood the basics of the relationships very quickly. How to actually utilise that understanding creatively to get good photos... well, that can take a lifetime!

What advice can I give?

Firstly, photography is about photos - a camera is just a tool. What sort of photos do you want to take? What sort of photography inspires you? There's a great deal of photography on the web. Take a look, broaden your photographic outlook in terms of your understanding of what's possible and what people are doing and have done. As you do this you may start to understand what pictures you'd like to take. It may be something quite specific - birds for example or contemporary architecture. It might be something broader such as landscape or sports. And within that area there may be certain approaches that you'd like to emulate.

When you have an idea about what you're interested in you can then focus on specifically how to achieve it. Having a specific 'goal' will give your learning focus. There may actually be several areas of photography that interest you - that doesn't matter - what I'm really advocating is to give your self a little bit of structure and direction as opposed to randomly snapping whatever subject matter crosses your path.

With camera settings, remembering how they work in relationship with each other comes more easily when you have a specific purpose in mind. If you concentrate on taking portraits you'll soon appreciate how to use a appropriate depth of field to best effect and how to achieve it. Concentrate on wildlife and you'll soon understand the relationship between focal length, shutter speed and camera shake.

In terms of composition, 99% of beginners start off by standing straight in front of their subject, putting it fairly centrally in the frame and snapping the shot. Get you of this habit. Force yourself not to do it. Think about different angles and perspectives. Perhaps get up close and capture an aspect of the subject rather than the whole thing. How does the subject relate to its environment? Does it have a relationship with other subject matter nearby and is there a perspective that will show this? And then of course there's light. Light makes a huge difference. The colour, the intensity, the angle. Sometimes, an otherwise dull subject will come alive when a particular type of light hits it.

I hope these ramblings have been helpful. If you want to ask specific questions about camera settings and how they affect results I'd be happy to try and help.

Keep trying, and don't forget to enjoy yourself!

Simon C
http://www.eyematter.com

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there? I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

 

[cleaf]

Doug,

'Monique!' will become the mantra when the senior moments take over (More frequently these days, sad to say).

Simon,

These are excellent ideas and along the lines of what I had been trying to about; structure and discipline are what I think I am lacking to get a firm grip on this-and I think it's because I am having so much fun that I forget what I am trying to accomplish.

Thank you!

Karen

 

[icmp]

=D I know the feeling all too well of forgetting about ISO.. usually, due to playing with the camera in the house at night and neglecting to reset everything before I power down. Next day, power it up and forget to check the settings.. and snap a few shots before realizine that "hmm.. why is my shutter speed at 1/2000 in the shade?!? d'oh!"

I can hear my mom's voice echoing from the past telling me to pick up and put away my toys when I'm finished so they'll be ready when I wanted to use them again. Who knew that her wisdom would transcend the ages and applying to a Digital SLR?!? ;-D

icmp

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there? I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

 

[Bruce Hamilton]

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I'm travelling the same road, and may still be a little ahead. There is a huge amount of helpful information in this forum, but it's diffuse.

I find that I can't easily learn from examining the technique of my own photos, so I've resorted to more formal processes.

1. Free sources of structured information from the WWW that I use are:-

Canon's digital photoworkshop tutorials.
http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/lessons_1-5.html

Agfa photo courses
http://www.agfanet.com/en/cafe/photocourse/cont_index.php3

Adorama Academy
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=Academy_front

Luminous Landscape tutorials, eg
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/

Norman Koren tutorials on photography
http://www.normankoren.com/#Tutorials

There are more specialist techical sites on topics such as landscape, nature, birds etc.

There are also commerial courses, but i have no experience of them, eg
http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp

2. Went to the public library and borrowed a book on SLR photography. Most books, even old film ones, cover the relationships between light and camera settings.

3. Enrolled in an evening class " Introduction to SLR photography " at a local school. ( 2 hours/week for 4 weeks ) which quickly covered all the basics, and provided critiques of my errors, and misunderstandings.

To date - that has been the most effective form of interactive lessons for me, as the systematic relationships between light, aperture, and shutter speed were covered. If you can't access such a course, you could join a local photography club - many apparently still exist.

4. One New Zealand owner of a 300D created a mailing list of local dpreview responders, and those who responded have set up a monthly challenge where we submit photos on a topic and comment on each others images. That's easier than trying to critique my own images, and I have to learn what to look for in photos.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

For me, that's not going to happen. What I'm seeing is a gradual increase in the percentage and quality of "keepers" ( those keepers from Oct. are now discards ).

