Photography tutorial?

[scjb143]

My H bought me a DSLR for Christmas, but, I have no idea how to use it. (other than Auto) Does anyone know of a good online tutorial that will show me how to use other settings besides auto? It came with a CD but I need something more like "DSLR use for dummies". Any tips/advice?

[amellis2]

Hmm. Would you be able to take a class at the local community college? I learned how to use SLR (we didn't have DSLRs when I learned) in my high school photography class.

They will teach you about shutter speeds and f-stops and all that jazz.

[aegis2005]

Here's a PDF of a free "class".
www.twopeasinabucket.com/cg_display.asp?g=2&seed_id=26022

I also watched the video tutorial from shootflyshoot.com which was good - I think it was $50.

I need to actually try out some of the things I learned.

[mskateb]

Well, what'd 'ya get? And what lens/lenses?

First book to pick up: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It’s not camera-specific at all. You could get it from the library, but you’d be better off to just buy it as it’s a really good reference.

www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356626047&sr=8-1&keywords=understanding+exposure

Second, the two peas class that Heather linked. Read the Bryan Peterson book at the same time as doing these assignments and you’ll learn fast.

Third, besides learning the basics of exposure and composition, you'll need to learn your exact camera model. You can read the manual, but those are hideously boring. It might be better to pick up another guide for whatever camera you got. Search Amazon and you'll find something. Have you heard of Lynda.com or Kelbytraining.com? Both are online training sites for all kinds of photography/graphics/photoshop/computer stuff, and both have "classes" for many camera models. I have a preference for Kelbytraining, but Lynda.com has a free trial week.

Photography is really fun and really frustrating because it is a huge topic with lots to learn. But there are lots of resources out there -- and a lot of us here on this board that are trying to learn.

Oh, and you might want to check out Clickinmoms.com. It's a subscription site with forums, tutorials, and all that. I never post over there, but I've learned a lot just from reading. A lot of their site is dedicated to people starting their own business, so that's irrelevant for me, but I've still learned a lot.

You could also follow pinterest boards, there are a lot of links to tutorials and whatnot. I'm trying to link my board, but Pinterest seems to be broken. I'll try again later.

But mostly it's all about practice; that's the fun part.

And, Heather, what did you get?

[tashaandsage]

Jan 3, 2013 10:20:24 GMT -5 mskateb said:

Well, what'd 'ya get? And what lens/lenses?

First book to pick up: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It’s not camera-specific at all. You could get it from the library, but you’d be better off to just buy it as it’s a really good reference.

www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Edition-Photographs/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356626047&sr=8-1&keywords=understanding+exposure

Second, the two peas class that Heather linked. Read the Bryan Peterson book at the same time as doing these assignments and you’ll learn fast.
?

I'm thinking you'd probably like a certain friend to return your copy of this book to you 8-D

[scjb143]

Thank you guys! I will check them all out. I looked into going to PHCC for a class, but the only 2 they offered are times that I can't do it.

I got the Nikon D3200 with the lens that came with it AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm. He also got me the AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm. I'm determined to not have to use Auto all the time.

[aegis2005]

Jan 3, 2013 10:20:24 GMT -5 mskateb said:

And, Heather, what did you get?

I've had the Canon EOS Rebel XS for a couple of years now - and admit I frequently put it into auto. I really need to take the time and spend more time in manual mode

[sara76]

My H and my daughters godmother are going to take a class for 5 Tuesdays for 2 hours each week. If you want more info I can get it from them and pass it along.

[scjb143]

Jan 3, 2013 14:12:32 GMT -5 sara76 said:

My H and my daughters godmother are going to take a class for 5 Tuesdays for 2 hours each week. If you want more info I can get it from them and pass it along.

I would love the info so I can check into it. Thank you!

[sara76]

Jan 4, 2013 23:26:20 GMT -5 scjb143 said:

Jan 3, 2013 14:12:32 GMT -5 sara76 said:

My H and my daughters godmother are going to take a class for 5 Tuesdays for 2 hours each week. If you want more info I can get it from them and pass it along.

I would love the info so I can check into it. Thank you!

Here ya go chica!
www.chipshotz.com/current-digital-photo-classes/

[scjb143]

Jan 5, 2013 22:48:28 GMT -5 sara76 said:

Jan 4, 2013 23:26:20 GMT -5 scjb143 said:

I would love the info so I can check into it. Thank you!

Here ya go chica!
www.chipshotz.com/current-digital-photo-classes/

Thank You!

[krystalskitsch]

I just downloaded this book from Amazon - it's free right now! It's called Understanding your DSLR or something like that. I haven't opened it so I don't know if it's any good ... but it's free!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094KRID4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0094KRID4&linkCode=as2&tag=ereagirl-20

[scjb143]

Jan 7, 2013 13:35:52 GMT -5 krystalskitsch said:

I just downloaded this book from Amazon - it's free right now! It's called Understanding your DSLR or something like that. I haven't opened it so I don't know if it's any good ... but it's free!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094KRID4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0094KRID4&linkCode=as2&tag=ereagirl-20

Thanks! Off to Amazon I go....

[mrschelseap09]

Read your manual, twice. Then take the 2 peas course & read Understanding Exposure.

If you don't read your manual first, you will have no idea how to find the buttons that they are referencing. Have fun!! Its a PITA to learn, but once it "clicks" its easy

[smiley]

There is a Book for Dummies for your camera... Nikon D3200 for Dummies

I have the 3100 and really need to get the book. I shoot in manual mode far too often to justify the cost of the camera!