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So here it is the first of the year... and of course we all have new presents. Some of us got things that we wanted, and others, well, maybe not so much. However I am guessing that you got what you were asking for.
So here you are with a new camera and now there is a whole new world out there and you are ready to start clicking away. There is just one problem, well several problems. There are dials and buttons and menus to choose from. Depending on the camera there may only be a few menus and one dial, as this is the case for most point and shoot cameras, but if this is a a DSLR, well, the learning curve just got pretty steep.
I personally believe that every one should take the time to learn their camera to the point that they are able to maximize its potential. Even a point and shoot camera can take great pictures. Believe it or not so can your cell phone. It is all in the way that you use the camera. Now please understand that I am not saying that you can go out and take a photo any where in any condition with your phone, because the truth be told you can't. Remember that every camera has its pro's and con's as well as its own performance limitations. As long as you can maximize within the abilities of your equipment I think that you will be pleased with the outcome.
For example when I deployed I took a Nikon Coolpix with me. This little camera took a beating. It survived many sandstorms and took the abuse of riding in my cargo pocket for a year. From being on the ground working to flying in a helicopter it went everywhere. I really thought that this camera was going to die on me with sand getting into it, however it didn't. This camera survived for over a year after I cam back. Now during the time of using this camera I taught myself how to use all of the functions. The one that I linked too is a newer model of the one I had, but holds the same idea. There was a portrait, sport, landscape, and auto setting. In the beginning I used the auto setting more than anything, but than I began to realize that there were times (like flying in a helicopter) that I needed more. So I would try different settings. I learned that for a faster mode I needed to use the sport setting, and when I was trying to catch a sandstorm rolling in I could use either auto or portrait depending on what time of day it was. I realized by the end of the deployment that I was outgrowing my little camera. It did not do well in low light situations, and there was just not enough zoom length to keep me happy. I began to notice that I was battling noise in my photos, and that there were times that no matter what I did the poor little camera could not keep up. But based upon the situation that I was in this was the best thing I could have asked for. I would never have taken my current camera a Nikon D7100 into this type of environment. It would have destroyed the camera and I would have lost my whole entire investment as I am sure that the lens would have been damaged by the sand as well. Above all I was happy with the pictures that this camera was able to produce. Had I not had this camera I would not have been able to bring home memories such as these.
Langstuhl Germany
Saddam Hussein's Palace, Baghdad
These pictures may not be the best, but as I said, working within the restrictions of the camera and my knowledge I was able to produce these.
So where do you start? How do you begin to learn to maximize this amazing camera that you just received. Begin with the manual. I will admit that you should be prepared to not understand a word that it says, but start there. At a minimum it will give you the basic idea of the menu's knobs and selections that you have the option of making. Once you have done this it is on to the outside world. Take it out, take pictures and learn how far you can push your camera. Start in one setting, such as auto, and push it as far as you can. This way you know what the boundaries of that setting are, and than repeat the process with each additional setting. This will assist with learning where your camera performs well and where it is not meeting your expectations. Once you have worked through these settings it is time to move on to manual mode, if your camera has this of course. This will give you total control of every aspect of the camera. This will give you the chance to push the camera even further than the predesigned settings that you have already worked through as you can change the settings of the shutter, iso, and aperture all independent of one another. As a side note I would also take the time to learn about the basics of photography, things such as the exposure triangle and the rule of thirds. This way you are learning not only the mechanics of your camera, but also the art of photography.
I hope that this was helpful and gave some ideas as to where to start with your new camera. I would love to see your photos as well! Please feel free to post them in the comments below so that we can all enjoy them.
Also I am working to put together a newsletter and have direct communication via email with all of you. If you would like to have access to the newsletter or would like to just have someone to chat with regarding photography please enter your email address in the sidebar!
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