First time DSLR owner - tips?

[theduck619]

We just purchased a Canon Rebel T3 kit that came with two lenses, a 18-55mm and a 70-300mm. Both are AF. We realize we are new and have started to "just shoot" to see what we can do. We are not using the auto mode very much at all.

I wanted to get some advice from my fellow Disers on what we should be doing, tips for beginners, etc. We will be in Disney the end of November and are looking forward to using our new camera. Thanks in advance for helping a novice

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Read the manual! Geta tripod. Read Unserstanding Exposure. Practice... practice... practice...

 

[boBQuincy]

Use the Auto mode (or Program mode) until there is a good reason not to. Program mode will usually give as good an image as other modes with a lot less trouble and a higher success rate.

 

[Frantasmic]

http://www.shortcourses.com/use/

Here is a good online resource about the basics of photography that will help.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

And then practice some more!! It doesn't cost a thing!!!

 

[alloyd1170]

Read the manual, and get out and practice practice practice every day! Play with the settings so you can see what each one will do. And if possible, check out your local community college/rec center for basic photography classes. I learn best by doing, and I gained so much from a hands-on course.

 

[krb2g]

If you're interested in Disney-specific tips, www.disneyphotographyblog.com (formerly wdwphotography) has a lot of great tutorials on everything from dark rides to fireworks. I'd also recommend finding Disney analogs close to home to practice (fireworks, amusement parks, and zoos can be great places to start) before you get to Disney.

 

[theduck619]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. I came home for lunch and took some shots of the tree in our front yard. I really am amzaed hat how much control I can have with this camera. By no means have I even scratched the surface but it has been fun experimenting with the different features.

 

[KCmike]

Get a book from the library that talks about your camera. It's free! Then shoot shoot away!!!

There is also a message boards just like the disboards for Canon photographers. It's great. Here is the website:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

[Sam241]

Take your camera and your manual and go through the sections you are reading about on your camera as you read them. It really helps make the information you are reading stick vs just reading the manual and then trying to remember where it was talking about on the camera later.

Learn how to use Aperture, shutter, and ISO these are the 3 most important things to learn how to use since they effect every photo you are going to take. If you want to use auto mode go ahead and do it but realize you are going to get the same results with auto mode on a DSLR as you would with a point a shoot camera. The whole point of buying a DSLR is for the manual controls it allows you to use.

In the end you will only get better by using the camera, try and take 10mins a day and just shoot whatever is around your house. Adjust settings and see the difference they make in the photos. If you are trying to get a certain type of shot remember that there is a wealth of information on the internet for free. There are thousands of videos on youtube that will teach you the basics of shooting just about anything you can think of and give you a starting point to expand into your own style from there.


Don't get discouraged, no one was an expert the first time they picked up a camera, don't expect to be one and you will do fine.

Good Luck and have FUN!