Photography Suggestions - New to DSLR

[MlWinans]

I have my new (and first) DSLR getting delivered this weekend. I will have a few weeks to play with it before heading to Disney. However I am completely new to a DSLR camera and would love some tips on setting the f/, Iso, Aperture, etc levels when taking photos in the park.

I have always wanted a nice camera and bought this one now because we are going to Disney soon. Ill be taking basically any kind of photo you can imagine so any recommendations are VERY Welcome!

Also tips for carrying around the camera (shoulder bag, back pack, etc)?

Thanks for any help!!

 

[havoc315]

I suggest getting a camera bag that feels comfortable for you, AND a strap that feels comfortable. I prefer the shoulder sling straps, like blackrapid. They distribute the weight nicely.

Let's put it this way.. in terms of settings, I just taught an 8 hour photography class, and still only scratched the surface of the right settings.

I strongly urge you to take a class, and/or get a good book. There is no set of universal settings.... It depends what you are trying to accomplish with each photograph. And even for example, if you want to take a landscape photo of the castle.... The settings will depend on the time of day, the amount of cloud cover, your distance from the castle, etc, etc. So I strongly urge you to take a class, or read a good book like "Understanding Exposure"

 

[xlxo]

To clarify...

• what is the make and model of the camera?
• what lenses are you getting with the DSLR?

 

[MlWinans]

To clarify...

• what is the make and model of the camera?
• what lenses are you getting with the DSLR?

Sorry I just saw your post, and thank you for the help:

Model - Nikon D3300 (beginner level and price, lol)
Lenses - I only have the standard 18-55mm right now. (got a wide angle and macro lenses that came with the camera)

 

[havoc315]

Sorry I just saw your post, and thank you for the help:

Model - Nikon D3300 (beginner level and price, lol)
Lenses - I only have the standard 18-55mm right now. (got a wide angle and macro lenses that came with the camera)

It's actually a standard zoom. 18mm is somewhat wide, but not particularly on a crop camera.
And it's not really a macro lens. A real macro does 1:1 magnification, the 18-55 does 1/4th magnification.

 

[MlWinans]

It's actually a standard zoom. 18mm is somewhat wide, but not particularly on a crop camera.
And it's not really a macro lens. A real macro does 1:1 magnification, the 18-55 does 1/4th magnification.

The wide angle and macro are additional lenses that screw onto the end of the 18-55mm. Is that what you are talking about as well?

I found them on Amazon after I got them and they can be purchased for about $20, so pretty cheap.

 

[havoc315]

The wide angle and macro are additional lenses that screw onto the end of the 18-55mm. Is that what you are talking about as well?

I found them on Amazon after I got them and they can be purchased for about $20, so pretty cheap.

Oh, lol. Not what I was talking about. Those are basically cheap adapters that create those effects, at diminished image quality. But they can be fun.

 

[MlWinans]

Those are basically cheap adapters that create those effects, at diminished image quality.

hahaha, yeah I pretty much figured that when they were "free."

 

[KVH]

I will reinforce what havoc said. As far as a strap goes, either a compression strap from somebody like Op/tech or a sling like BlackRapid.

But unless you're carrying a lot of other stuff, think hard about a bag. They are undoubtedly useful but don't forget about bag check. So unless you're carrying other things in the bag (making a question of why you need a bag), go into the parks w/o one. Get an extra bag from a checkout in case of rain in the parks. But beyond that, stay with a smaller bag for starters. To contradict myself above, I'd suggest a LowePro with the AW option (AllWeather). Like a Nova 170Aw. or even a sling-type bag. Heck, there are several offered at your average Best Buy.

Learning - go shoot! Practice with different combinations and yu'll find what works pretty quick. Look at the "National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography" book. Check this book out from the library or buy it. It will get you where you need to be with the knowledge you need for great vacation photos.

 

[Skywise]

One thing that's helped me out is setting P mode in my Canon and basically let it do the bulk of the work figuring out the f stop/iso and stuff and then I'll tweak the settings from there in the override (darken/lighten the exposure or up the aperature usually). EG Press the shutter button halfway for the autofocus and that will also get you the reading the computer is suggesting and then I either override or go Ap/Manual mode and "copy" the settings in with my adjustments from there. Although in practice at Disney I'm in a rush so it's P mode and some quick adjustments. So long as I can get close to the lighting and have the composition the way I want it I figure I can usually fix the rest in post-processing with Lightroom (I always shoot RAW+JPG)

 

[MlWinans]

One thing that's helped me out is setting P mode in my Canon and basically let it do the bulk of the work figuring out the f stop/iso and stuff and then I'll tweak the settings from there in the override (darken/lighten the exposure or up the aperature usually).

This is what I have been messing around with and trying to learn to do now. I spent the last couple nights attempting to take photos at a dance show using a 55-300mm lenses that I borrowed from someone, and had to manually focus all the shots (could not use AF due to the AF light). Lots of learning on the fly. Didn't spend to much time worrying about exposure or aperture due to the fact I was just trying to keep the pictures in focus.

 

[TheBigE]

I use a BlackRapid Cross Strap and it works very well. I carried a D7200 and 17-55 F/2.8 lens through the parks for a week, and it worked great. It allows the camera to be out of the way but at the ready for a photo. It also distributes the weight across your body very well.

I will second the recommendations by @havoc315 take a moment and grab the book Understand Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I read this when I first started and it helped me a TON. Bryan's writing style is very down to earth and easy to follow and understand. I am actually planning on taking a workshop with him this summer in Provence France and really looking forward to meeting him in person.

With a bit of basic knowledge and some shooting you have the opportunity to progress pretty quick!! Good luck