It's a never-ending road for me, once I understand the camera, I have to learn how to manipulate the image in Photoshop or similar. I just hope that the quality and number of keepers improves with effort so that others will willingly view them, and no longer be under duress.

Bruce Hamilton

 

[AltaChinook]

Add to forgetting to change the ISO forgetting to put in the CF card before going out.

I've just returned from a walk along the beach here in Parksville B.C. Canada where I am currently on vacation. While out we saw three Bald Eagles sitting in a tree. I thought I had some super shots of these three but when I went to review them the camera had the nerve to tell me "No CF card" you can imagine my disappointment. Oh well there is always tomorrow.
I did manage this shot of two eagles the other day.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
1/160 sec, f/11 275mm



Cheers
Steve
--
http://www.pbase.com/hangman/galleries

 

[nubui]

It definitely can be overwhelming in the beginning. Go P mode, the cam's doing an amazingly good job with exposure, and you can concentrate more on composition instead of technology.

My two simple all-time rules are a) check ISO and b) wrap that camera strap around your wrist whenever you pick up the cam (saved its life a couple of times this way)

Other than that, make sure you take a deper look into image composition - no matter how technically perfect your images may be, they're nothing when not composed well. Great starting point here:
ttp: www.seittipaja.fi/data/Photography_lessons/a_Photography_lessons.html

Not only will it give you some great information with regards to composition, but it'll also let you in some post processing secrets

Most important: never give up!

--



My Photography: http://nubui.com/gallery/newcam

New 300D users, please read the 300D FAQ first! Chances are that your questions have already been answered: http://www.marius.org/cgi-bin/fom?file=68

 

[bio-haz]

I think many of your pictures are quite nice. Maybe just focus on learning some PS skills. Not that mine are great but I took one of your pictures that appeared kind of blown out and PSed it a bit. See what you think

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there? I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

 

[cleaf]

ICMP,

The guy who wrote about everything he needed, he learned in kindrgarden wasn't too far from the truth. I can't recall if he mentioned remembering those things, however.

Bruce,

That is a fabulous compilation of resources. I have been to some of them but I'm bookmarking your list. I have been in contact with an adult ed class for SLR but I'm not sure if it's limited to film users only. I may just show up for the class with empty film canisters and hide the LCD. I have tried (somewhat unsucessfully) to refrain from bombarding the family, friends, co-workers with results of my enthusiasm; if they would just be a little more harsh it might be easier.

Steve,

A great Eagle shot. While I appreciate the effort it takes to photograph flying birds, my own preference is to see them at rest in their natural habitat. I hope to be able to photograph osprey this summer.

Nubui,

I've got the wrist thing down pretty well. The ISO, program mode, CF card things are taking a little longer. Also, Thank you for that link. I've got some reading to do!

Bio,

I'd like very much to see your impovements but I am getting a username and password message.
Can you post here or tell me how to get in? I appreciate your time on this.

Karen

 

[bio-haz]

Sorry bout that, let me know if this worls

http://68.48.236.203/WebApplication1/default.aspx

ICMP,
The guy who wrote about everything he needed, he learned in
kindrgarden wasn't too far from the truth. I can't recall if he
mentioned remembering those things, however.

Bruce,
That is a fabulous compilation of resources. I have been to some of
them but I'm bookmarking your list. I have been in contact with an
adult ed class for SLR but I'm not sure if it's limited to film
users only. I may just show up for the class with empty film
canisters and hide the LCD. I have tried (somewhat unsucessfully)
to refrain from bombarding the family, friends, co-workers with
results of my enthusiasm; if they would just be a little more harsh
it might be easier.

Steve,
A great Eagle shot. While I appreciate the effort it takes to
photograph flying birds, my own preference is to see them at rest
in their natural habitat. I hope to be able to photograph osprey
this summer.

Nubui,
I've got the wrist thing down pretty well. The ISO, program mode,
CF card things are taking a little longer. Also, Thank you for that
link. I've got some reading to do!

Bio,
I'd like very much to see your impovements but I am getting a
username and password message.
Can you post here or tell me how to get in? I appreciate your time
on this.

Karen

 

[steve maec]

I've had the DReb for about 2 months and it's wonderfully
overhelming! And there lies the problem.

