So you got yourself a fancy new DLSR camera and now you would like to go about using that DSLR!? I’d like to say using a DSLR is as easy as 1-2-3, but really it boils down to practice. And a few helpful tips. My special day came years ago but it was a Black Friday sale not quite Christmas (maybe for myself it was! hehe). I had saved up all my money and went to Ritz Camera down the road from my parents house. See, I grew up and started taking photos using film. For those of us that are reading this and don’t recall those days…thanks for making me feel old! It was a Nikon then and it’s a Nikon still. ???? No matter the brand here are a few quick tips to get you started, in no particular order.
1. Don’t be scared I know it looks way more complicated than your phone camera but that’s because it IS! Digital Cameras today are incredible. We have come a loooong way in technology. Don’t be afraid to unwrap it and put the strap on (yes, put the strap on!) You’ll never learn just by looking at it.
2. Go Outside Natural light is the best light you can find when starting out. I may even say it’s the best light ever. By this time you’ve obviously learned how to turn it on and charged the battery, stuck that SD card in and have the thing hanging around your neck. Now start shooting in the morning, at noon, on cloudy days and sunny days, in the evening and at night. See what the world looks like at all different times through the lens of your camera.
3. Lens Check You probably got at least one lens in that kit, more than likely you got 2. The smaller the number on the lens the more you’ll be able to see when you look through the view, in other words your sight is wider. The larger the number the more zoom you have.
4. Manual-shmanual That’s right, I said it! However, just because I’ve never read any manual cover to cover does not mean it’s not important to know what your equipment can do. Chances are, there is a youtube video on your exact question. The next best thing after trial and error (in my opinion) is to google it! I know, I know, not the most helpful tip but practical. If you’re stuck on something specific pull out the manual then but when you’re starting off you really just need to know where the button is that takes the picture!
5. 3 numbers There are probably lots of numbers that your seeing. The numbers I want to focus on are specific, there are actually 3 sets of numbers. ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed. Now may be a good time to look in your manual and find out where in your camera you can see information on those 3 things. Once you can locate those numbers find a way to turn them on your screen or if your camera has a way to view them on top of the camera that’s even better. These numbers are going to make your photography experience legend……(wait for it)…..DAIRY! I’ll have more posts later that go more into depth on these but for now here is a crash corse.
ISO – the lower the ISO number the darker the photo will turn out. The higher the ISO number the lighter the photo.
Aperture – the wider (or smaller number) the aperture the lighter the photo. The more narrow (or larger the number) the darker the photo.
Shutter Speed – the smaller the number the lighter the photo (but also possibly more blurry too). The higher the number the darker the photo (but more crisp)
If someone got you a fancy DSLR camera or you got it for yourself (gosh, who would do that? selfish, much! ???? ) chances are youwant to learn. Having been a teacher for years I know that the best way to learn is to teach someone else. “But Jen, I just figured this out for myself, how do I know I can teach someone else?” well if you figured it out or had an “ah-ha” moment, show your hubby or bff. Say, “look what I just learned.” Not only will they be super impressed but you just solidified that bit of information even more in your noggin. If you have a question or want to know specifics please, oh please, leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to answer it. If you don’t have a question but learned something, leave a comment! Okay, if you got this far in the post just leave a comment, regardless :)!
