DSLR Help

[stacyb1983]

I have a Canon Rebel 3Ti. I've been venturing into manual mode, but it's pretty hit or miss with how my photos come out. I am not looking to become a professional photographer. I would just like to take nice pictures of my family. I've read a lot of tutorials and watched youtube videos, it's not helping much.

Have any of you taken a digital photography class? I see them all of the time on groupon. Do you have any recommendations for books or tutorials?

[water*drop]

The now-closed website Two Peas in a Bucket did a free 12-week photography challenge thing all about learning your way around your camera, and it was actually pretty helpful. This site looks like it has the old PDFs: sites.google.com/site/biowbiow002/twopeas_12week

[niq]

Try using Aperture or Shutter mode, and turn Auto ISO on. It's easier to manage because there is only one knob to turn, and it adjusts the other one. IMO manual mode is for gluttons for punishment

Ken Rockwell has some good tutorials on his website, I'll dig up a link.

You might want to try a month of Adobe Lightroom and see if you like the picture adjustments.

[redheadk]

I second the Two Peas In a Bucket tutorial and using your camera in Aperture priority or shutter priority mode. It allows you to do some of the cool stuff on the fly. I have to think too much to shoot in full manual, I don't do it often enough for it to be second nature, so Av Mode is my go-to.

[shellbear09]

I have the same camera and need to learn more to use it. I have the For Dummies book but honestly haven't read it yet. I am going to check out that tutorial too.

[rootbeerfloat]

I took a class and it helped.

[catbus]

I have a Canon 50D, and typically have mine in "P" (program) mode. I have found this is especially helpful in low-light situations. I haaaaate how flash photos look in low-light situations (especially when photographing food or people--yuck!), and program mode automatically adjusts aperture and shutter speed while allowing manual adjustment of other features.

[catbus]

But yes, a class would be helpful for you. I took photography classes in high school as electives, but then my camera was stolen soon after I graduated, so I was out of practice when I got a dSLR nearly eight years later. I remember a fair amount of concepts and theory, but some of the nitty-gritty stuff has slipped my mind. I really should take a class.

[Ashley&Scott]

Oct 23, 2014 11:20:44 GMT -5 redheadk said:

I second the Two Peas In a Bucket tutorial and using your camera in Aperture priority or shutter priority mode. It allows you to do some of the cool stuff on the fly. I have to think too much to shoot in full manual, I don't do it often enough for it to be second nature, so Av Mode is my go-to.

This looks helpful & easy to follow, thanks for the rec!

[water*drop]

Oh, and I agree that shooting in AV or TV is more useful than shooting in manual on the fly unless you're really, really good at shooting in manual. I love shooting in full manual when I have time to set up shots, etc, but for chasing DD or whatever, I prefer AV or TV mode. I'm just not that good at dealing with multiple dials while my subject is running.

[stacyb1983]

Thanks everyone! This is really helpful.

[Deleted]

I did the first couple weeks of the two peas tutorials and then I took a class at the local camera store that really made things click. Now I have been spending time on clickin mom's which really seems to be helping but it's also hurting my wallet because I keep buying things.

[sjh722]

I liked the two peas tutorials, too. I also took a class which was really helpful. My ISO is set on auto, but I can comfortably shoot in manual.

[satsuma]

Oct 23, 2014 10:25:03 GMT -5 water*drop said:

The now-closed website Two Peas in a Bucket did a free 12-week photography challenge thing all about learning your way around your camera, and it was actually pretty helpful. This site looks like it has the old PDFs: sites.google.com/site/biowbiow002/twopeas_12week

I didn't realize it went down. I loved that site. Thank goodness the tutorial was saved!