^^ I would second the Scott Kelby books. I've got one that is more to do with Photoshop, than photographic techniques, but it is easy to follow. He does have a 'style' that some people don't like, but I quite like the light hearted approach.
Talk Photography for tips on shooting, processing and everything else camera related.
Lightroom for image processing, its very easy to use.
A HQ UV filter to protect the lens.
Do a 'photo a day' blog.
Try not to shoot in Auto, you won't learn much.. If you are not sure on the correct settings, set it to auto, see what it comes up with, then set it back to Av/S/P/M and use those settings and go from there.
Try not to shoot in Auto, you won't learn much.. If you are not sure on the correct settings, set it to auto, see what it comes up with, then set it back to Av/S/P/M and use those settings and go from there.
This is exactly why I say use the manual setting, to get away from the preset and learn how to use the camera.
Look at the subject and decide what's important.
A building, for example, f number somewhere in the middle as you want a reasonable depth of field, get the composition right. Then play to get the right shutter speed.
A fast moving object. Shutter speed is more important here, first set the shutter speed to 1/250sec (for example) then look to get the correct f number.
Maybe you'll find that the light conditions won't allow you to take a decent photo based on the above, that's chapter 2.
Y'all have a good one now and I expect lots of festive photos in a week or sos time.
[img] http://www.smileys4me.com/getsmiley.php?show=2143 [/img]
Well so far there's a lot of info, tips and links with this thread!! Darn confusing lol. Guess its just trial and error...
Just had the Scott kelby book and it's great, very easy to follow thanks
Look at the subject and decide what's important.
A building, for example, f number somewhere in the middle as you want a reasonable depth of field, get the composition right. Then play to get the right shutter speed.
A fast moving object. Shutter speed is more important here, first set the shutter speed to 1/250sec (for example) then look to get the correct f number.
Or to paraphrase: use Av to set the aperture for the building, and the camera will do the playing about to get the right shutter; use Tv for the fast moving object, and the camera will faff about and get the aperture right.
Maybe you'll find that the light conditions won't allow you to take a decent photo based on the above, that's chapter 2.
Then you should venture towards 'M'
😉
If I were you zokes, I'd actually leave it on auto. You'll find things a lot less complicated and you'll use a lot less of your significant brain power.
Not quite sure why that's needed, D_S. Telling a novice to use the most complicated setting on his new purchase doesn't make much sense IMO, especially when settings such as Av and Tv exist to save the faffing.
I'm fine without the photography hints though, I reckon I can use a camera well enough for my purposes. But thanks for your concern, it's touching...
TBH, I don't think that using the manual setting is complicated as you're only dealing with two parameters. Complicated would be the introduction of ISO, bracketing, high speed synched flashes and special effects from the camera and not photochop, using photochop etc, etc.
I would like to think that the OP has a certain level of intelligence, unless of course he rides a single speed fixie and drives an automatic car.
I'll try to explain my point of view.
A lens is an entry point of light and in any given conditions there is a quantity of light.
For the sake of argument lets think of light in squared metres, 4m2 for example.
Taking a square shape we need 2X2m to arrive at 4m2, correct?
Using any fixed parameter you will always leave with the same shot, given the conditions (4m2) are the same.
But we also know that:
2x2=4
1X4=4
0,5X8=4
etc.
So, by playing with the aperture I have to play with the shutter speed and based on the example we now have 3 different looking shots for the same level of light. And that is the key to understanding how a camera works and how to visualise what you want before taking the picture rather than taking a picture and with a bit of luck being able to say [i]that's nice[/i].
Bearing in mind that there is no correct or incorrect way, this is my simple understanding.
nice camera - my advice is just to enjoy - for now. The kit lens is OK but will limit your ability to take some of those really fancy pro looking shots. having saisd that, fancy lenses wouldn't be my first upgrade. (a polarising filter and an external flash would be) I'd take a look at some online photography tutorials to get to grip with what you should be able to do with our new toy.
try writ out a list of types of photo you want to take , Im stuck on music gig photos at the moment. www.pjkimages.tumblr.com but have captured some nice(imo) motorsport,party,wedding and people shots.
Oh and keep an eye open on ebay for lense bargains. I have an adapter for EOS to 42mm screw lense which means cheap old fashioned lenses are easy use. Take some photos and post them here .
