Help me with my Nikon D60 please

[Lizboo]

Hi! I am Elizabeth and I hope this question isn't too beginner for this board. I have an Nikon D60 that I have had for 18 months. I've read 3 books, taken two classes, experimented with settings..but I still feel like I don't know what I am doing and give up and set it on auto. I don't want to do this. I have bought additional lenses and a flash and I find myself looking at upgrading the camera, but I think it is dumb until I "master" this one, no?

Any tips? Ideas or should I just keep experimenting

TIA

 

[Ashmanarion]

I'm still a beginner, but I would ask you what kinds of pictures are you taking? You've experimented so I would look at those pictures and see what you find is working and what isn't and learn from it if you haven't. I know others, like WDWFigment would swear by the D40 being a long lasting camera, so I think the D60 would be just as capable.

I also would suggest trying out program, shutter, and aperture priority modes out more if you find yourself on auto. Make yourself use those modes and figure out what needs to be changed to get the shot you want.

 

[mabas9395]

It might help if you ask one specific question after another until you feel more comfortable. Or post an example photo and get some advice on ways to improve it.

 

[Lizboo]

Thanks for the reply and encouragement. I take pictures mostly of the dogs (those two white fluffs you see in my avatar), my husband's band (I got a low light lens because the lighting in clubs in pretty lousy), and vacation pics (Disney, recent Vegas trip, etc.)

The first class I took told us to use the P (Program) mode primarily, so I do, but I have tried experimenting with the other settings. I read and re read articles and I admit I don't have the "mechanics" of the camera down. I know some (mainly from osmosis I would guess) but still feel lost sometimes.

I started taking pictures in 6th grade when I wrote on the school newspaper and no one else wanted to. I have always enjoyed it. I just wish I was more comfortable with it.

Thanks

 

[Ashmanarion]

Don't feel bad! I keep reading a ton of stuff about the exposure triangle and all that jazz and when I get out to take pictures, I blank! I've started keeping my camera handy when I'm reading articles and tips on here from people and randomly take pictures sitting here or walking outside to try out and see how to use what I've just read. Like mabas said, post some pics if you want and people will be perfectly willing to help you out. I've committed to take some pictures of a friends little boy(for free of course), just to give her some pictures and I'm scared to death! Just ask some questions, post some pics, and don't be shy.

 

[Lizboo]

Thank you both

I will try and come up with some questions and post some pics. I appreciate it!

Elizabeth

 

[photo_chick]

You had a class that told you to shoot in P mode mainly? That just seems odd to me. There is a whole world beyond that.

Remember everybody started somewhere. Every great photographer has had to learn and hone their craft and took a lot of really bad shots in the process.