(NS&BR) Just got a DSLR... How the hell...

[pixy0stix]

Read the manual. For serious, that's the most important part of the camera.

[mrst2]

Check out this 12 weeks to better photos by Two Peas
www.twopeasinabucket.com/userblogpost.asp?id=51069

Does the lens have autofocus? I would use that for now. I've had my DSLR for almost 4 years and I still use autofocus.

[catsarecute]

Jul 17, 2012 16:45:56 GMT -5 mrst2 said:

Check out this 12 weeks to better photos by Two Peas
www.twopeasinabucket.com/userblogpost.asp?id=51069

Does the lens have autofocus? I would use that for now. I've had my DSLR for almost 4 years and I still use autofocus.

I second the link above. A huge help.

Also, I was really dorky and went to photography websites and typed up tips on how to take pictures of specific things. How to make the background out of focus and the foreground in focus, how to take pictures of water, etc. Then go to a park or in your backyard and practice. I spent a lot of time taking pictures of water coming out of the faucet.

There are also youtube videos that are helpful. It is really just trial and error. I've had my dslr for three years and I'm still learning how to use it but I've come a long way. It took me about a year and a half to ween myself off of auto mode.

[mrst2]

Is it clicking around trying to focus, but takes a while before it actually does? I've had that happen with my 50mm and sometimes it's because I'm too close to whatever I'm trying to take a picture of.

[FormerCityGirl]

Do you have an art center/museum with classes or even a trade school that offers continuing ed classes? They are usually reasonable and offer classes with a professional. There's also a chain business doing 2 hour lessons in major cities. The link are on my laptop and I'm not home until Friday. If you can't find anything PM me.

[lostarz]

I read an older edition of this book (I read it three times actually lol), but it's a really good book!
www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342569366&sr=8-1&keywords=understanding+exposure+books

Is the 100mm a macro lens? I have a 100mm macro lens and if I'm too close or there's not enough light, it will have a hard time finding focus.

[Deleted]

Jul 17, 2012 16:45:56 GMT -5 mrst2 said:

Check out this 12 weeks to better photos by Two Peas
www.twopeasinabucket.com/userblogpost.asp?id=51069

Does the lens have autofocus? I would use that for now. I've had my DSLR for almost 4 years and I still use autofocus.

This. But I seriously must be challenge because I still couldn't get the desired effects after reading each of the lessons. I never saw the difference that the different aperture, shutter speed, thingie was supposed to get. DH did get me a 35mm lens that helps make my pictures look better than the original kit. Although that's not saying much because my pics still have a tendency to turn out like crud. Ha.

[nessia]

I'm taking a continuing ed class at the local community college and we are reading Understanding Exposure. Definitely good book with explanations. The class is really good too so look into a class nearby if you can. Personally, the book alone wouldn't have been enough for me.

[texassmith]

What kind of camera is it? If it's a Nikon, Google "Ken Rockwell." That site rocks.

[hz80408]

I sent looking for a basics course. H and I took one (that involved wine and cheese too); it walked us through all of the basics.

Otherwise, I have a pinterest board with tutorial links too: pinterest.com/hz80408/photography/

[Deleted]

Jul 18, 2012 10:17:30 GMT -5 texassmith said:

What kind of camera is it? If it's a Nikon, Google "Ken Rockwell." That site rocks.

Yes! I have a Nikon DSLR and that site is amazing.

[hz80408]

Jul 18, 2012 10:39:07 GMT -5 cab1217 said:

We got a Canon Rebel T2i

We kind of figured out how to use it a bit better last night thanks to that website link from yesterday! YAY!

Hz, thank you for the link to the pinterest board! That is so awesome! I totally want to take a class now, and it better include cheese and wine in it!

Welcome! I bought a T3 and two of my friends have the T2i. I debated Canon vs Nikon but have been really happy my choice to go with Canon!