I 'think' I'm beginning to understand the function/relationship
between aperature/shutter speed, but I'm not quite there yet. At
first I was using AV because I was so excited to be able to control
some of the background, while still concentrating on the main
subject. Lately though, it seems like I'm trying to think too hard
(no blond jokes or I'll have to tell the hairdresser to go shade
darker) and things aren't working consistenly well. It just seems
like I am all over the place-forgetting to reset the ISO, cranking
up the SS (why??), 7 point focus or single. I'm just not sure if I
should take a deep breath, start at the beginning in P mode, note
the settings and experiment from there? I think I am
learning-slowly-from the 'what was I thinking' shots but it is a
little frustrating at times. Sadly lacking are the PS skills also.
Some samples, good and bad, are below.

Most of you are experienced SLR users and I would be curious if you
remember the "AHA, I've got it moment". I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for the very informative posts here.

Karen

http://www.pbase.com/kleaf

Ha at least you dont have to pay for film.On my first slr it was painful to learn and if you took a few rolls a week there went your pay check.Now that money goes for more lens.Still broke but with mre stuff.

 

[cleaf]

http://68.48.236.203/WebApplication1/default.aspx

ICMP,
The guy who wrote about everything he needed, he learned in
kindrgarden wasn't too far from the truth. I can't recall if he
mentioned remembering those things, however.

Bruce,
That is a fabulous compilation of resources. I have been to some of
them but I'm bookmarking your list. I have been in contact with an
adult ed class for SLR but I'm not sure if it's limited to film
users only. I may just show up for the class with empty film
canisters and hide the LCD. I have tried (somewhat unsucessfully)
to refrain from bombarding the family, friends, co-workers with
results of my enthusiasm; if they would just be a little more harsh
it might be easier.

Steve,
A great Eagle shot. While I appreciate the effort it takes to
photograph flying birds, my own preference is to see them at rest
in their natural habitat. I hope to be able to photograph osprey
this summer.

Nubui,
I've got the wrist thing down pretty well. The ISO, program mode,
CF card things are taking a little longer. Also, Thank you for that
link. I've got some reading to do!

Bio,
I'd like very much to see your impovements but I am getting a
username and password message.
Can you post here or tell me how to get in? I appreciate your time
on this.

Karen

 

[bio-haz]

Guess my server is broke

How bout this site

http://68.48.236.203/WebApplication1/default.aspx

ICMP,
The guy who wrote about everything he needed, he learned in
kindrgarden wasn't too far from the truth. I can't recall if he
mentioned remembering those things, however.

Bruce,
That is a fabulous compilation of resources. I have been to some of
them but I'm bookmarking your list. I have been in contact with an
adult ed class for SLR but I'm not sure if it's limited to film
users only. I may just show up for the class with empty film
canisters and hide the LCD. I have tried (somewhat unsucessfully)
to refrain from bombarding the family, friends, co-workers with
results of my enthusiasm; if they would just be a little more harsh
it might be easier.

Steve,
A great Eagle shot. While I appreciate the effort it takes to
photograph flying birds, my own preference is to see them at rest
in their natural habitat. I hope to be able to photograph osprey
this summer.

Nubui,
I've got the wrist thing down pretty well. The ISO, program mode,
CF card things are taking a little longer. Also, Thank you for that
link. I've got some reading to do!

Bio,
I'd like very much to see your impovements but I am getting a
username and password message.
Can you post here or tell me how to get in? I appreciate your time
on this.

Karen

 

[Bruce Hamilton]

Bruce,
I have been in contact with an adult ed class for SLR but
I'm not sure if it's limited to film users only.

I was the only person with a digital SLR out of 12 in mine, but the fundamentals are the same, and the tutor didn't mind my 300D at all. The only requirement was SLR with full manual, but ask if it's OK before you enroll. Note that unique digital features will probably be covered in the advanced and intermediate classes, but it's also fun to learn about the characteristics of different film stock in the beginners class.

The comments about film v digital in my class came at the end - when I printed my assignment out using my Canon i965 inkjet printer, rather than use a print shop. The whole class was impressed with the quality of the colours from a home printer - ( not my ability or the composition! ).

Bruce Hamilton

 

[cleaf]

Thanks Bio,

Actually, what you have done is restore the pic to pretty near the original. (Good job!) I had layered this and used the soft light for the blend mode, as it was the only way I could get her eyes to become less than lumps of coal. I am having some issues with calibration along with everthing else so I guess I didn't notice how light-or blown out- it was.

Thank you for taking the time to do this! I'm off to another computer to really 'see' what I am doing, at least in post!

Karen