Need help with Canon xsi.

[eeubanks]

I just recently received a Canon xsi from my hubby for Christmas. I love it, but really don't know much about it. Right now I just turn on the automatic setting and just point and shoot, and I know the camera must be capable of much more. We are making our first to WDW in November and being picture crazy like I am I want to make sure I capture everything with the best photos possible from my camera. Is there any things that would be very useful to know before going??? Whats the best way to take fireworks??? How do you take photos where the person or object you take is in focus, but everything else around it is kinda blurry?? I really need some help, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bob100]

I just recently received a Canon xsi from my hubby for Christmas. I love it, but really don't know much about it. Right now I just turn on the automatic setting and just point and shoot, and I know the camera must be capable of much more. We are making our first to WDW in November and being picture crazy like I am I want to make sure I capture everything with the best photos possible from my camera. Is there any things that would be very useful to know before going??? Whats the best way to take fireworks??? How do you take photos where the person or object you take is in focus, but everything else around it is kinda blurry?? I really need some help, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

some resources:
http://www.learnslr.com/canon-xsi-guide-faq
http://photography-on-the.net/forum
(read the Canon XSi (450D) sticky thread)
http://www.dslrtips.com/workshops/H..._background/people_small_depth_of_field.shtml
http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Video-Tutorials/Search-Results/Camera-Techniques/Depth-Of-Field/

Also check out your local library - There are lots of photography books such as Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

As pointed out, the first step is knowledge. You need to know your camera and the basic precepts of photography, primarily the photographic triangle of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Much of photography comes from the understanding of the relationship of those three. IMO the book that explains it the best is the previously recommended Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. For many of us it is the 'AHA' moment when we start to "get it". Also study your manual and if that is too confusing (mine was!) there are Magic Lantern books for specific cameras that, at least for my pea brain, were easier to understand. After reading the Magic Lantern book the manual made sense. Also as pointed out, there are online resources if that is your preferred learning method. After all that, then, it is time to start looking at equipment to get the shots you are looking for. An example would be fireworks which require a tripod and remote control (or at least delayed shutter activation mode). With a little studying, it won't take long for you to want to expand your horizons. Have fun and ask questions. The members here are very friendly and more than willing to help.

 

[eeubanks]

thanks for the responses, I am going to look at some of the websites tonight and maybe go to amazon to get some of the books reccommended. Hopefuly I can figure this out before Nov, right now, I am not to sure LOL

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Trust us, you will have that "Aha" moment! As soon as you start to learn the photographic 'speak' things start to get easier.

 

[ssanders79]

Don't forget to read the manual that came with your camera. It helps to know your camera inside and out.

 

[PhotographyDR]

One more great resource is http://www.wdwphotography.com/

They have some great article about shooting at Disney. Good luck.